Commission approves Sunnyside Conservatory restoration with conditions to protect trees and historic fabric

The Planning Commission approved a certificate of appropriateness for restoration work at the Sunnyside Conservatory, a designated San Francisco Landmark at 236 Monterey Boulevard, subject to conditions aimed at protecting historic landscape elements and final design review by the Landmarks Preservation Board.

Planning preservation staff described a proposal to replace glazing and exterior siding, restore small historic skylights and add a handicapped-accessible restroom and exterior ramp. The Department of Recreation & Parks said the project includes seismic upgrades, drainage and irrigation improvements and that construction documents target completion of bidding and permitting by the end of the year with a planned construction period of roughly nine to ten months.

Commissioners asked for detailed specifications to protect historic palm trees and required urban forester sign-off on any proposed relocation, asked that final (100%) drawings return to the Landmarks Board for review of ornamental fence detail, and requested a peer review by a preservation architect. Commissioner Moore urged consideration of a treated wood-shingle roof or material that more closely resembles historic wood shingles rather than composite shingles.

The commission voted unanimously to approve the certificate with the conditions described; staff will incorporate the conditions into the final motion and ensure coordination with the Landmarks Board for final design review.