Commission approves 96‑unit Market Street project with density bonus, preserving historic facade

The Planning Commission voted to approve a 96‑unit residential project at 1965 Market Street that retains the building’s historic Market Street façade. Staff said the project uses the state density bonus to preserve the historic façade while shifting additional mass to a separate lot so the historic resource’s significant exterior features remain intact.

Elizabeth John Keir of the Planning Department outlined the project’s program: 96 dwelling units (a mix of one‑ and two‑bedroom units), 14 below‑market units to satisfy inclusionary housing obligations, and an accommodation under Planning Code Section 206.6 enabling additional floors within part of the 50‑foot height district. The developer described a strategy to set back the new mass 35 feet above the historic façade, and to consolidate height on an adjoining parcel to avoid impacting the historic character.

Speakers from the neighborhood expressed mixed reactions about massing and shadow; project sponsor David Prowler and his design team emphasized extensive outreach, a 35‑foot upper setback, and a design intent that the new volumes read as three discrete elements: the existing building, the addition and the parking‑lot building. Commissioners praised the preservation approach and discussed guarantees to preserve design quality, adding a motion condition that significant design changes return to the commission.

Ending: Commissioners approved the project with conditions tied to preservation of the façade, the density bonus accommodation and a return for material design changes; building permits and final plan check remain to be completed.