The 4-story, 14,000 s.f. office building was designed for SPUR, a non-profit group specializing in research, analysis, public education, and advocacy to promote good planning and good government in San Francisco. The project includes an exhibit space on the ground floor, a 125-seat multi-purpose assembly hall, office, and meeting spaces. Customized Solution

• To meet the tight construction budget, Forell | Elsesser performed a schematic design of four structural options: heavy timber, structural steel, reinforced concrete, and reinforced masonry. Ultimately, the steel framing with a masonry wall option was selected as the least construction cost and best value alternative.
• Much of the framing and structural elements remain exposed for a clean architectural look. The project includes several sustainable features throughout the design such as natural light, recycled building materials, and operable windows.
• Forell | Elsesser donated a portion of the structural engineering design fee towards the project to assist with the non-profit’s ability to meet its limited budget.

• Architect: Pfau Long Architecture
• Owner: San Francisco Planning & Research Association
• Steel-framed with CMU walls in one direction and braced frames in the other
• Four structural schemes were considered during design to determine the best value alternative.