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Gelfand Partners Architects

Gelfand Partners Architects

San Francisco, CA

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Historic building converted to housing for veterans.
Historic building converted to housing for veterans.
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Veterans Commons

A supportive housing community for 76 chronically homeless veterans with disabilities. The building, a national historic landmark built as a juvenile court and detention facility, was made available for adaptive reuse by affordable housing developers. This change of use triggered complete structural and systems upgrades and new circulation and fire life safety upgrades. The design capitalizes on the narrow floor plate to create light filled corridors and generous studio units. The new elevator bank added beyond the building envelope buttresses the building against seismic forces. Material and color choices emphasize permanence, comfort, and a residential atmosphere.

 
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Status: Built
Location: San Francisco, CA, US
Firm Role: Architect of Record
Additional Credits: Lisa Gelfand, FAIA, LEED AP - Principal in Charge
James Fagler, AIA - Project Manager
Kate Voshell, AIA, LEED GA - Project Architect
Multiplicity Design - Interiors
Carey & Company - Preservation Architect
Tennebaum-Manheim Engineers - Structural
Tommy Siu & Associates - Mechanical, Plumbing
FW Associates - Electrical, Fire Alarm
Cahill Contractors - General Contractor
Mark Luthringer - Photography

Swords to Plowshares - Owner
Chinatown Community Development Center - Developer

 
Studio apartment with large windows, radiant heat panel
Studio apartment with large windows, radiant heat panel
Reception area with custom perforated paneling
Reception area with custom perforated paneling
New community room
New community room
Storefront inserted inside historic wall creates a porch.
Storefront inserted inside historic wall creates a porch.
New deck outside historic wall and porch
New deck outside historic wall and porch
New elevator tower butresses building against earthquakes.
New elevator tower butresses building against earthquakes.