Commission backs restoration of 714 Steiner, recommends Mills Act contract

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve a restoration plan for 714 Steiner Street and recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a Mills Act contract to offset property tax costs for the rehabilitation.

The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness after staff and the project team described plans to remove a non-original garage, restore historic windows and trim, add seismic upgrades and create a new high-quality Ground Floor dwelling. Michelle Taylor, department preservation staff, told commissioners the proposal “respects the character-defining features of the subject building” and recommended conditions requiring mock-ups and samples for stairs, terrazzo finishes and exterior metals.

Architect David Armour described a design that restores the house’s historic visual parameters while adding a concealed mechanical bike storage vault in a front planter, new skylights, and a rear deck that requires zoning variances. He said the proposal “is a creative solution that further[s] city policy to prioritize alternative modes of transportation.” Acting zoning administrator Sanchez suggested adding an electrical outlet to the bike vault to support e-bike charging.

Preservation staff also presented a Mills Act application for the property, noting the assessed value exceeds the department’s typical $3,000,000 threshold for single-family dwellings and that staff is recommending an exemption based on the project’s investment in preservation. Shannon Ferguson said the proposed rehabilitation program includes structural upgrades and an estimated $1,259,000 in rehabilitation work over 10 years; staff estimated first-year property tax savings of about $31,578 for the owner.

Commissioners praised the project’s attention to historic detail and sustainability, requested a mock-up for siding and trim around the new windows, and asked the project team to round the top of the proposed front wall and slightly raise the railing to improve long-term maintenance. Commissioner Johns moved to approve the certificate of appropriateness with staff’s recommended conditions and the additional mock-up requirement; the motion passed 7–0. The commission then voted 7–0 to recommend the Mills Act contract to the Board of Supervisors.

Next steps: the commission will forward the Mills Act recommendation and related materials to the Board of Supervisors for final action and the zoning administrator will consider the requested variances for the rear deck and bicycle storage.