Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Museum Expansion topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves Asian Art Museum rooftop addition and interior tweaks with conditions
Summary
The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to grant a certificate of appropriateness for a vertical addition and interior alterations at the Asian Art Museum, finding the proposal compatible with Secretary of the Interior standards while asking for attachment and finish details for monitors and other reversible changes.
San Francisco — The Historic Preservation Commission on July 19 unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed addition and interior alterations at the Asian Art Museum in the Civic Center Landmark District.
Elish Tucki of the Planning Department summarized staff’s review, noting the project proposes a vertical addition on the museum’s east side, freight‑handling and elevator upgrades, a new roof terrace and limited interior work in areas designated for special review. "The department staff case report finds the project to be compatible with the Secretary of the Interior standards, specifically 9 and 10 related to new additions to historic buildings," Tucki said.
Carolyn Kiernat of Page & Turnbull, project preservation consultant, said the team has worked on the project since 2014 and emphasized that the design keeps alterations reversible and minimizes removal of historic fabric. Project architect Kulapat Yantrasast described a granite plinth continuation, terracotta tile on the pavilion, large monumental windows and a glass railing for the art terrace. "We have worked hard to make sure that this addition would be reversible and would not remove any historic fabric," Kiernat said.
Museum director Jay Sheehy told commissioners the museum already runs robust architecture tours and will use new digital displays and interpretive material to expand public access to building history. Public commenter Elise Platt asked that attachment details for the wall‑mounted screens be shown in permit materials; staff confirmed detailed attachment drawings and minimal reversible penetrations would be required prior to site permit issuance.
Commission discussion acknowledged a range of views on fenestration, massing, and the appearance of the addition. Commissioner Zhang praised the design as "stunning," and Commissioner Pearlman said she supported the project while noting reservations about long‑term stylistic layering on the building. After deliberation, Commissioner 9 moved to grant the certificate as set out in the resolution; the motion passed unanimously, 5–0.
What’s next: Staff will require the detailed attachment drawings and other permit‑level details identified in the packet before building permits are issued.
