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Historic Preservation Commission approves New Mission Theatre revisions, requires architectural enclosure for vent stacks
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Summary
The commission approved revisions to the New Mission Theatre (Alamo Drafthouse) with conditions that mechanical equipment be minimized and ventilation stacks be enclosed in an architectural element painted to match the building; motion passed unanimously (5-0) after Commissioner Hyland recusal.
The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Dec. 3 approved a certificate of appropriateness for revisions to the New Mission Theatre (landmark No. 245) at 2550 Mission Street, with conditions limiting the visual impact of new mechanical equipment and requiring an architectural enclosure for vertical ventilation stacks.
Rich Ducray, planning department staff, described the revisions as changes to a previously approved rehabilitation that converts the single‑screen theater to a multi‑screen venue and restaurant (the project sponsor is Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas). Staff recommended approval with conditions including: minimizing visible mechanical, electrical, and plumbing equipment on the exterior; encasing any proposed ductwork within an architecturally finished shroud with an on‑site mock‑up; and providing breathable paint specifications for any exterior patching and repair.
Lacey Bob Nash of Architecture Resources Group, representing the project sponsor, said the current application is limited to Bartlett Street façade revisions and to addressing waterproofing and ventilation issues that were not resolved in the earlier submittal. "The primarily substantial change is the addition of some ventilation stacks," Nash said, explaining the stacks are located on the relatively unadorned flat façade and are sized to serve a commercial kitchen; she said roof equipment is scaled to existing roof equipment and is not visible from the public right of way.
Commissioners pressed for a solution that integrates the stacks into the building form. Commissioner Wolfram suggested an enclosure that reads as part of the elevation rather than simple screening: "I think I'd be inclined to maybe do 1 where it just comes out, bumps out, and then goes back to have it be..." The commission amended staff conditions to require an "architectural enclosure" around the vertical shafts, painted to match the building and compatible with the elevation, and approved the certificate of appropriateness with that provision. The motion passed unanimously, recorded 5 to 0; Commissioner Hyland had been recused from this item.
The department will require the sponsor to submit detailed plans and a mock‑up for preservation staff review before building permit approval.
