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Commission approves major permit to alter 233 Geary, clearing path for mixed‑use reuse
Summary
The commission unanimously approved the permit to alter for 233 Geary, a historic 1948 building, with modified conditions requiring staff review of materials and that replacement glazing and frames match historic profiles; the sponsor plans mixed retail, office and residential uses.
The Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a major permit to alter for 233 Geary Street on July 7, clearing the way for an adaptive‑reuse project that would convert the former I. Magnin flagship building to mixed retail, office and residential uses.
Planning staff described the property as a category‑5, individually eligible resource associated with master architect Timothy Pflueger and recommended approval with conditions to guide storefront treatments, glazing, window‑frame profiles and material samples. Staff proposed revising conditions to require final review and approval of metal cladding samples and that replacement upper‑level window frames match the historic profile, color and visual qualities.
Glenn Riscalvo of Handel Architects, who presented the sponsor’s design, said the team sought to restore and unify the facade while improving thermal and acoustic performance. “Our goal is to renovate and restore the building to a higher level of clarity in keeping with the original intent,” the sponsor said, describing plans to clean marble cladding, replace windows and restore storefronts to improve long-term durability and visual coherence.
San Francisco Heritage urged retaining the historic window grid where possible, recommending operable windows be accommodated within existing openings. Several business and neighborhood groups — including the Union Square BID and Neiman Marcus — supported the adaptive reuse and said bringing residents downtown would benefit local retail.
The commission discussed upper‑level window proportions, visibility of operable sash, and the technical difficulty of relocating the historic sixth‑floor powder room. Commissioners and staff agreed modified conditions requiring staff approval of material samples and matching historic window frame details would address preservation concerns.
Motion to approve the permit with the modified conditions passed 7–0. Next steps: the project team will finalize materials for staff review and proceed with permit issuance per the approved conditions.
