OCII conditionally approves schematic design for Hunters Point artist studios amid affordability concerns

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on May 20 conditionally approved schematic designs for replacement artist studios at the Hunters Point Shipyard after lengthy staff presentations and extensive public comment from artists and advocates.

OCII staff framed the proposal as a required replacement for roughly 130 studios and about 140 artists displaced by redevelopment. Amabel Akwa Asari, assistant project manager, summarized relocation obligations and described outreach and a tenant survey used to size the replacement units. Ventura Partners presented a pro forma operating estimate that staff said supports a projected rent in the range of $1 to $1.20 per square foot per month; staff cited $1.11 as the working estimate.

Design features described by Lennar and architect IBI Group include roll‑up doors for large artworks and deliveries, sinks and concentrated work areas (including kiln and spray rooms), a 1,600‑square‑foot gallery, a five‑story atrium, and rooftop photovoltaics intended to reduce operating costs by an estimated $20,000–$30,000 a year. The building is expected to provide approximately 130 studios in an 87,000‑square‑foot structure and to yield interim parking of roughly 190 spaces and 268 spaces after full buildout.

Artists and STAR, the Shipyard Trust for the Arts, largely supported the replacement‑studio concept but raised affordability concerns. Artist Lorna Kohlmeier said moving to smaller or higher‑cost units would imperil her plaster‑craft archive and studio operation: “Brushing off the affordability issues … is not acceptable,” she said. STAR President Marty McKee urged keeping as many artists on the shipyard as possible and described STAR’s plan to raise a stabilization fund to help those who cannot afford the new rents.

Commissioners sought additional detail on operating cost analyses, the composition and selection process for the sidewalk‑management work group, and management arrangements after the city assumes ownership. Staff committed to provide a more detailed operating‑expense report and said that STAR would be the primary fundraiser for any subsidy; staff also described ongoing discussions with the city’s Department of Real Estate about possible property‑management and ground‑lease models.

The motion to approve schematic designs (with conditions that included submission of material samples, potential interior revisions based on remaining artist input, and parking improvements before removal of existing parking) carried on a 3–2 roll‑call vote; Vice Chair Rosales and Chair Johnson recorded the dissenting votes.

Next steps: staff said a relocation plan and property management plan will be brought forward for future commission approval before any notices to vacate are issued.