By Jonathan Farrell
The historic firehouse on 10th Avenue in the Sunset District has served as a school for developmentally disabled youth at The Oakes Children’s Center for more than 20 years. Plans to restore the 106-year-old landmark and build a new facility next door have been set in motion.
The SF Planning Commission certified the center’s design plans as “appropriate” Jan. 20. The children’s center can now proceed with its plans, which were initially started in 2001.
The center’s plans were placed on hold while city officials, including the Planning Department and Landmarks Commission, reviewed them. They also looked at the impact an addition to the school would have on the historic landmark.
A three-story, wood-framed structure built in 1898, the old firehouse was home to Fire Engine 22 for 60 years. The building received landmark status in 1970.
The SF Historical Society has determined in its evaluation that any renovations or plans for expansion should not alter the original building in any way.
The “Certificate of Appropriateness” from the planning department is to ensure that the historical integrity of the old firehouse will be maintained.
Richard Geimer, who is the executive director at the children’s center, has been patient over the past four years with all the delays.
“We have worked closely with the planning commission, the Landmark Commission and others to ensure that the new building does not conflict in any way with the unique appearance of the firehouse,” he said.
Serving as legal representation for the children’s center is attorney David Cincotta. He specializes in law regarding land use, zoning and environmental issues
“Rick and the staff at the center are remarkable. They have been good stewards of a historical building while caring for special children,” Cincotta said.
The most difficult part of the process, Cincotta said, was working out disagreements with the planning department.
“Plans went back to the drawing board at least five times,” he said.
According to city Planner Dan DiBartolo, the reason for the delays was to ensure that all proposed plans were approved and met the various regulations and guidelines set forth by the agencies involved with the project.
Some of the guidelines set for the proposed work are simple while others are more complex and provide a challenge for the plan to integrate the old firehouse with the new structure.
Once the lot is cleared, a new building will be constructed. The two buildings would be connected on three levels.
“The new building will not detract from the old firehouse, nor will the new building try to mimic (or replicate) the old firehouse,” Cincotta said.
Geimer was pleased the remodeling of the old firehouse , which is located at 1348 10th Ave., would result in a safer, more durable landmark.
“Our work with Dan and the planning department actually went very well – they were very helpful in working with us on the final design,” said Geimer.
Geimer’s main concern at this point is raising the necessary funding to move forward with the approved plans.
“Raising more than $3 million is a very formidable task for a very small non-profit agency, such as the Oakes Children’s Center,” Geimer said.
Westside San Francisco 