Projects

San Francisco Planning + Urban Research (SPUR) Urban Center
How do you create a modern building in a tight downtown San Francisco site within a tight construction budget?
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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.

Highlights

  • 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.
San Francisco Planning + Urban Research (SPUR) Urban Center

Team

San Francisco Planning + Urban Research (SPUR) Urban Center

René Vignos

Chief Operating Officer

San Francisco Planning + Urban Research (SPUR) Urban Center

Geoff Bomba

Director of Engineering Operations

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