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HPC backs restoration and office conversion at 1170 Harrison Street, with conditions
Summary
The commission unanimously adopted a resolution finding the proposed rehabilitation and change of use at 1170 Harrison Street would enhance feasibility of preserving the building, subject to continued work with staff on entry systems and ARC suggestions.
The Historic Preservation Commission on Dec. 5 unanimously adopted a resolution finding that the proposed rehabilitation of the San Francisco Galvanizing Works at 1170 Harrison Street would enhance the feasibility of preserving the building under Planning Code section 803.9B.
Planning staff said the subject property had been determined individually eligible for the California Register and that the proposal would convert approximately 9,600 square feet of industrial space into roughly 21,500 square feet of office space by adding mezzanine and vertical floors while restoring historic materials. The project sponsor presented a design that preserves key trusses, restores signage and storefront openings, sets additions back from primary facades, and includes a deed‑restricted historic building maintenance plan.
"We feel like our proposal for 1170 Harrison will result in an extensive high‑quality renovation that is respectful of its historic character," said Will Millard of Workshop 1, the sponsor’s design representative. The Architectural Review Committee asked the sponsor to memorialize a removed roof monitor element; the sponsor proposed a skylight and an inlaid brass floor plate marking the historic monitor location.
Commissioners reviewed ARC recommendations and technical details and supported staff recommendations that the sponsor continue working on entry systems and material details to ensure compatibility with the historic property. Commissioner Black and others praised the use of the city’s preservation incentive under the planning code as a tool to make economically marginal historic buildings viable for reuse.
A motion adopting the resolution to forward the commission’s findings to the Zoning Administrator passed unanimously 7–0.
What happens next: The Zoning Administrator will consider the HPC’s recommendation in a subsequent determination; the sponsor will proceed to final permit filings and implementation of the historic building maintenance plan.
