Planning Commission hears Mission Bernal design update and approves mixed‑use project at 600 Twentieth

The Planning Commission heard an informational presentation on the final design of a 129,000‑square‑foot medical office building at the CPMC Mission Bernal campus (3501 Cesar Chavez Street). SmithGroup architect Kartik Ramadurai highlighted design goals to be a good neighbor, strengthen connections to adjacent streets and prioritize patient experience. Staff noted the project retains previously approved program and includes four levels of below‑grade parking with approximately 210 spaces.

Commissioners and the public used the informational item to ask about Guerrero Plaza — a separate open‑space element tied to the original development agreement — and staff said Sutter/CPMC has submitted 90% street improvement drawings to DPW and construction is expected to begin this year; one final DA report remains due in May.

Separately the commission considered a conditional use authorization for 600 Twentieth Street, a proposed five‑story mixed‑use building in Dogpatch that would replace an unpermitted dwelling unit and provide lab, office, arts activity space and a three‑bed residential unit. Applicant representatives described design inspiration from the neighboring American Industrial Center and said the building is being entitiled on behalf of a purchaser‑user. Commissioners sought clarifications on ground‑floor activation, loading and bicycle safety. Staff and applicant amended a condition to clarify bike parking (including e‑bikes and cargo bikes) will be refined at building permit stage.

The commission approved the 600 Twentieth Street project with amended conditions and clerical corrections, voting unanimously 6–0.

Next steps: The Mission Bernal project will proceed through final agency reviews; CPMC/Sutter and DPW will coordinate Guerrero Plaza construction. The 600 Twentieth project will continue into building permit processing with the amended bike‑parking condition applied.