Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Potrero StationA topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission approves Station A office allocation and loading modification for Potrero Power Station
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously approved an office development authorization and a major modification to off‑street loading for Station A at the Potrero Power Station site, citing preservation, community benefits and substantial outreach; the approval includes conditions and recognizes the site's adaptive‑reuse strategy.
The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously on Oct. 22 to approve an office development authorization and a major modification to off‑street loading standards for Station A, the first building in the Potrero Power Station redevelopment.
Staff presented the project as an adaptive‑reuse effort for a 1900 brick turbine building on Block 15, recommending approval with conditions after certifying CEQA findings earlier in the year. Planner Monica Giacomucci said the proposal would authorize up to 403,750 square feet of general office use and allow a modified loading entrance 33 feet wide where the special use district sets a 22‑foot maximum.
“The department finds that the project is on balance consistent with the objectives and policies of the city's general plan and the Central Waterfront plan,” Giacomucci said. She noted robust community outreach, letters of support from neighborhood groups and unions, and that the project is not subject to the jobs‑housing linkage program but does include workforce requirements in a development agreement.
Project sponsor Enrique Lando described Station A as a preservation priority and said the developer prioritized stabilizing the historic structure early in the phasing plan. Architect Jason Fransen of Herzog & de Meuron presented design details showing retention of the lower masonry facade, limited new openings, a lightweight upper volume and a mid‑block public passage with interpretive displays.
Public commenters — including neighborhood representatives, a masonry contractor and a labor union official — praised the design, preservation commitments and community benefits. Local 2 said the developers had agreed to a neutral process for hotel worker representation and other workforce protections.
Commissioners praised the extensive outreach and the project's preservation focus. Commissioner Moore said the emphasis on Station A “is really at the heart of the community's voice.” Commissioner Diamond asked staff to pay close attention to specifications for exterior fabric shading; Diamond asked that the sponsor provide material, operation and maintenance details for roll‑down shades for staff review prior to building permits.
The commission approved the authorization and major modification with conditions and standard findings by a 5–0 vote. The approval allows stabilization and rehabilitation work to proceed under the project's phasing and conditions set by staff and the commission.
