Planning Commission approves conversion of Film Exchange building; variance granted and historical plaque required

The Planning Commission voted to approve a conversion of the Film Exchange building at 245 Hyde (Eddy/Hyde facades retained) into approximately 65 dwelling units with an additional vertical floor set back above the parapet. The project preserves key historic fabric (structural columns and second‑floor windows), creates an internal courtyard to bring light into interior units, and commits eight on‑site below‑market-rate units under inclusionary housing requirements.

Brandon Allen Architects and the project sponsor described careful facade rehabilitation, repair of cast concrete ornament and replacement of non‑historic ground‑level windows with compatible mullions. Commissioners asked for refinements to exterior details and the project team agreed to consult with preservation staff on the final language. Recognizing the building's significance within the National Register‑eligible apartment‑hotel district, the zoning administrator granted required variances for rear yard and courtyard dimensions; staff and commissioners cited the historic fabric as a special circumstance justifying relief.

As part of the approval, the project sponsor agreed to install an exterior plaque developed in consultation with preservation staff that will summarize the site's film‑recording history and note notable artists and albums recorded at the location. That plaque condition was added at the Commission's request prior to approval.

Outcome: conditional approval with variance granted; preservation conditions and a plaque requirement added to the record.