Old San Francisco Mint to Become a Gorgeous Green Museum

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/renovation/">Adaptive reuse</a> of existing buildings is one of the best ways to produce a truly green building. The old US Mint in San Francisco had been sitting vacant since 1995, but is now <a href="http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&amp;upload_id=14372">finding new life</a> as a cultural hub for San Francisco thanks to a wonderful green renovation by <a href="http://hokrenew.com/2010/02/26/the-mint-project/">HOK</a>. This is an excellent development in the history of a building that survived the 1906 Great Earthquake. <a href="http://www.themintproject.org/our_bold_plan/index.html">The Mint</a> will serve as a major cultural center for San Francisco with mixed uses including a SF Bay Area history museum, an interactive learning center, a visitor information center, restaurants, retail, and a green roof garden.

Originally constructed in 1874, the San Francisco building was the second branch of the United States Mint. The building was designed by Alfred Mullet, who used a 'floating' foundation design which enabled the building to survive the earthquake, an approach which is still used to this day.

Existing <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/07/03/california-desert-home-uses-passive-ventilation-techniques/">passive ventilation</a> is not closed down -- instead, the renovations are designed to work with the existing building. The new glass roof over the courtyard does not seal off the courtyard, but rather serves to supplement the passive ventilation systems without completely closing in the building.

The roof garden and glazed courtyard roof of HOK's renovation of the old US Mint in San Francisco

Current photo of the old US Mint building in San Francisco

HOK's strategy preserves the building's existing details, rather than directly juxtaposing new construction with the existing building in ways that damage its historic character.

An exhibit concept for The Mint. a history museum for San Francisco will be part of the renovated building program.

Local history and community information will be part of the renovated building program.

San Francisco history will be a significant part of the new building program.

Building section diagram showing daylighting for US Mint building

Building section diagram showing ventilation for US Mint building

Building section diagram showing water use flows for US Mint renovation

Appearance of the original building while it was still in use by the US Mint

HOK model of the US Mint building in San Francisco