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OCII conditionally approves schematic design for light-industrial warehouse at 1627 Gerald Avenue
Summary
The commission conditionally approved a three-story light-industrial warehouse with an accessory caretaker unit at 1627 Gerald Ave., endorsing a design that integrates an architectural-salvage business with community-oriented features and requiring standard design development conditions.
The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure voted May 16 to conditionally approve schematic designs and CEQA findings for a three-story light-industrial warehouse with an accessory caretaker unit at 1627 Gerald Avenue in the Bayview Industrial Triangle project area.
Alok Vias, OCII associate planner, said the project is consistent with the redevelopment plan's light-industrial designation and noted the project site is close to existing industrial and residential uses. The proposed structure totals approximately 4,986 square feet (about 3,342 sq ft of warehouse space and 1,644 sq ft of caretaker living area), includes one vehicular parking space and four bicycle parking spaces, and features outdoor courtyards and a rooftop garden.
Architect Veronica Kultuniak, a co-owner and member of the design team, described a distinctive scallop-screen metal facade inspired by maritime wharf materials. The screen is a salvaged scallop-harvesting element the owners plan to sell and display in the warehouse below. The design includes Corten steel elements, glass railings, Ipe decking on balconies and deep planters in lieu of conventional railings.
"We wanted to bring in nature and have a tree in the front of the building," Kultuniak said, describing a screen that yields a visually open facade while allowing balconies and rooftop gardens to interact with the street.
Commissioners praised the design and asked about neighborhood impacts, structural capacity for the heavy screen (staff and the team said structural calculations have been prepared), construction cost estimates (owner estimate roughly $1–$2 million), and local-hire intentions. The project team said they plan to employ local residents in the salvage business and have conducted outreach with neighbors and the CAC, which endorsed the project.
The commission voted 5–0 to conditionally approve the schematic design and CEQA findings; staff will manage standard design-review conditions including mitigation for potential corrosion from exposed Corten steel and final material selections. The approval allows the project to proceed to design development and permitting.
