BCV Architects’ adaptive reuse of The Cannery is a fresh take on one of America’s first adaptive reuse projects from the 60’s. Originally built in 1907 as a peach cannery for Del Monte on San Francisco’s north waterfront, the building was famously reinvented in 1967 by noted architect Joseph Esherick as a vertical retail experience with European inspired walkways and loggias.  Over the years, the industrial area around the Cannery was developed and the pedestrian patterns have shifted along with retailing strategies. 

BCV was engaged to re-envision the complex – to add a new layer to the site’s rich history and bring it into the twenty-first century. The basic premise of the approach was to create a new main entrance to the project at the internal, pedestrian Cannery Walk.  The plans include a completely redesigned public space and west elevation. Notably, the 1967 design in Cannery Walk will be restored and celebrated, thus making clear the rich history of the building.