San Francisco’s First LEED Registered Office Building

The new owner of the 543 Howard Street building, a 1920’s warehouse, wanted to give new life and an new purpose to the building.  The project converted the underutilized building into a mix of uses, of office and non-office space, attractive to fast growth technology firms, while retaining the building’s character.  Comprehensive upgrades were needed to meet current codes and tenant needs.  Additional stories were planned to further optimize land use in the high priced real estate of downtown San Francisco.

The addition of two stories onto the existing structure provides 50% more tenant space.  KTA retained the building’s original concrete façade and designed the two new levels sympathetic to the building’s character.  The resulting structure has a height and mass that blends well with the neighboring structures.  KTA designed a new building core, stairways, restrooms, elevators and lobbies.

Use of the existing maple wood floors and exposed concrete beams and columns meets the goal of maximum materials reuse while preserving the space’s natural beauty. Recycled heavy timbers and flooring, non-toxic finishes and materials with high-recycled content further enhance the original architectural character in an environmentally friendly manner. Energy conscious features, passive solar design, sun shading, clean energy emergency generators have been incorporated in the design.

A large operable skylight provides daylight and fresh air to office interiors. Access to the building’s large rooftop provides an open, sunny area with views of San Francisco.

Seismic and ADA upgrades are to be complete along with structural reinforcement and the addition of full fire prevention, electrical, and energy efficient mechanical ventilation systems.

• Status : Complete
• Client : Gordon Development
• Location : 543 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA