An expansion to the original 1962 substation structure at Larkin Street, PG&E’s first net-zero switchgear building sets a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure in one of San Francisco’s most historic neighborhoods. This pioneering facility combines cutting-edge energy efficiency with architectural sensitivity, earning recognition for both design and environmental leadership.
The project features a 12,200-square-foot two-story addition, including one above-grade level and a basement housing electrical equipment, storage, and support spaces. It achieved Net-Zero Certification through the International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy Building Certification under the Living Building Challenge. Sustainable elements include rooftop solar panels and a green wall integrated into the urban fabric. The design has earned multiple awards, including the 2020 American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Francisco Merit Award for Architecture and the 2020 Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards Honorable Mention for Infrastructure.
Delivering this project required overcoming significant challenges. Working within the Uptown Tenderloin Historic District demanded careful coordination to preserve architectural integrity while introducing modern systems. Expanding a 1962 substation meant integrating with aging electrical infrastructure and meeting stringent utility standards. Utility connections posed a significant challenge, as threading the new lines through the City’s complex network of existing facilities required precise locating and creative solutions to avoid potential conflicts. Additionally, given the high-security nature of this facility, BKF coordinated closely with the security gate supplier to ensure that entry grades accommodated the new gate while complying with the City’s strict accessibility standards. The dense urban site added constraints for stormwater management, site fencing, and material staging. BKF provided comprehensive civil engineering services from concept through construction, including topographic and boundary surveys, stormwater planning, and utility coordination.
Photo courtesy of Mikiko Kuyama.
