Commission approves conditional use authorization for Crocker Bank conversion with public‑access conditions

The Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional‑use authorization for a project to adapt the historic Crocker Bank building at Montgomery Street into office space, adding conditions intended to preserve public access to the banking halls and rooftop. The motion passed 6–1 after commissioners added a requirement aimed at activating the ground‑floor lobby with a commercial kiosk or similar amenity.

Planning staff said the project would convert roughly 7,653 sq ft of ground‑floor and basement retail into office as part of approximately 15,238 sq ft of new office use and noted the property is an individually eligible historic resource. Staff recommended approval with conditions and identified measures—detailed in the project packet and described in the hearing—to retain public access: monthly architectural tours, an interpretive lobby display, continued rooftop access and POPOS protections.

Project sponsor representatives said they would preserve key character‑defining features, provide architectural tours and propose a café use that would link the banking hall to an outdoor rotunda and provide about 1,900 sq ft of public access space. Planning staff said they would require minimum monthly tours (with the sponsor willing to pursue weekly tours with SF Heritage) and added recommendations for signage and other steps to encourage entry to the lobby.

Commissioners focused questions on the relationship between the pending landmark nomination and the permit timeline; the City Attorney advised caution about delaying permits pending uncertain future legislation, noting that courts scrutinize delaying permits for speculative future action. Commissioners also sought clarity on enforcement of public‑access commitments and the leasing mechanism for a kiosk; staff and sponsor said the kiosk could be required in lease terms and that language could be specified in the condition of approval.

After debate, commissioners amended the condition on public access to include a provision for a commercial kiosk (beverage or prepared food service or other commercial activation) and approved the project. The motion passed 6–1; Commissioner Moore voted no, citing concern about adding speculative office space during high office vacancy.

Next steps include implementation of the approval conditions during design development and coordination with the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the pending landmark nomination if a building permit is filed after an initiation of designation.