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Planning Commission approves Geary Street storefront conversion with design conditions
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use authorization and Section 309 determination for a glass curtain-wall storefront at 46–54 Geary Street with staff conditions requiring added projecting elements and further director review of final design.
The Planning Commission approved a conditional-use authorization and Section 309 compliance determination for alterations to 46–54 Geary Street on Feb. 22, endorsing staff recommendations to add texture and projecting elements to the proposed glass curtain-wall along Geary.
April Hesack of Planning Department staff told commissioners the proposal would convert a six‑bedroom group-housing unit on the second floor into retail, and that staff found the proposed curtain-wall generally compatible with conservation-district standards but recommended additional projecting elements to avoid an overly smooth, boxy appearance. Patrick Bartlett, the project architect, described a glass storefront with vertical fins projecting roughly 4 inches; staff asked the architect to study greater projection and vertical elements to relate the facade to adjacent historic buildings.
Multiple commissioners praised the project’s intent to revitalize the block’s retail storefronts while asking for stronger horizontal references to neighboring cornice lines. Commissioners approved a motion to allow the project to proceed with conditions that the sponsor continue design coordination with staff and that final design be reviewed by the director of planning with an informational presentation back to the commission.
What’s next: Staff will coordinate with the architect on the projecting‑element study and bring final design for director approval and an informational hearing before the commission.
