Building Designs

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On February 26, 2020, the Master Architects (SmithGroup) for the Community Civic Campus provided an update on the project and presented the update building design for the Library and Parks & Recreation and the Community Theater / Council Chamber buildings that included: project site plan and developing playground options,  an update on ADA parking, and continued development of the building architecture and the City Council Chamber. The project reached an important milestone as City Council supported the design development allowing the design team to proceed to the completion of construction documents, an important step necessary before a general contractor can be selected. 

The new Library and Parks & Recreation building is on a 6.5-acre site bounded by El Camino Real, Chestnut Avenue, and Antoinette Lane. The building is three-levels and located along El Camino Real. Approximately 1.3-acres are set aside for a park and will accommodate the completion of Centennial Trail. The project development includes approximately 220 parking spaces. The Library, Parks & Recreation, and Community Theater/Council Chamber Building portion of the project is expected to cost about $120 million.

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The Main Campus building design is an elegant, forward thinking civic presence for the City of South San Francisco.  The signature glass-enclosed three-level structure unifies three important program functions into a single building: Library, Parks & Recreation, and the City Council Chamber.    

At the February 26, 2020 City Council Meeting, the Project’s Architect SmithGroup, presented the continued design advancement of the exterior skin of the building. The presentation included explanation of how the clean and minimal façade of mullionless sheets of glass, is butt-glazed to provide a crisp modern solution. Through careful solar heat gain studies and analysis, ceramic frit in different intensities is employed on the glazing to control the effects of direct sunlight as well as views into the building and views out of the building.

The approximately 80,000 square foot building accommodates a larger Main Library, and expanded Parks & Recreation facility, and a dynamic City Council Chamber, that can also serve as a community performance venue. The design development of the City Council Chamber was also presented and reviewed. The combined program, with shared civic amenities, will create an inviting atmosphere for the City’s residents. The Campus will also include an approximately 1.3-acre public park that will be programmed for use by visitors of all ages. The project offers visitors an experience that is engaging and memorable. There will also be access improvements, including surface and structured parking, bicycle parking, and Centennial Trail to encourage a variety of transportation modes. 

The project’s design and character reinforce South San Francisco’s values of connectivity, transparency and inclusion. The honest expression of the building’s steel structure nods to its past, as "The Industrial City". The building’s airy, translucent facade reveals the building’s many opportunities for discovery, learning and play, and gives patrons beautiful views to Sign Hill and the San Bruno Mountains.  At the intersection of El Camino Real and Chestnut Avenue, the sculptural form revealed within the three-story glass enclosure, is an iconic presence, emphasizing the vision of South San Francisco’s future as a nexus of innovation.

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The outdoor park has an iconic nature in keeping with the building design. Different than anything available in South San Francisco, it will serve as many communities as possible, and include amenities for all ages and abilities.       

The design team has looked at a long-term plan to develop the site to include playground areas for children of different ages (playground areas highlight the varied needs for three age groups: 0-2 year old’s, 2-5 year old’s, and 5-12 year old’s). Two different playground approaches are currently being shared to the community for feedback. The best elements from each of the two design options will be combined to create one hybrid solution that will appeal to the broadest possible range of community residents. This final design uses Nature as an inspiration for the playground layout and aesthetic. The over-all park design features a large synthetic turf exercise and playing field, allowing for all types of unprogrammed play and fitness classes. The large plaza areas are directly connected to the building, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection. A special garden area will allow for quiet socializing among wildflowers and native grasses that attract pollinators and butterflies.

Additional program elements include pathways for strolling and enjoying the landscape, which will also connect key site and building access points. Seating areas and gentle earth berms will provide opportunities for relaxation, reading, and socializing. The park will also close the existing gap in the Centennial Way Trail, used for walking, biking and running. In addition to new surface/structured parking, there will be additional bicycle parking along with a future bike hub.

Because the park playground, synthetic turf, and pollinator garden are beyond the City’s budget, the City will pursue grants to fund these elements before and during the construction phase. These areas will be useable, accessible lawns and paved walkways until the play areas and garden can be funded and built. Approximately 1.3-acres are set aside for initial and future recreational development.

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On June 12, 2019, the Master Architects (SmithGroup) for the Community Civic Campus provided an update on the project and presented the schematic design for the Library and Parks & Recreation and the Community Theater / Council Chamber buildings that included: project site plan, multi-modal circulation and parking plan, building architecture and park design, as well as an update on the Police Station. The project reached an important milestone as City Council approved schematic design, allowing the design team to proceed into the next phase of design, the Design Development Phase.  

The new Library and Parks & Recreation building is on a 6.5-acre site bounded by El Camino Real, Chestnut Avenue, and Antoinette Lane. The building is three-levels and located along El Camino Real. Approximately 1.3-acres are set aside for a park and will accommodate the completion of Centennial Trail. The project development includes approximately 220 parking spaces. The Library, Parks & Recreation, and Community Theater/Council Chamber Building portion of the project is expected to cost about $120 million.

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The Main Campus building design is an elegant, forward thinking civic presence for the City of South San Francisco.  The signature glass-enclosed three-level structure unifies three important program functions into a single building: Library, Parks & Recreation, and the City Council Chamber.   

The approximately 80,000 square foot building accommodates a larger Main Library, and expanded Parks & Recreation facility, and a dynamic City Council Chamber, that can also serve as a community performance venue.  The combined program, with shared civic amenities, will create an inviting atmosphere for the City’s residents. The Campus will also include an approximately 1.3-acre public park that will be programmed for use by visitors of all ages. The project offers visitors an experience that is engaging and memorable. There will also be access improvements, including surface and structured parking, bicycle parking, and Centennial Trail to encourage a variety of transportation modes. 

The project’s design and character reinforce South San Francisco’s values of connectivity, transparency and inclusion. The honest expression of the building’s steel structure nods to its past, as "The Industrial City". The building’s airy, translucent facade reveals the building’s many opportunities for discovery, learning and play, and gives patrons beautiful views to Sign Hill and the San Bruno Mountains.  At the intersection of El Camino Real and Chestnut Avenue, the sculptural form revealed within the three-story glass enclosure, is an iconic presence, emphasizing the vision of South San Francisco’s future as a nexus of innovation.

High Resolution Image(JPG, 483KB)

The outdoor park has an iconic nature in keeping with the building design. Different than anything available in South San Francisco, it will serve as many communities as possible, and include amenities for all ages and abilities.    

The design team has looked at a long-term plan to develop the site to include playground areas for children of different ages (playground areas highlight the varied needs for three age groups: 0-2 year old’s, 2-5 year old’s, and 5-12 year old’s). The design features a large synthetic turf exercise and playing field, allowing for all types of unprogrammed play and fitness classes. The large plaza areas are directly connected to the building, reinforcing the indoor-outdoor connection. A special garden area will allow for quiet socializing among wildflowers and native grasses that attract pollinators and butterflies.

Additional program elements include pathways for strolling and enjoying the landscape, which will also connect key site and building access points. Seating areas and gentle earth berms will provide opportunities for relaxation, reading, and socializing. The park will also close the existing gap in the Centennial Way Trail, used for walking, biking and running. In addition to new surface/structured parking, there will be additional bicycle parking along with a future bike hub.

Because the park playground, synthetic turf, and pollinator garden are beyond the City’s budget, the City will pursue grants to fund these elements before and during the construction phase. These areas will be useable, accessible lawns and paved walkways until the play areas and garden can be funded and built. Approximately 1.3-acres are set aside for initial and future recreational development.

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On January 23, 2019, the Master Architects for the Community Civic Campus provided an update on the planning and design for the Measure W project to the South San Francisco community and City Council. The architects presented the Library and Parks & Recreation and the Community Theater / City Council Chambers buildings. The team shared a building footprint and size, internal plan development and significant room and space adjacencies. Also discussed was dedicated open space and transportation and parking at the site. City Council agreed to advance the police facility project so it could start construction as soon as possible. The new Fire Station, to be built at a later date, was also reviewed.

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The Civic Campus Center site is comprised of two projects. Phase One is the new Police Operations & 911 Dispatch Center and Phase Two is the new Library, Parks & Recreation and Community Theater / Council Chamber. Phase One is located at the site of the former Pet Club at the corner of Chestnut Avenue and Antoinette Lane. Phase Two is located at the vacant lot enclosed by El Camino Real, Chestnut Avenue, and Antoinette Lane.  

 The new Library and Parks & Recreation building sits on a 6.5-acre site. This new facility includes an 80,000 square foot building that will house a more extensive main Library and an expanded Parks & Recreation facility. The joint project builds a unique environment of sharing amenities and creates a one-stop-shop for visitors and families.  A secondary facility, the Community Theater and City Council Chamber, is approximately 5,000 square feet located at the corner of Chestnut Ave and El Camino Real. The project development will include about 220 parking spaces. One and one-half acres are set aside for open space and will accommodate the completion of Centennial Trail, pedestrian movement within the site, modest landscape, and other site improvements.

This portion of the project is expected to cost about $120 million.

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The new Library and Parks & Recreation Building is three stories tall. The exterior architectural aesthetic of this facility is still in very early development, but it will ultimately be a dynamic and vital civic presence for South San Francisco.     

The building takes advantage of a 25-foot grade change from El Camino Real across the site to Antoinette Lane. There are two main entry points into the building; one is into the lowest level at the center of the building from the park side, and the other is on the mid-point of the second level from the public sidewalk along El Camino Real. Both entrances will be ADA accessible.

The planning concept for the lowest level is dedicated to large events and gathering spaces to the east (to the right on the images), and structured parking on the west (to the left on the images). The most active spaces are located on the second level. The third level consists of a marketplace for popular library items, adult collections including reading areas and shared administrative offices.

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Level 1 is the lowest level and opens to the expansive open park area to the north. This park side “Events and Gathering” level is accessed through a generous lobby and is the area to host large gatherings and big events. Near the center of the building is a drop-off location for book returns, an information desk, a central stair, and elevators.

To the east of the lobby are the building’s two largest event spaces, the largest of which is 5,500 square feet. The other significant event space is 3,000 square feet. The most significant event space opens to a grand outdoor plaza to allow for pre-function or additional event space.  Both event spaces have kitchens, with the largest event space serving as a teaching kitchen. This first floor creates a very flexible environment to help meet the various needs of the public and the Parks & Recreation programs, such as fitness classes, fairs, and community meetings

Located near the centralized lobby with quick access to stairs and elevators are designated ADA parking spaces. Within the parking garage are ample long-term and short-term storage for the Library and Parks & Recreation departments. Adjacent to the lobby is space for a “Friends of the Library” Bookstore and library reserve pick-up.

An adequate floor-to-floor height at this level allows truck access (for pick-up and delivery) through the parking garage and high, generous ceilings for the large event spaces on the east end of this floor. Since the south wall of this level is below grade, a service corridor exists to support the back-of-house movement of supplies from the loading dock area to the three significant event spaces. 

At the far-east end of the site, at the El Camino Real and Chestnut Street intersection, a freestanding Community Theater / City Council Chamber will also be used for event space. This Community Theater has direct access to both the outdoor plaza and outdoor park side amenities.

The long north façade permits the major event spaces to spill out at the Parkside Promenade to allow both views and access to the open park areas, creating a very active and busy exterior campus environment.

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Level 2 was organized to house the most active and vibrant spaces that include activities such as children’s spaces and dance classes. This floor, referred to as the “Activity Hub,” is organized around a wide and generous central corridor that functions as a “Main Street” where patrons can wait, meet family and friends, or hang out. Main Street will also feature an art gallery and temporary exhibits.

The centrally located lobby, accessible at the El Camino Real street level, is located directly above the lower level lobby. This area will function as the “Town Square” with seating areas featuring park side views. At this spot, people can gather, meet up with family and friends, have a coffee and share the conversations of the day. An open stairway allows users to move quickly between floors and two elevators allow for access through the three-story facility. People can overlook the park side and Sign Hill at the terrace.

To the east of the lobby are a series of Parks & Recreation classrooms and dance rooms of various sizes. Closest to the lobby is a medium-sized classroom, approximately 1,600 square feet, which is home to art classes. This unique classroom is adjacent to an outdoor terrace that allows for teaching and creating art projects in an outdoor environment. There are a total of four various size classrooms plus two dance studios equipped with spring-loaded wood floors, wall mirrors, and stretch bars. At the far east end of this wing is a terrace that overlooks the park, the lower level outdoor plaza, and El Camino Real.

To the west of the lobby are library spaces and zones that support learning and discovery tailored towards children, as well as teens and young adults. These interior library areas have access to a secure outdoor reading area. Even if the library is closed, a “Discovery Center” featuring a multi-purpose program room, computer lab, and maker-space, can be accessed. The Discovery Center takes advantage of direct access to an outdoor terrace. A dedicated stairway is centrally located in this wing within the library to encourage users to go between the second and third floor library spaces.

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Level 3 is the top floor. It is primarily dedicated to library functions and will feature a bookstore/market place atmosphere. At the center of this floor is a large open area that functions as a lounge for reading, meeting up with friends, or pre-function space for events.

To the west overlooking the park is the “Market Exchange” that will resemble a bookstore retail experience, featuring kiosks that promote the latest new books and technologies. To the west is the core library area, which includes collections, reading areas with park side views, and collaboration spaces.

To the east of the central Market Place is a 5,000 gross square foot flex space that can be programmed, if needed, for large community meetings or it can serve as flexible space to expand library services. The eastern portion of this floor houses the building administrative functions for both the Library and the Parks & Recreation departments.

As on the other floors, a centralized Main Street is designed as both a circulation and organizing feature.

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To the north of the new Library and Parks & Recreation Building is recreational open space and surface parking.

To the east, one and one-half acres are set aside for initial and future recreational development. The area includes the connection and enhancement of Centennial Trail- a path used for walking, jogging, and biking. Also, pathways for strolling and enjoying the landscape will connect key site and building access points. Seating areas and gentle earth berms will provide opportunities for relaxation, reading, and spending time with friends.  Although the project currently anticipates funding for modest amenities in the outdoor space, the design team has looked at a long-term plan to maximize the site to include two unique playground areas for children of different ages, a large synthetic turf exercise and playing field, a future bike hub, and other site amenities based on available funding.  The location of the open area adjacent to the Parks & Recreation portion of the lowest level will help maximize opportunities for event spaces to capitalize on the generous outdoor open space.

Surface parking is to the west.  Vehicles will enter from Antoinette Lane and have access to the outdoor parking lot, access to the covered parking area within the Library and Parks & Recreation building, or patrons can drop-off or pick-up passengers at “Multi-Modal Row.” There is an overall goal of providing 220 total parking spaces. Additionally, bike racks will house 35 bicycles.

Parking management will be used to meet the many different types of parking needs, including ADA spaces, spaces for compact cars, short term parking, bicycles, scooters, and electric vehicles. Dedicated drop-off areas will allow for ride sharing. Short term loading areas will accommodate different transportation modes such as Uber and Lyft, kiss-and-go, pick-up and drop-off, temporary small truck deliveries, and shuttles. 

Walkways are located to manage pedestrian movement through the parking areas and lead users to the building’s centrally located lobby and Community Theater/City Council Chamber.

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The new Police Facility is located within the Community Civic Campus to the north of the Library and Parks & Recreation Building, and across Antoinette Lane. 

The architectural design of this facility is intended to complement the uniqueness of the Library and Parks & Recreation building and together create a significant civic presence for the City of South San Francisco.

This facility will include 43,300 square feet and provide South San Francisco with a new and modern building to house the expanding police department. The main building is two stories tall. A detached one-story building, located behind the main building, will house various police support and specialized training facilities. The site will include approximately 70 secure, covered parking spaces for police protection and privacy.

This portion of the project is expected to cost about $56 million.

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Level 1 of the main building will include spaces for patrol, records, criminal investigations, evidence processing and storage, building support, recreation administration, and a public lobby with an adjacent community room and public restrooms.

The free-standing one-story building includes a firing range, evidence storage, and other support spaces. 

Level 2 is for police administration, communications, 911 call center, investigations, locker room and training, offices, and meeting spaces.

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Although not within the Community Campus Center site, the new Fire Station, located at the corner of Arroyo Drive and Camaritas Avenue, is an essential component of the project. This third phase of Civic Campus project has been designed but will not be constructed. Timing of construction is still to be determined. Project is yet to be fully funded.  

This 8,800 square foot facility will provide South San Francisco with a new and modern Fire Station to serve the surrounding area. The building is one-story tall and is intended to complement the architectural design of the Library and Parks & Recreation building, and the Police Facility. The site will include parking for about 14 secure spaces.

Pending appropriate funding, this portion of the project is expected to cost about $15 million (in current dollars).

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The one-story station will include three extended apparatus bays, bay support spaces, station alerting, training areas, sleeping rooms, restrooms, dining, and living areas. ThisPhase Three of the Civic Campus project has been designed but will not be constructed. Timing of construction is still to be determined.Project is yet to be fully funded.

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On August 22, 2018, City Council unanimously approved the Concept Masterplan(PDF, 2MB)  for the new Community Civic Campus project.  Immediately following Council’s approval, the design team was directed to proceed with developing the schematic design of the new campus buildings.

Schematic design is the first design phase where design options are explored that illustrate the general scope, scale and relationship of project components.  Over the next four (4) months, the SmithGroup team will advance the design of the Library & Recreation Building, Police, and Fire Stations, as well as campus site.  Each building will be analyzed based on the technical aspects of the site, preferred spatial adjacencies, building circulation, building systems and material aesthetics.  The SmithGroup will present design options to obtain further input on stakeholder preferences. Once the design parameters are established, the team will advance the preferred scheme and develop the building geometry, site orientation, floor plans and building elevations. 

The City encourages you to stay involved in this exciting project and continue to visit this website for more updates.