Historic Preservation Commission

Notice is hereby given to the general public that application involving the property and/or issue described below has been filed with the Planning Department for review as set forth in the City Planning Code. The Historic Preservation Commission intends to hold a PUBLIC HEARING on this item and on other matters on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, beginning at 12:30 p.m. or later. Please be advised that due to the COVID-19 emergency, the Historic Preservation Commission may conduct this hearing remotely using videoconferencing technology or in-person at City Hall. Additional information may be found on the Department’s website.

2021-005720PTA: 2 STOCKTON STREET – northeast corner of Market Street and Stockton Street; Lot 002 in Assessor’s Block 0328 (District 3) – The proposal is to complete various alterations associated with conversion of the building to a mix of retail and office uses. Exterior work would include construction of a three-story vertical addition on top of the existing four-story structure and replacement of the existing facades of the building. 2 Stockton Street, historically known as the Roos Brothers Building, was constructed in 1907 and remodeled in 1937 and 1995. The property is designated as a Category V (Unrated) building within the Kearny-Market-Mason-Sutter Conservation District under Article 11 of the Planning Code. 2 Stockton Street is located in the C-3-R (Downtown-Retail) Zoning District and the 80-130-F Height and Bulk District. This action constitutes the Approval Action for the project for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to Section 31.04(h) of the San Francisco Administrative Code. For further information, call Rebecca Salgado at (628) 652-7332 or email at rebecca.salgado@sfgov.org and ask about Case No. 2021-005720PTA.

2022-006075DES: 429-431 CASTRO STREET – Assessor’s Parcel Block No. 3582, Lot 085 (District 8). Consideration to Recommend to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) an amendment to the Article 10 landmark designation of 429-431 Castro Street, known as the Castro Theatre, to include both exterior and interior character defining features, and update the statement of significance to include LGBTQ historical associations, pursuant to Section 1004.2 of the Planning Code. The landmark designation amendment was initiated by the BOS on May 24, 2022 (See BOS File No. 220550). Built in 1922, the Castro Theatre is one of the few remaining movie palaces in San Francisco. The Castro Theatre is an early and notable work of renowned architect Timothy Pflueger. Since the mid-1970s, the Castro Theatre has maintained a deep tradition of arthouse programming, emphasizing LGBTQ-themed events. The venue has since served as an unparalleled economic, social, and cultural cornerstone for the LGBTQ community, and one of the nation’s most renowned independent movie theatres. The subject property is in a Castro Street NCD (Neighborhood Commercial) Zoning District, and a 65-B Height and Bulk District. For further information, call Alex Westhoff at (628) – 652-7314 or email alex.westhoff@sfgov.org and ask about Case No. 2022-006075DES.

2022-005675COA: 429 CASTRO STREET – East side of Castro Street between 18th and 17th Streets; Lot 085 in Assessor’s Block 3582 (District 8) – Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness, pursuant to Article 10 of the Planning Code for alterations to the Castro Theatre, for restoration/conservation/repair of interior historic features including the ceiling, murals, original proscenium, and light fixtures; interior alterations including the removal of ground floor level seats, installation of tiered levels with chair lifts on the ground floor over raked concrete, installation of two fixed back counters in the auditorium, installation of entry lobby fixed counter, installation of new mezzanine lobby concession area, infill of the stage stairs, new organ lift, pit and automatic stage trap opening system, and restroom improvements; construction of a new one-story rear addition to add a new dressing room, restroom and storage platform; installation of a new HVAC system; installation of acoustic door gaskets; rear stair replacement; and installation of a new front security gate. The Castro Theater is currently designated as Landmark No. 100. The subject property is located within the Castro Street NCD (Neighborhood Commercial District) Zoning District, and a 65-B Height and Bulk District. A Historic Preservation Commission approval at a public hearing would constitute the Approval Action for the project for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to San Francisco Administrative Code Section 31.04(h). For further information, call Alex Westhoff at (628) 652-7314 or email alex.westhoff@sfgov.org and ask about Case No. 2022-005675COA.

It is strongly recommended that persons submit their comments in writing in advance of the hearing. Written comments may be submitted via email directly to the case planner.

Persons who are unable to attend the scheduled Commission hearing may submit written comments regarding these cases to the individuals listed for each above via email or at the Planning Department, 49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA  94103.  Comments received by 9:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing will be made a part of the official record and will be brought to the attention of the Commission.

Pursuant to Government Code § 65009, if you challenge, in court, the approval of a conditional use, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

Corey A. Teague
Zoning Administrator
Planning Department
49 South Van Ness Avenue, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94103

09/14/2022