Synopsis:

The vacant U.S. Mint in San Francisco is ready to go green once again. A green renovation is currently being planned for the building by HOK. Built in 1874 and vacant since 1995, the structure will be converted into a cultural hub that will include a San Francisco Bay Area history museum, an interactive learning center, a visitor information center, restaurants, retail, and a green roof garden.

The building significant amounts of space along with a sense of security. It survived the 1906 Great Earthquake thanks to the floating foundation design that Alfred Mullet had incorporated – a design that is still used today.

A number of green features are being planned for the adaptive reuse project: passive ventilation will remain in the original design, a courtyard will act as a rainwater catchment area, take advantage of natural sunlight and building’s high thermal mass. The project team for The Mint plans to earn LEED Platinum certification.