Portsmouth Square Garage

San Francisco, California
2014 - 2020
233,000 sf

The 4-story parking garage at Portsmouth Square Plaza in San Francisco's Chinatown underwent a comprehensive renovation, the first since construction in 1961.  The public garage provides convenient 24/7 access for businesses and tourists to Chinatown, North Beach, and the Financial District and sits below a city park, often referred to as Chinatown's 'living room'.  The non-profit corporation that manages the garage regularly supports local events and organizations through its Community Fund.  The renovation will preserve the garage as a community resource for future generations.

Improvements include new administrative offices, valet office and staff break room; upgrades to mechanical, plumbing, lighting and fire protection systems; installation of a fire alarm system and modern traffic control equipment; general building repairs and refurbishment; and enhancements for safety and security.

Exterior exit stairs are newly enclosed in structures, modern gazebos clad in steel lattice for maximum visibility through to the park or surrounding urban environment.  The custom cut screens cast striking shadows into the stairwells and onto adjacent sidewalks, adding an element to the design that is never the same hour to hour, day to day.  The repetitive screen motif was influenced by the rich patterns seen throughout Chinatown.

architect: BMA; structural engineer: Degenkolb Engineers; MEP engineer: MHC Engineers, Inc.; lighting design: Tucci Lighting Design; photography: Jason Henry, BMA