Preservation commissioners approve Clock Tower building roof and window work with conditions; require 3-over-3 windows

San Francisco — The Historic Preservation Commission voted Jan. 5 to approve exterior work at the Clock Tower Building, 461 Second Street, allowing replacement of the building's metal roof and eight south-side windows with conditions that leave final roofing decisions to planning staff but require restored windows to use a 3-over-3 light configuration.

Monica Giacomucci, department staff, told commissioners the proposal "involves removing and replacing an existing painted metal snap on batten roofing system" with a new painted metal snap-on batten system that will match material and color but use smaller panels than exist now. Staff recommended approval with conditions including submission of product cut sheets and shop drawings prior to permit approval and delegated review for minor refinements.

The project sponsor (identified on the record as Megan) and staff said the change in panel spacing was driven by market and warranty constraints: existing panels currently had about 31 inches between vertical battens and the proposed manufactured snap-on system uses about 19 inches between battens. "We spoke with the clock tower building HOA, and it is our intention to, of course, bring back the historic look first and foremost," the project sponsor said, adding that manufacturers no longer produce wider panels with the coastal warranties the applicant sought.

Commissioners pressed whether other systems such as a standing seam or flat seam metal roof had been explored. Commissioner Wright said the density change "does seem like it's almost 50%, based on on kind of my review," and asked whether a different seam or profile could reduce the visual density. The applicant confirmed they did not pursue standing seam in detail and prioritized a vertical batten approach to match the existing appearance while addressing leaks and failing panels.

The commission also examined window work. Staff clarified that eight windows are proposed for replacement now and that reverting to the original 3-over-3 sash would not match the 12 adjacent units that remain; the project sponsor said those eight had failed and were prioritized by the homeowners association. "We are currently only replacing 8 units. So if we were to revert it back to the 3 over 3, it would no longer match the remaining 12 units on the building," Megan said.

After extended deliberation about balancing a timely repair for leaking panels with maintaining historic character, Commissioner Black moved to approve the application with conditions and to delegate to staff authority to approve alternative materials should the applicant and staff agree. That motion failed on a 3'to'3 vote. An alternate motion that approved the project while specifically requiring replacement windows to use a 3-over-3 light configuration and allowing staff discretion on the roof passed 5'to'1 (Commissioner Foley voted against).

The commission asked staff to continue working with the project sponsor to seek the least visually obtrusive, code- and warranty-compliant roofing solution and requested a future update when staff reaches a final decision.

What's next: Staff will require the product cut sheets and shop drawings specified in the conditions before the planning department issues a site permit and will report back if an alternate roofing material is recommended.