Client: City and County of San Francisco

Architect: Thomas Hacker Architects, Inc. and Karen Payson Architecture + Design

This 1938 California Mission Revival style building sets the design tone for the historic renovation, seismic retrofit, expansion and remodel of the West Portal Branch of the San Francisco Public Library. The team's specific design objectives were to visually and physically reintegrate the library with the urban context and restore the prominence of the site within the neighborhood. The proposed entry courtyard, used by both library patrons and the local community, emphasizes spatial containment with low seat walls reinforced by new plant material and linked throughout by special hardscape paving. Two specimen palm trees vertically define the boundaries of the courtyard and a sculptural water feature provides a key focal point to the space. Other proposed site improvements include upgrading entry circulation, adding stroller and bicycle parking and providing barrier free access.