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Historic-preservation commissioners approve restoration for 930 Grove Street with schedule, inspections and finding on neglect
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for rehabilitation of 930 Grove Street, adding a required construction schedule before building-permit issuance, monthly site visits and a vetted finding that prior inaction amounted to “demolition by neglect.”
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the restoration of 930 Grove Street, a contributor to the Alamo Square landmark district, adding conditions meant to assure timely rehabilitation and oversight.
Alexandra Kirby, planning department staff, told commissioners the project met Secretary of the Interior standards and that Page & Turnbull prepared a historic structures report and related specifications. John Goldman of Goldman Architects, representing the sponsor, said the work combines a previously separate interior remodel and facade restoration and that detailed mock-ups and construction specifications will be prepared.
Neighbors urged action during public comment. “I walk by it frequently,” said Sam Fleischman, who lives one block away, describing long-term deterioration, vagrancy and fire risk at the property and urging the commission to “redouble your efforts in monitoring this property once it gets started.” Jim Warshall, who participated in a prior task-force inspection, said City Attorney, DBI and planning staff had coordinated enforcement and documentation and expressed optimism that the building’s worst conditions were behind it.
Commissioners pressed the sponsor on accessibility and the size of an owner-installed residential elevator; staff and the architect said small, private elevators do not automatically trigger ADA-sized elevator requirements for residential conversions and that applicants can make ground-floor units adaptable if required.
Commissioner Hyland urged the commission to add language expressing concern about the building’s condition. The commission adopted a motion to approve the certificate with added conditions requiring the property owner to submit a timetable for rehabilitation prior to building-permit application, monthly inspections and informational updates to the commission and the community. The motion also included adding a finding — language to be vetted by the city attorney’s enforcement division — that “inaction to date has amounted to demolition by neglect.”
The motion passed unanimously 7 to 0. The commission instructed staff to coordinate review of the proposed whereas language with the City Attorney’s enforcement team and to include the construction schedule as a condition enforced at the building-permit stage.
