HPC recommends waiver for 799 Van Ness to allow StorageStar conversion, with design conditions

The Historic Preservation Commission on Jan. 21 recommended that the Planning Director grant a waiver of the planning code's active‑use frontage requirement for 799 Van Ness Avenue, allowing a proposed StorageStar self‑storage use while attaching a suite of design encouragements intended to preserve the building’s street presence.

Planning staff and the project sponsor said the reuse would invest approximately $1,000,000 in exterior restoration and rehabilitation of the circa‑1917 former Mini Cooper USA (historic Auto Row) building. "Allowing StorageStar to occupy the building will make that work economically feasible," the project sponsor said, adding that the use meets the code criteria permitting street‑frontage waivers for historic buildings when active‑use controls would harm character or when a use enhances preservation feasibility.

Architectural Resources Group preservation architect Lisa Yerkovich described a restoration scope that includes stucco and cornice repair, window restoration and replacement with historically compatible designs, and reversible modifications. Staff said basement‑level windows at sidewalk level would be protected in place and covered with wood panels to receive a proposed mural.

Public testimony split. Neighbor Irene Cohn said the corridor needs active street‑facing businesses, not storage, and urged denial of the waiver. By contrast, Renee Colorado of the Tenderloin Merchants and Property Owners Association supported the project as a catalyst for investment and safety. San Francisco Heritage supported the restoration but suggested revisiting the uniform frosted glazing proposed for many windows.

Commission discussion centered on reconciling the need to preserve a category‑A historic resource with neighborhood priorities for active frontage. Commissioner Baldauff expressed strong concern about locking in self‑storage uses that are hard to displace in the future; several commissioners urged unfrosted glazing where feasible and asked the sponsor to explore a convertible active space at the corner.

Commissioner Cox moved to recommend approval of the waiver and include language encouraging the sponsor to pursue clear glazing (where appropriate), a convertible 300–400 square‑foot ground‑floor space at the corner for future active use, improved lighting, street trees, signage sensitive to the historic façade, and consideration of landmarking the building. The motion passed unanimously (7‑0).

The HPC’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Planning Commission and the Planning Director as part of the conditional use/waiver review scheduled in the project’s entitlement process.