REJUVENATION OF A HISTORIC POWERHOUSE

Description

Constructed in 1912, the building’s original purpose was to generate power and serve as an electrical substation that transformed and distributed electrical power for a 69-acre shipyard along San Francisco’s waterfront. Its stylistically formal yet eclectic expression belies its highly industrial function. Orton Development, Inc. and Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects worked closely with the Port of San Francisco, the National Park Service, and California’s State Historic Preservation Office to adapt the historic industrial structure for 21st century occupants.

Throughout the building, the architectural lighting design with new lighting fixtures and other interventions are instrumental in transforming the interior from an electrical powerhouse to a humane and uplifting environment for the technology workers. These elements do not imitate the Powerhouse’s historic architectural features, but rather endeavor to enhance by contrast with the original Powerhouse. The lower level, which does not have the benefits of the main level’s lofty height and daylight, is where the importance of architectural lighting is especially significant. For example, the windowless hallway at the lower level is enlivened by sculptural pendant light fixtures that transform the circulation into an architecturally distinctive experience. The architects were amused and pleased to learn from the contractor that as soon as these lights were installed, workers and other visitors routinely took Instagram-able selfies in the space.

Details

Location San Francisco, CA
Year 2019
Size 18,191 square feet
Sustainability LEED Gold

Awards

2022 Palladio Award: Interior Design
Palladio Award: Adaptive Reuse

2021 AIA East Bay Chapter Merit Award
European Centre for Architecture International Architecture Award

2020 FX Design Award: Mixed-Use Development Category
Architecture Master Prize: Restoration and Renovation
ENR California Regional Best Projects Winner
California Preservation Foundation Preservation Design Award
Retrofit Magazine Metamorphosis First Place Award
Seventh Domus International Awards Honorable Mention
The Plan Awards Finalist: Transport Category
The Plan Awards Finalist: Renovation Category

Team

Client Port of San Francisco
Developer Orton Development, Inc.
Architect Wong Logan Architects
Landscape Architect GLS Landscape Architecture
General Contractor Orton Development, Inc.
Mechanical Contractor Allied Heating & Air Conditioning Co. Inc.
Electrical Contractor Helix Electric
Historic Preservation Preservation Architecture
Structural Engineer Nabih Youssef Associates
Lighting Designer Architecture & Light
Photographers Billy Hustace Photography
Marcy Wong