Commission defers decision on St. Francis Hotel pergolas, asks for renderings and lighting studies

The Historic Preservation Commission continued a permit‑to‑alter application for two steel‑framed pergolas at the St. Francis Hotel at 335 Powell Street to allow the sponsor to supply additional renderings and lighting studies.

Planning staff recommended approval under Article 11, noting the proposal uses a lightweight modern intervention and will not remove character‑defining features. "Staff finds that although these pergolas will be visible throughout multiple vantages of Union Square, they really don't diminish or take away from the historic resource," planning staff said.

Design representatives from Stanton Architecture said the pergolas are intended to activate underused balcony spaces and to include downcast lighting and heaters; they said the structure would be attached only through the floor and would not penetrate the historic fabric of the facade. "We felt that you could sort of see through it more," said Steve Allen (Stanton) describing the proposed beam orientation.

Commissioners raised concerns about visibility from Union Square, adequacy of setback and the visual effect of downcast lighting on a major historic facade. Commissioner Wright described the hotel facade and the public square as "significant" and sought justification for the pergolas’ scale and visibility.

The commission voted to continue the matter two weeks to Sept. 20, 2023, and directed the sponsor to provide renderings that show the downcast lighting effects, an alternative beam orientation and possible adjustments to railing metering.