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Planning Commission approves conversion of Thomas Paine House to 10‑room inn and restaurant
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a conditional‑use authorization to convert the historic Thomas Paine House at 1409 Sutter Street into a 10‑room tourist hotel with a restaurant, with staff‑recommended conditions; neighbors raised concerns about parking, loading and noise and the sponsor said valet and driveway access would limit curb impacts.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved Nov. 7 a conditional‑use authorization to convert the Thomas Paine House (also called the Paine Mansion) at 1409 Sutter Street into a 10‑room tourist hotel with an approximately 9,500‑square‑foot restaurant.
Staff (Sharon Lai) recommended approval with conditions, describing the project as small‑scale and appropriate given the building’s existing nonconforming uses. Project owner Jing Yao said the owners have worked extensively with staff and neighborhood representatives and that they intend to restore the building and operate a restaurant and inn consistent with staff recommendations.
Neighbors raised concerns about potential noise, traffic and loading. Susan Colton, who lives adjacent to the site, said the restaurant and hotel could increase curb activity and questioned how loading and parking would be handled. The project sponsor and architect responded that valet service would be available and that the building’s existing driveway would be used for deliveries to avoid on‑street loading.
Commissioners noted the modest scale (10 rooms) and the applicant’s commitments and voted to approve the project with conditions. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
