Building Lobbies
445 Bush Street
San Francisco, California

This historic 1906 high-rise had a lobby raised off street level, and as a result did not meet ADA requirements. There was no room for a ramp, or a wheelchair lift, so the solution was to lower the lobby floor to street level, and in the process turn it into a modern, but contextually respectful space. The tired pink granite walls and flooring were removed back to the brick bearing walls, which were then left exposed. Patterned stone flooring and book-matched marble wall panels, both rather traditional materials, were incorporated with modern detailing to create a new but classic interior. Because of the historic aspect of the building we were allowed to retain the open elevator cages and the staircase was restored and opened up to make the vertical circulation system a sculpture in its own right. Modern signage and a dramatic reception desk, built by our fabrication shop, contrast nicely with older materials of brick and steel I-beams.

Client: Levin, Menzies, Kelly
Project Lead: Ben Frombegen
Contractor: Plant Construction