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Commission approves variance for Block 40 mural; commissioners press for more local artists
Summary
The commission approved a variance allowing a 31'4" art wall by Eduardo Cobra to project slightly over property lines at Mission Bay Block 40. Commissioners pressed project sponsors to prioritize local artists and staff said OCII controls some opt-out art funds to support local hiring.
The OCII Commission approved a design-for-development variance for a large art wall on Block 40 in Mission Bay South, clearing the way for a painted mural by Eduardo Cobra that screens a parking garage and projects over the property line.
Nikki Henry, assistant development specialist, told the commission the mural on perforated metal panels will project just over the property line ("a foot and a quarter inch" plus up to 4 feet for lighting) and the vertical height of the art wall is 31 feet, 4 inches; the design-for-development standard cited for comparison is smaller. Staff said the artwork is consistent with the schematic design previously approved for the block and that the project is categorically exempt from further CEQA review under the statute staff cited (transcript reference to guideline "15303").
Sabina Chang, representing the project sponsor and the artist-selection consultant, said the team evaluated many artists — including local candidates — and chose Cobra because his gridded, structured aesthetic complements the building’s architecture. "We looked at a lot of artists around the world including local," Chang said, adding the selection was based on how the artwork relates to the building and surrounding park.
Several commissioners pressed for more emphasis on local artists. Commissioner Bustos said San Francisco artists have been displaced and "San Francisco artists I believe should get these opportunities," urging staff to engage artist consultants and the art commission to prioritize local talent. Mark Slutskin (Mission Bay project manager) said there are approximately $1 million to $2 million in art funds that people have opted out of that OCII controls and that staff will prioritize local artists when feasible.
The commission moved and approved the variance by a 4–0 vote. Staff said next steps include obtaining an encroachment permit from DPW and a building permit from the Department of Building Inspection prior to installing the art wall.
The record shows the sponsor is Kilroy Realty Corporation and the artist credited is Eduardo Cobra. The commission requested continued attention to commissioning local artists where practicable and indicated staff will coordinate with the San Francisco Arts Commission on public art implementation.
Next steps: Sponsor to secure encroachment and building permits; OCII to coordinate with art commission and track use of opt-out funds for local artist opportunities.
