San Francisco’s Tenderloin area is one of the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods. And while most of its residents live below the poverty line, with no access to backyards or green space, they do have a Boeddeker Park, a recently redeveloped public space whose features include a clubhouse clad with zinc tiles fabricated from material by RHEINZINK America Inc., Woburn, MA.
The Trust for Public Land, a national non-profit organization headquartered in San Francisco, in close partnership with the City’s Recreation and Parks Department, teamed with WRNS Studio to redesign and completely rebuild Boeddeker Park and clubhouse to meet the needs of the community.
According to WRNS Studio partner Brian Milman, “This kind of project doesn’t come along very often in historic urban neighborhoods that have a great need for open space. It’s just a wonderful opportunity to make something better.”
Clad with RHEINZINK 1.0mm prePATINA graphite-grey Flat Lock Tiles in façade and steep slope roof applications, the 4,000 sq. ft. clubhouse is the architectural jewel of this urban oasis. In addition to administrative offices, the clubhouse features multi-purpose rooms and bathrooms. An additional 600 sq. ft. of RHEINZINK 0.8mm Double Lock Standing Seam panels were utilized in coping and specific roof applications.
Updated amenities of the park include children’s play structures, basketball courts, outdoor adult fitness equipment and open areas for gathering and socializing.
Installation of the architectural panels was completed by Pioneer Contracting Inc. of San Francisco. This was Pioneer’s first experience with RHEINZINK, according to project manager William Chiu. “At first, the installation seemed challenging because of the complex detailing and flashing,” Chiu said. “But the job actually went pretty quick and easy for our installers. The preparation was harder than the installation.”
According to Chiu, RHEINZINK America’s regional sales manager, Gary McKee, played a key role in the success of the installation. “Gary was extremely helpful with technical support and in meetings with our crew, the architect and the owners,” Chiu said.
The RHEINZINK panels were fabricated by MetalTech–USA, Peachtree City, GA, and sold through Griggs Systems, Inc., San Mateo, CA.