2003 California Preservation Foundation Design
Award - Old Engine Co. No. 2, San Francisco, CA
Category: Rehabilitation & Adaptive Reuse

Old Engine Co. No. 2, designed by Newton J. Tharp and constructed in 1908, was the first firehouse to be rebuilt in the downtown district after the earthquake and fire of 1906. The building's Beaux Arts design reflects the importance of the firehouse as a symbol of the city's commitment to fire prevention. The project included the removal of features added between 1970 and 1999, when the building was used as a bank and a art gallery. Work Involved seismic upgrades and repairing the facade stonework. Original windows were uncovered and repaired, and the original entry doors were re-discovered. A historic fire pole was located and installed. Ceiling and wall plaster was restored to match existing original plaster. historic componetssuch as ferrous metal eye hooks and gas light outlets were left in situ, and mezzanine was re-built, based on the drwings and remaining scar trace.