Commission approves certificate of appropriateness for 7‑story office at 270 Brannon Street with conditions

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission approved, unanimously, a certificate of appropriateness for a proposed seven‑story office building at 270 Brannon Street in the South End Landmark District on Sept. 18, 2013.

Ritzu Cray of department staff summarized the proposal: demolition of a one‑story office and surface parking lot and construction of a seven‑story office building with approximately 189,000 square feet of office space, a private atrium, 12 off‑street parking spaces, and bicycle parking. Staff recommended approval with conditions and noted a correction to the draft motion (the project does not provide retail space).

Project sponsor Steve Shanks and architect Peter Pfau presented historic context, massing, facade revisions and details, and design changes made in response to Architectural Review Committee comments (including a recessed entry, terracotta cladding, and terracotta "baguettes" to mediate verticality). Commissioners asked technical questions about cornice treatment and fenestration. Commissioner Pearlman complimented the revisions but suggested additional attention to the cornice relationship to neighboring buildings.

The commission approved the certificate of appropriateness with conditions requiring material samples (terracotta tile and concrete), storefront system samples and additional details to ensure compatibility with the district. The motion passed unanimously, 6–0.

Next steps: The project will proceed with the conditions noted; Planning Department staff will ensure material and storefront details are provided during building‑permit review.