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Commission approves Macy's Union Square storefront alterations with conditions after debate over framed vs. frameless entries
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a major permit to alter Macy's Union Square storefronts with conditions, following debate over whether frameless entries are compatible with the Kearny Market Mason Sutter Conservation District guidelines; staff recommended framed doors and the commission adopted that recommendation unanimously.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved, by unanimous vote, a major permit to alter for Macy's Union Square storefronts on Nov. 1, approving projecting display windows and three new entries on Gary Street subject to conditions. The permit was approved with staff recommendations after a sustained discussion about whether frameless entry systems comply with the district's storefront and signage guidelines.
Rebecca Salgado of the Planning Department explained staff's recommendation for approval with two conditions: the project sponsor must provide material samples prior to issuance of a building permit and procure the necessary transfer-of-development-rights (TDR) units to account for any increase in floor area created by the work.
Charn Jackson, Group Vice President of Real Estate for Macy's, and Page & Turnbull's Lisa Skaggs described the proposal as a contextual, contemporary intervention intended to activate the pedestrian streetscape. "This project is about the changing face of retail...and what we're trying to do with this project is take this cold facade and...create a warm, engaging environment," Jackson said.
Staff and several commissioners expressed concern that frameless entry systems depart from long-standing precedent in the KMMS Conservation District, which generally requires framed storefront and door systems. "But the general notion and the way that the guidelines have been applied for almost the last decade has been that a buttless, glazed system is not appropriate," staff said. Commissioners reiterated a desire for predictable precedent, but some favored limited flexibility for contemporary context.
Ultimately the commission voted to follow the staff recommendation and approve the permit with conditions, emphasizing the need for clear findings tying any flexibility to the building's specific context. Conditions include staff review of material samples and TDR procurement before permits are issued.
The sponsor was asked to improve outreach to the Union Square Business Improvement District and neighborhood stakeholders, per comments from the BID's representative.
