Commission approves two RDR residential projects with noise and lighting conditions

The Entertainment Commission approved review and developmental recommendations (RDR) for two proposed residential projects located near established entertainment venues.

2630–2632 Mission Street: Sponsor Phil Lesser and owner Francisco Hu described a five‑story mixed‑use project replacing a fire‑damaged lot with commercial space below and 16 residential units above. Architect Jeremy Schaub said the design orients windows and bays away from the closest venues and includes a rooftop and common deck; acoustical consultant David Walsh reported multi‑day exterior measurements near the Make Out Room and recommended conservative glazing and resilient channels to achieve appropriate sound transmission class (STC rating) for windows and partitions. Commissioners approved the RDR with a condition that the project provide an outdoor lighting plan for safety before building permits advance.

229 Ellis Street: Star City Properties presented plans to repurpose a historic 1910 Turkish bathhouse into 52 group‑housing units intended as middle‑income co‑living. Sponsor Moe Sakrani and acoustician Jordan Roberts presented façade measurements and recommended STC‑32 glazing for worst‑case rooms. The commission approved the entitlements with conditions that the applicant perform additional nighttime measurements around 1:30–2:00 a.m. and deliver an exterior lighting/safety plan.

Staff noted both projects will continue through Planning Commission and building permitting and that required mitigation measures are intended to reduce future neighbor complaints about entertainment noise.