Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Landmark Conversion topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves conversion of Columbus Tower offices to 15‑room boutique hotel
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use authorization to convert Floors 3–7 of the landmark Columbus Tower (Sentinel Building) into a 15‑room boutique hotel, with project sponsors and owner Francis Ford Coppola emphasizing preservation and neighborhood revitalization.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use authorization on July 30 for a hotel conversion at the Sentinel Building (Columbus Tower), allowing conversion of office floors 3 through 7 into a 15‑room boutique hotel.
Staff recommended approval after finding the proposal consistent with the Chinatown area plan and general plan policies. Tara Sullivan, counsel for the project sponsor, said the conversion affects about 5,743 square feet and would not involve exterior work to the landmark building. Francis Ford Coppola spoke in support and described the hotel as a way to preserve and reanimate a historic North Beach property.
Commissioners asked technical questions about exiting and building code compliance; the project team said they will address any DBI and fire code issues in subsequent permit review steps. Commissioner Moore described the conversion as an appropriate preservation strategy and expressed support for the project’s design. The motion to approve was adopted unanimously 7–0.
No public opposition was recorded during the hearing. The project will proceed to the building permit stage, where the sponsor will resolve code compliance and operational details.
