Commission approves interior alterations at landmarked Our Lady of Guadalupe for community center use

The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness on March 6 for interior alterations at the landmarked Our Lady of Guadalupe church at 906 Broadway to enable conversion to a community and instructional facility.

Staff (Jonathan Demer) said the proposal includes installing two restrooms in the basement, creating classrooms with glass partitions, and a new egress stair by removing about 205 square feet of first‑floor flooring to connect levels; staff determined these changes would not alter the property’s character‑defining features and recommended approval with conditions (mechanical/electrical/plumbing plans and timeline coordination under Planning Code section 10‑14).

Project advocates and nonprofit representatives described program plans for adult education, wellness classes and community gatherings and presented letters of support (staff noted 46 letters in support). Architectural and engineering consultants discussed an internal stair to connect exits and fire‑department measures, saying the preferred internal stair location minimizes exterior alteration and preserves the landmarked exterior. Several community speakers emphasized the building’s cultural importance and the project’s role in continuing services to seniors and underserved residents.

After questions about egress logistics and code compliance, commissioners moved and unanimously approved the staff‑recommended COA with conditions requiring submittals for MEP plans and that the certificate remain subject to formal designation timelines in section 10‑14 of the Planning Code.

Provenance: staff presentation introduced the item at SEG 904 and public comments and the vote concluded the item by SEG 1234.