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Polk Street redevelopment that would house Hemlock Tavern clears commission recommendation with noise and lighting conditions
Summary
Commissioners recommended that planning approve a proposed mixed-use project at 1145 Polk that would retain the Hemlock Tavern, but urged additional sound mitigation and a Friday/Saturday noise retest plus exterior lighting and security conditions to limit neighborhood impacts.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission on Nov. 7 recommended that planning move forward with a 5‑story redevelopment at 1145 Polk Street that would incorporate the Hemlock Tavern in a basement entertainment space, subject to additional conditions addressing noise, bass isolation and public-safety lighting.
Developer and project representatives described an intent to retain and modernize the Hemlock as part of the new building. Acoustical consultants working for the project presented a noise study and mitigation plan, including resilient ceiling connections, furring and other measures to reduce bass transmission to occupied floors above and to adjacent properties. Commissioner discussion focused on two recurring concerns: (1) whether the project's POE (place-of-entertainment) noise study should include measurements on typical busy weekend nights (Friday or Saturday) and (2) how to control low-frequency "bass" transmission through structure and ducts once the building is occupied.
Alex Halter of Charles Halter Associates told the commission that the industry-standard approach uses ambient baselines and POE guidelines; he cautioned that measuring during a noisy weekend could bias the baseline upward and make mitigation requirements less protective. The applicant's consultant and planning staff noted that a separate Title 24/building-code analysis will also test long-term ambient and weekend conditions and that the project team was willing to perform further testing. Commissioner Tan and several colleagues urged a practical compromise: require a supplemental Friday/Saturday sound retest and specific construction measures (isolation, limiters) and add exterior lighting for safety and a condition on staffing/security protocols.
The commission voted to recommend approval to the planning department with standard conditions and the additional items discussed: an exterior lighting plan for the Polk corridor and a supplemental sound retest (Friday/Saturday) to confirm mitigation is effective under busier conditions. Commissioners said they wanted the Hemlock to continue as an incubator for local live music but stressed strong, enforceable sound limits and building-level isolation measures to avoid displacing nearby residents. The motion passed with a majority and included the commission's request that the developer and venue continue coordination with enforcement staff to reduce after-hours complaints.
The project still requires planning entitlements, including a conditional use and Title 24 compliance, and the commission made clear that additional permit conditions and the final entertainment limits will be set through that process.
