Originally designed by Julia Morgan and Dorothy Wormser in 1922 for Emanu-el Sisterhood Jewish women’s group, this four-story building provided services to European immigrants needing shelter, community, and job training. The building remained a residence for Jewish women until 1969 when the San Francisco Zen Center purchased the property for use as an educational center and residence for students studying Buddhist practice.

The renovation was a challenging project focusing on protecting the historic fabric of the building while providing upgrades to the building systems, common spaces, and accessibility up to modern standards. In addition to replacing obsolete infrastructure, major improvements were made to the building’s use.

The signature new feature was the creation of a 1,350-square-foot Welcome Center, including a reception space, offices, and bookstore.

Additional features include:

• Major structural repairs to damaged concrete columns and beams
• Installation of new fire alarm, security and low voltage systems
• A new mechanical system at the basement level
• Replacement of all below grade waste piping
• Installation of a new elevator to improve access to all floors
• Construction of a new wheelchair ramp from Page Street and a wheelchair lift on the Laguna Street level
• Replacement of antiquated communal bathrooms with bathrooms for individual use on the residential floors
• Improving accessibility of public bathrooms on the basement and 1st floor levels
• Finish upgrades throughout the building
• Construction of six new hotel rooms

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Photography: Janet Delaney