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Historic Preservation Commission recommends approval of Ferry Building kiosk plan with conditions, asks team to relocate Kiosk 4
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a proposal to add up to five partial-height kiosks to the Ferry Building North Arcade, supported Port and property manager testimony, recorded a recusal for one commissioner, and voted 6–0 to recommend approval with conditions including moving Kiosk 4 adjacent to Kiosk 3.
The Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 5 recommended approval, with conditions, of proposed alterations to the Ferry Building North Arcade that would remove non-historic storage enclosures and install up to five partial-height retail kiosks.
Planning/Preservation staff advised the commission that the Ferry Building (city landmark no. 90 and a contributing resource to the National Register–listed Embarcadero Historic District) can accommodate modular kiosks in the North Arcade without removal of historic fabric if certain conditions and construction details are met. Staff recommended the commission adopt review-and-comment findings of compliance with Article 10 and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation rather than granting a Certificate of Appropriateness because no city building permit is required for the proposal.
"The work is compatible with the historic structure while being clearly differentiated, will not result in the removal of historic fabric and the historic character of the landmark building will be preserved," staff said, while also recommending submission of attachment details, door construction details, and a materials board with finish samples for review prior to permit/construction.
Mark Paez, Preservation Coordinator for the Port of San Francisco, said the Port supports the project and that the Port stipulated maintenance of a 10-foot circulation corridor and two open seating areas at the north and south ends to preserve the arcade’s character. Jane Conners, senior property manager for the Ferry Building, said the team has received inquiries from about 25 local businesses interested in kiosk spaces.
Design consultant Joanna Lowe described the kiosks as partial-height modular units sited below the historic sign band, with mechanical equipment concealed from view and a layout intended to preserve arcade openness. San Francisco Heritage told the commission it reviewed the project, provided recommendations that were incorporated, and supports the proposal.
Commissioners debated kiosk rhythm and symmetry: several commissioners recommended moving Kiosk 4 to sit adjacent to Kiosk 3 to improve visual cadence, while others emphasized preserving the larger central seating area to activate the promenade. The commission moved to recommend approval with staff conditions and to relocate Kiosk 4 adjacent to Kiosk 3; the motion passed 6–0 with Commissioner Wolfram recused from this item.
What happens next: The commission's recommendation and the revised draft motion (stating review-and-comment findings and the suggested conditions) will be included in the record. Staff and the project team will confirm construction details and the feasibility of relocating Kiosk 4 as part of subsequent reviews.
