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OCII approves $5.58 million MOU with Public Works to upgrade Building 101 at Hunters Point Shipyard
Summary
The Commission authorized a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Public Works to design, bid and manage construction for Building 101 at Hunters Point Shipyard, using remaining EDA grants and requiring a 10% local match; commissioners and artists highlighted safety and accessibility upgrades.
The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the San Francisco Department of Public Works to design, bid and manage construction improvements to Building 101 at Hunters Point Shipyard in an amount not to exceed $5,581,677.
The work, described by staff as largely funded from repurposed Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants, will include life‑safety upgrades such as new exterior fireproof exit stairs, improved accessibility (a new wheelchair ramp and accessible restrooms), and conversion of an existing lecture hall into a flexible art gallery space to help artists exhibit and sell work. Staff said the EDA approved time extensions and that the remaining grant funds must be used by September 2021; the grants are paid on a reimbursement basis.
"This item is a long time coming," Executive Director Sasse told commissioners, noting the work stems from grants awarded in 2006–2007 and close collaboration with building users. Jonathan Plowman, who led the presentation, said the building contains roughly 150 artist studios and that the scope was developed with the Shipyard Trust for the Arts.
Artists who use the building urged the commission to approve the MOU. "I'm here today to hopefully urge you to vote in favor of the MOU," said Marty McKee, speaking as a representative of the Shipyard Trust for the Arts, citing improved accessibility, expanded exhibition space and safer egress. Barbara Okel added she appreciated OCII's support and said the upgrades would help keep artists' small businesses in the city.
Commissioners pressed staff on compliance with OCII's Small Business Enterprise (SBE) program and federal grant restrictions. Staff confirmed Department of Public Works will follow OCII's SBE policies but noted federal grants prohibit geographic hiring preferences on certain aspects of federally funded projects; hiring preferences for some locally based businesses may still be exercised consistent with grant rules.
Vice Chair Bustos moved approval; the motion carried unanimously among the five commissioners present.
Next steps: DPW will complete design, bid the construction contract and proceed to construction; OCII will bill DPW and seek reimbursement from the EDA as work proceeds. The MOU term is for design, bidding and four years of construction management; OCII staff identified a 10% local match requirement tied to the grants and noted the precise match‑amount figure was not stated clearly in the staff presentation.
The commission did not set an implementation schedule beyond the general sequencing of design, bid and construction phases.
