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Historic-preservation panel approves 1100 Fulton ADU plan with conditions after storm of church and tenant objections
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness allowing conversion of 10 garage openings at 1100 Fulton Street into six accessory dwelling units, adding conditions requiring a materials conservator, a brick mock-up review and matching window/door depths after public opposition from Third Baptist Church and tenants over parking and historic character.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on a unanimous 7-0 vote approved a certificate of appropriateness that authorizes the conversion of ground-floor garage openings into accessory dwelling units at 1100 Fulton Street, a contributing property in the Alamo Square historic district.
Planning Department staff, represented by Jonathan Vimmer, recommended approval with two conditions: the project sponsor must retain a materials conservator to review replacement brick and mortar samples and Department preservation staff and the conservator must oversee installation, including approval of a brick infill mock-up. Architect Serena Calhoun described a phased approach in which rear units would be built first as tenant leases expire and said the design preserves one front garage and locates required bicycle parking on site. Calhoun said she was "really confident" the project team could obtain matching brick.
Members of Third Baptist Church, neighborhood residents and tenants urged denial during public comment, citing loss of parking for worshippers and visitors, impacts on egress and accessibility for seniors, and harm to the district's historic materials and composition. A tenant argued the proposal "is inconsistent with the architecture and historical character of the Alamo Square Historical District." Church leaders and neighborhood representatives warned that a phased approach could leave a patchwork facade if brick cannot be matched over time.
Commissioners focused the deliberation on two technical issues: whether garage openings constitute a character-defining feature of the district and how reliably the proposed replacement brick could match the existing variegated facade. Several commissioners said matching the brick is difficult in practice and proposed safeguards. The approval includes (1) a finding that the garage openings are not character-defining features of the district, (2) a requirement to retain a materials conservator and provide a mock-up of replacement brick for staff approval, and (3) a condition that window and door recess depths match existing profiles so new openings read as intentional and compatible with the building massing.
The vote to approve the certificate of appropriateness, as amended with the additional findings and conditions, passed unanimously. The commission noted that if the conservator and staff determine the brick cannot be matched, the project must return with a revised design that creates an "intentional and uniform" base treatment rather than piecemeal patching.
