The Pioneer Building at 3180 18th Street had humble beginnings as a trunk (luggage) factory. Redeveloped for office use in the 80s, this impressive building is now home to some of the Bay Area’s most innovative companies, bridging the industrial past and the high-tech future.
Now, the historic structure in San Francisco’s Mission District is undergoing wood window repair to revive its beauty. In this historic restoration project, Rainbow is repairing and replacing the wood windows and wood frame structures and restoring the wood cladding. Additionally, the entire facade will be repainted. The result will ensure that the Pioneer Building remains a part of our unique architectural landscape.
The Evolution of the Pioneer Building
Standing three stories high, the 37,000-square-foot Pioneer Building was designed by Thomas Welsh and constructed in 1902. Its ornate Italianate style made it one of the few factories featuring detailed architectural expression and constructed entirely of wood. Indeed, the Pioneer Building is reminiscent of the historic buildings found in the Italian Countryside.
For many years, the iconic building was home to the Pioneer Trunk Factory before being rehabilitated for commercial use to accommodate the needs of San Francisco’s evolving economy.
But while the inner workings of the building have changed, preserving its distinctive exterior has remained a priority; the National Register of Historic Places listed the Pioneer Building in 1987, citing it as a rare example of factory structure (wood) and exquisite Italianate detail. Although deterioration is expected on a wood-clad building, its current condition is impressive—a testament to the quality of old-growth redwood that was bountiful in the Bay Area at the turn of the 20th century.
Still, time takes its toll. And with the windows being a natural part of the charm of the Italianate architecture, and critical to the expression of the style, it’s vital to keep the windows in top condition.
Wood Window Repair in San Francisco
The current wood window repair and restoration work is critical for preserving the design elements that make the Pioneer Building so special. Drawing on years of expertise in historic building restoration services, Rainbow is managing the window rehabilitation and exterior painting for this project.
To begin, we thoroughly evaluated the façade to determine the condition of the existing windows and precise requirements for the wood window repairs. The restoration will include a broad scope of work that includes applying a patching compound, filling in and repairing areas of minor decay, and, where necessary, replacing pieces of siding and window frame and sash features to match or complement the existing historic fabric.. Once the wood repairs are completed, Rainbow will paint the entire façade of the building.
Windows of Opportunity
Rainbow’s restoration and wood window repair of San Francisco’s Pioneer Building is being led by project manager Ryan Browne, superintendent Jose Barreras; and foreman Enrique Navarro. However, it would not be possible without the partnerships we have formed for this project with Cushman & Wakefield (property manager), Color Studio, Inc. (color consultant), and Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (architect/consultant).
Windows are an essential part of a building’s functionality, affecting everything from energy efficiency to the experiences of its occupants. However, window maintenance and repair in historic buildings can present unique challenges, as the window materials, colors, and overall look must remain true to the original aesthetic of the architecture. As such, any inspections and repairs should be performed by specialists who understand how to integrate the best of the old and the new.
Rainbow appreciates the opportunity to be a part of restoration projects like this and dedicate our expertise to ensuring the Bay Area’s historic buildings are preserved. We look forward to seeing the revival of the Pioneer Building over the coming months and enjoying this architectural gem for years to come.
Rainbow has the experience and expertise needed to make your Bay Area building commercial or historic restoration projects a success. Reach out to the Rainbow team today.
The Rainbow Team is Northern California’s most trusted waterproofing and restoration company. We have the craftsmanship and expertise to handle any commercial or historic building envelope, masonry, or waterproofing project in the San Francisco Bay Area.
