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Commission approves Ghirardelli Square plaza and storefront work with conditions
Summary
The Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for Ghirardelli Square (landmark #30) to repair Terrace Plaza, replace paving, reconfigure planters, add an incline lift for accessibility, replace non-historic storefronts, and remove paint from a brick facade; staff recommended approval with conditions and the motion passed unanimously.
The Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 18 voted unanimously to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to Ghirardelli Square, a city landmark, with conditions requiring design details and mock-ups.
Staff reported that the proposal focuses on the Terrace Plaza and the north facade of the Mustard Building and recommended approval with conditions. Staff’s recommendation stated that “the proposed work, conditioned as recommended in the draft motion, will be in conformance with the requirements of Article 10 and the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.” The scope includes replacing existing paving with poured-in-place concrete and pedestal-mounted pavers, infilling chamfered planter corners and reconfiguring planters, installing a bench and new landscape plantings, reconfiguring stairs and ramps and adding handrails and integrated lighting, installing an incline lift to provide accessibility between plazas, replacing non-historic angled storefront bays, and removing paint from the brick facade.
Preservation architect Alyssa Skaggs (Page & Turnbull) described returning the plaza to the original Halprin-era geometry, removing the 1984 chamfers and addressing an entombed void under the plaza that causes water infiltration, saying the team’s “main goal was to make the necessary repairs to the plaza by addressing water infiltration.” Project partners identified included Jamestown (owner/developer), HOK (landscape architect) and others. Commissioners questioned details including possible impacts of the proposed plantings on views, and Commissioner Wolfram suggested the project team meet with the Mayor’s Office on Disability about the incline lift; the team said they had not yet met with that office.
A nearby property owner, Rick Houston, testified in support, saying the project would enhance the experience at Ghirardelli Square. After brief discussion commissioners moved to approve staff’s condition-based recommendation. The motion passed unanimously 7–0.
