Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Adaptive Reuse topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves adaptive reuse at 1244 Sutter for Argonaut advertising office
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Authorization to allow an advertising agency (Argonaut) to occupy a historic three‑story building at 1244 Sutter Street; staff found no adverse impacts to historic interior features and the project will employ about 50 people.
The Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Authorization for an administrative service use at 1244 Sutter Street, allowing Argonaut — a local advertising agency — to occupy and rehabilitate a vacant, eligible-historic resource formerly known as the Avalon Ballroom.
Staff said the proposed interior changes would not harm character-defining historic features and that no exterior modifications other than business signage were proposed. The department recommended approval and noted the proposal would bring approximately 50 employees to the North Side of Sutter between Van Ness and Polk.
Jody Knight, representing the project sponsor, said the plan preserved historic features while inserting workstations and a stage element that reference the building’s concert-hall history. Jordan Warren, Argonaut’s president, described the move as a chance to bring a growing local company into a vacant building that would enliven nearby restaurants and transit connections.
Commissioners asked whether the administrative service classification would count against office caps; staff replied the use is defined as an administrative service rather than an office use and does not take allocation from the office cap. The commission voted unanimously to approve the conditional use authorization with conditions by roll call.
What’s next: The sponsor will proceed with required sign permits and building permits; staff will monitor compliance with conditions related to signage and historic-preservation review.
