Design board approves revised six‑story hotel facade at 6945 Abbott Avenue with conditions

The Design Review Board on March 12 approved the design of a proposed six‑story mixed‑use hotel at 6945 Abbott Avenue, concluding several months of revisions to the building’s facade and pedestrian Paseo.

Vanessa Madrid, attorney for the applicant, told the board the design team had responded to prior comments and added lighter stucco, glass on balconies and a perforated metal screening system that the architects said was inspired by mangrove patterns. “We are proud to present you a refined design today, that focused heavily on the pedestrian experience along the Paseo,” Madrid said.

Juan, the project architect, walked the board through the changes, showing how the perforated metal would layer over the balcony openings to create “movement” and privacy while allowing light to filter through. He said the patterning would be achieved through perforations rather than paint, and that panels would be fabricated in sections approximately 3 by 6 to 3 by 8 feet and engineered for wind loads.

Nearby residents and condo representatives offered mixed comments during the public‑comment period. Carlos Peraza, who said he lives about 50 feet from the site, opposed the project without a dedicated drop‑off, warning it would create “a very dangerous situation” for motorists and pedestrians and raising questions about trash handling and deliveries. “Deliveries between before 9AM and 4:30PM is proposed. Those are rush hour times,” Peraza said. Other residents, including Marilina Apfelbaum and Lee Barrera, praised the design and said it would revitalize the North Beach streetscape.

Board members focused their questions on the south‑facing wall treatment, nighttime lighting, and the size and engineering of the perforations. Staff cautioned that if the south elevation’s patterned material were determined to be a painted mural exceeding 100 square feet, the project would need City Commission approval; if it is integrated into the architecture as textured material, it may proceed under staff review.

After discussion, a motion to approve the design with four caveats passed. Conditions included additional staff review of (1) the south elevation pattern and confirmation it is material‑based rather than a painted mural, (2) a lighting plan that supports daytime and nighttime views without glare, (3) a refined corner treatment at the Paseo, and (4) landscaping and planting details to ensure the Paseo reads as pedestrian use not a service route. The board voted to approve the project as conditioned.

Next steps: the applicant will provide the requested material samples, lighting plans and detailed drawings for staff review and permit processing.