San Francisco Civic Center Complex

  • Client California Department of General Services
  • Expertise Civic + Government
  • Region North America
  • Location San Francisco, California, United States

Project Facts
  • Status Construction Complete
  • Completion Year 1998
  • Design Finish Year 1996
  • Size Site Area: 135,000 square feet Building Height: 203 feet Number of Stories: 14 Building Gross Area: 1,030,000 square feet
  • Rentable Area 1,030,000.00 sq ft
  • Collaborators
    Dames & Moore Forrell/Elesser Engineers, Inc. Silverman & Light, Inc. Environmental Science Associates Phil Henry Smwm Kwan/Henmi Greg Luth (Foundation) Tenebaum-Manheim Ajmani & Pamidi Transtech Systems, Inc. Kc Future Planning, Inc. Paul F. Fratessa & Associates, Inc. Orsee Design Associates, Inc. Yamoto & Associates The Sgs Group Debra Nichols Design William A. Porter Ackland International, Inc. Acc Environmental Consultants, Inc. Office Of Historic Preservation San Francisco State Building Authority Cerami & Associates Edgett Williams Consulting Group FLACK & KURTZ Page & Turnbull Powell and Partners Architects Structus
Project Facts
  • Status Construction Complete
  • Completion Year 1998
  • Design Finish Year 1996
  • Size Site Area: 135,000 square feet Building Height: 203 feet Number of Stories: 14 Building Gross Area: 1,030,000 square feet
  • Rentable Area 1,030,000.00 sq ft
  • Collaborators
    Dames & Moore Forrell/Elesser Engineers, Inc. Silverman & Light, Inc. Environmental Science Associates Phil Henry Smwm Kwan/Henmi Greg Luth (Foundation) Tenebaum-Manheim Ajmani & Pamidi Transtech Systems, Inc. Kc Future Planning, Inc. Paul F. Fratessa & Associates, Inc. Orsee Design Associates, Inc. Yamoto & Associates The Sgs Group Debra Nichols Design William A. Porter Ackland International, Inc. Acc Environmental Consultants, Inc. Office Of Historic Preservation San Francisco State Building Authority Cerami & Associates Edgett Williams Consulting Group FLACK & KURTZ Page & Turnbull Powell and Partners Architects Structus

This high-profile project in downtown San Francisco, in the revered Civic Center Plaza, entailed the renovation of the California State Supreme Court building and the addition of an adjoining 14-story office tower. Preserving the classical, Beaux Arts-style courthouse while accommodating the contemporary needs of 11 government agencies were primary concerns.

SOM tucked the addition behind the historic courthouse to ensure it didn’t overpower the site. A massing that consists of slim slabs that gradually step upward further integrates the new structure into its context while also giving it a strong civic presence. The sweeping curve of the tallest slab gestures out toward the plaza while deferring to the dome of the nearby City Hall. Inside, the building features a flexible layout, ample daylight, and views of the city.

On the ground floor, SOM developed a hierarchical sequence of spaces linking the old and new buildings. The addition’s first six stories are connected to the courthouse, creating seamless floorplates. A pair of top-lit atria introduces natural light into these spaces.

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