New plans have been filed to create a temporary public library branch at 950 Grant Avenue in San Francisco’s Chinatown. The facility will operate while the city pursues renovations of the Him Mark Lai Library Branch. The city’s Real Estate Division is listed as responsible for the application.
The city’s plans for the Him Mark Lai Library at 1135 Powell Street include interior circulation improvements to amend a 1995 renovation and upgrade the mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems. The structure is one of seven Carnegie libraries built in San Francisco in the early twentieth century. The Italian Renaissance design was completed by G. Albert Lansburgh in 1921.
950 Grant Avenue proposed alterations, image via the San Francisco Planning Department
The city received nearly $8 million to renovate the Chinatown Library, alongside over $5 million for the Mission Branch from the California State Library Building Forward initiative in 2022. Renovations started on the latter location last year. The estimated starting date for the Chinatown Branch is not specified, though previous public meeting presentations show the city hoped to secure the contractor by summer this year.
The city’s Real Estate Division has yet to reply to a request for comment from YIMBY. Once renovation starts, the historic structure will be closed for approximately 30 months, or two and a half years.
The Conditional Use Authorization application specifies that the city wants to pursue minimal changes to the former retail space. Alteration plans for the site show new power outlets and a sink will be installed.
Him Mark Lai Library Branch proposed reading room, illustration by SF Public Works
950 Grant Avenue full structure, image via Google Street View
The property is located along Grant Avenue between Jackson Street and Washington Street. The site is just a block and a half from the Portsmouth Square Plaza. The site is two blocks east of the Him Mark Lai Branch on Powell.
JQ Properties LP is listed as the property owner.
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