Hart Wright Architects recently completed a commercial facade remodel project in the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. The building sits on the corner of Sacramento Street and Presidio Avenue, formerly it housed a bank and was in need of a serious upgrade. Now it has a new retailer and the improved facade is an asset to this upscale neighborhood.

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The previous tenant was a bank and the existing design was specific to that bank’s corporate brand, not the surrounding neighborhood. The concept of the remodel was to replace the old stucco with wood paneling that would anchor and unify the various windows and other facade elements. The existing slate shingle roof was the one finish in great shape that did not need replacing, instead, it informed the color scheme other quality elements for the facade. The wood panels were carefully laid out; at the top is the frieze with uniquely sized trim elements, then there is the entablature which works as a framed area for the retailer’s sign. Below that ,windows and the entry are framed in similar trim elements. The corner is given some heft with a vertical pilaster that goes up to the frieze. At the base, we replaced the stucco and capped it off with a water table. The new glass storefront has new lighting and detail designed to welcome the visitor. This facade remodel fits into the neighborhood more elegantly now and with this new retailer serves as an asset to the community.

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Facade before

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