Comprehensive seismic rehabilitation and modernization of the San Francisco War Memorial Veterans Building, transforming the 230,000 SF Beaux-Arts landmark into a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable civic facility. Constructed in 1920 and part of the National Register of Historic Places, the building houses the Herbst Theatre, San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery, and multiple veterans’ organizations.

The project combined full seismic strengthening with preservation precision, employing pivoting shear walls, FRP reinforcement, and new foundations to meet current codes while maintaining the building’s ornate interiors. Advanced MEP systems and ADA upgrades were carefully integrated to support modern performance and operational needs. Pankow implemented digital cataloging and climate-controlled storage for hundreds of historic elements, ensuring accurate restoration of fixtures, finishes, and Brangwyn murals valued in the millions.

Executed through a CMAR delivery model, the project relied on preconstruction partnering and meticulous sequencing to maintain operations in the surrounding Civic Center District. Achieving LEED® Gold certification, the renovation balanced sustainability, performance, and preservation to create a revitalized civic icon that continues to serve as one of San Francisco’s most significant cultural and architectural landmarks.

Preserving History with Modern Precision

Originally constructed in 1920 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the San Francisco War Memorial Veterans Building required a sensitive approach that combined seismic strengthening, systems modernization, and rigorous preservation. As part of the City’s stewardship of the Civic Center Historic District, Pankow led a 230,000 SF transformation that brought the facility into compliance with modern performance standards while maintaining its architectural and cultural integrity.

The project encompassed seismic rehabilitation, full MEP modernization, ADA improvements, and the restoration of the 916-seat Herbst Theatre and San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery. Working in close coordination with San Francisco Public Works, the Arts Commission, and preservation architects, Pankow executed a full voluntary seismic upgrade using pivoting shear walls, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement, and new mat foundations, all designed to strengthen the building without disturbing its ornate historic finishes.

To protect and restore irreplaceable artifacts such as the world-renowned Frank Brangwyn murals, over 900 historic light fixtures, and intricate casework and stonework, Pankow developed a barcode-based digital tracking system for cataloging and storage. Each item was carefully wrapped, climate-controlled, and returned to its exact position after construction. This meticulous process allowed the team to safeguard priceless features while integrating modern systems within the original structure.

Delivered under a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract, the project emphasized early partnering, Lean coordination, and adaptive phasing to minimize disruption within the active Civic Center District. The restored War Memorial now serves as both a modern performance venue and a civic landmark, honoring its historic legacy while meeting the demands of contemporary arts and community programs.