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Commission backs phased adaptive reuse of Geneva Car Barn Powerhouse as arts and community center
Summary
The commission approved phase‑1 conditional use authorization for adaptive reuse of the Geneva Car Barn Powerhouse, a landmarked facility in District 11, allowing a community arts/events center and waivers for certain bike parking requirements due to historic constraints.
The Planning Commission voted Feb. 4 to authorize conditional use for phase‑1 adaptive reuse of the Geneva Car Barn Powerhouse (part of the Geneva Car Barn complex) to create a community arts, events and exhibition center run by Rec & Park in partnership with local nonprofits.
Rec & Park’s project director Nicole Leavro described the historic building (Reid Brothers design) and the phased approach to rehabilitation: phase 1 focuses on the powerhouse to create an event and community arts space with seismic stabilization, hazardous materials remediation, improved entrances, ADA accessibility, a small catering kitchen and a black‑box theater. The department and Historic Preservation Commission previously approved certificates of appropriateness for the work.
Because the powerhouse is landmarked, the project cannot accommodate certain Class 1 bicycle parking in the building envelope; Rec & Park committed to provide staff bicycle storage and increased Class 2 spaces nearby. Rec & Park projects the phase‑1 cost at approximately $29 million and anticipates LEED Gold performance where feasible. The project sponsor emphasized youth arts training and neighborhood activation as primary program goals.
Neighbors and Friends of the Geneva Office Building Powerhouse expressed long‑standing support; staff noted grants and partnerships in development. Commissioners praised the adaptive reuse approach and the community benefits; the Commission approved the phase‑1 conditional use authorization unanimously.
