The centerpiece of the transformation is a new glazed atrium courtyard carved from the former warehouse floor plate and topped with an operable glass roof. Designed to bring daylight, natural ventilation, and activity into the center of the building, the atrium serves as a shared gathering space surrounded by flexible studio, workshop, and office environments connected through operable roll-up doors. Along 16th Street, the historic Art Deco facade was carefully restored and retained as part of the redevelopment.
RDH was retained by Pfau Long Architecture to provide Building Enclosure Consulting services for the adaptive reuse project. During the early stages of design, RDH conducted a condition assessment of the existing roof assembly, including water testing and infrared thermography to identify areas of moisture intrusion. The infrared survey revealed thermal anomalies consistent with elevated moisture content in multiple roof areas, helping define the scope of roof replacement work and informing enclosure detailing for new skylights and waterproofed roof deck assemblies.
Throughout design and construction, RDH provided enclosure consulting services, supporting the integration of new and existing building systems, reviewing critical enclosure details, and conducting field reviews during construction. Restoration and modernization efforts included new roofing and skylights, repairs to existing windows and exterior concrete walls, and installation of new waterproofing systems to support the building’s long-term performance.
Completed in 2017, the project received a 2020 AIA San Francisco Architecture Citation Award. The jury recognized the design for transforming the former industrial facility through the insertion of a glazed courtyard that brings new life and functionality to the center of the complex while respecting the character of the original building.
