Executive Summary Conditional Use Authorization HEARING DATE: JULY 30, 2020 Record No.: 2019-019722CUA Project Address: 916 KEARNY STREET Zoning: Chinatown-Community Business (CCB) Zoning District 65-N Height and Bulk District Block/Lot: 0176/013 Project Sponsor: Tara Sullivan Reuben, Junius & Rose, LLP 1 Bush Street, Suite 600 San Francisco, CA 94104 Property Owner: Sofia Properties, LP 916 Kearny Street San Francisco, CA 94133 Staff Contact: Jonathan Vimr – (415) 575-9109
[email protected] Recommendation: Approval with Conditions PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project would convert an existing office use at floors three through seven of the landmark Columbus Tower (aka Sentinel Building) to a Hotel use occupying 5,743 square feet and accommodating 15 guest rooms. Limited ground floor interior alterations are proposed to create the hotel lobby and reception area. No changes are proposed for the exterior, basement, ground floor restaurant, second, or eighth floors. REQUIRED COMMISSION ACTION In order for the Project to proceed, the Commission must grant a Conditional Use Authorization, pursuant to Planning Code Sections 121.4, 303, and 810, to allow for a change of use to a Hotel exceeding 5,000 square feet in the Chinatown-Community Business Zoning District. ISSUES AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS • Public Comment & Outreach. o Support/Opposition: As of the writing of this report, the Department has received no letters in support of or opposition to the project. • Hotel Use. o Coronavirus Pandemic: In order to approve a Conditional Use Authorization for a hotel the Planning Commission must consider, among other things, the market demand for a hotel of the type proposed.