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Commission approves rehabilitation and new accessible entry for San Francisco Armory at 1800 Mission
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for substantial accessibility, structural and facade work at the Mission Armory (city landmark No. 108), including a new accessible turret entrance and parapet repairs; the chair recused from the decision.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted to approve a certificate of appropriateness for extensive exterior and interior work at 1800 Mission Street, the historic State Armory and Arsenal (city landmark No. 108). The approved scope includes a new accessible entry at the south turret of the Mission Street façade, modifications to stairs and ramps, minimally visible rooftop appurtenances, masonry and window repair, and structural stabilization of the drill hall parapet.
Planning staff recommended approval with conditions, noting that the accessible entrance will be located at a corner turret set back from the main historic entry so the Mission Street main entrance remains unmodified. Rebecca Salgado, planning staff, said staff “finds that the proposed work, conditioned as recommended, will be in conformance with the requirements of article 10 and the Secretary of the Interior standards for rehabilitation.” Staff also recommended conditions addressing mock‑ups and completion of parapet repair work previously approved under earlier HPC motion.
The project team — represented by Alex Stanford of AJ Capital Partners and Samantha of TEF (designer) — described extensive design work including accessibility upgrades, seismic retrofits, new MEP systems, masonry repairs and life‑safety improvements. “Over the past year, our design team…has worked to develop accessibility and life safety upgrades, seismic retrofit details, and exterior facade improvements that both complement and enhance the building's unique architectural features,” Alex Stanford said.
Before the commission voted on the COA, commissioners moved to recuse Commission President Wolfram from the matter; that recusal motion passed. After questions and discussion, the commission approved the COA (vote recorded in the hearing as unanimous among the participating commissioners). The approval is conditioned on the four staff‑recommended items, including detailed mock‑ups and review by preservation staff.
Next steps: Sponsor and design team must satisfy the stated conditions and secure any required building and permit approvals; preservation staff will review mock‑ups and final specifications as directed.
