Gene Friend Recreation Center Opens in SoMa
The new 24,000 square-foot building features expanded space and outdoor access on Harriet Street.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Painting
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Residents in SoMa now have access to a significantly expanded Gene Friend Recreation Center that opened this past summer. The 24,000 square-foot facility replaces a former concrete masonry building and increases usable space by 50 percent.
Why it matters
Commissioned by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, the new center provides a modern hub for the South of Market neighborhood. It balances indoor recreation with outdoor features like a garden walk and picnic area.
The new facility spans 24,000 square feet, which represents a 50 percent increase in available space compared to the previous structure. The total impact on neighborhood program capacity remains to be seen as the center continues its first year of operation.
The players
San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
The city agency responsible for commissioning and overseeing the development of local recreation facilities.
Cece Carpio
The artist who created the mural featured inside the new community building.
Mark Cavagnero Associates
One of the architectural firms that designed the new Gene Friend Recreation Center.
Kuth Ranieri Architects
One of the architectural firms that designed the new Gene Friend Recreation Center.
The details
Designed by Mark Cavagnero Associates and Kuth Ranieri Architects, the facility features a louver system to filter natural light and yellow accents throughout the interior. A gym-floor medallion from the old building was salvaged for the new space, which also showcases a mural by artist Cece Carpio. The park design includes a wraparound fence that keeps the outdoor areas accessible even when the main building is closed.
Timeline
Summer 2026: Public art program and building opened to the public.
Across the Bay
This project follows the pattern of modernization set by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department's Capital Improvement Plan. It replaces an outdated concrete structure with a design that emphasizes expanded communal space and outdoor connectivity.
You can now access the playground, garden walk, and picnic area on Harriet Street even when the gym is closed thanks to the new fence design. The facility is fully open for use following its launch this past summer.
The takeaway
The center offers a glimpse into how thoughtful design can integrate public art, such as the Cece Carpio mural, into neighborhood infrastructure. Check the center's current programming to see how the new 50 percent larger footprint is being utilized for community activities.
Further reading
For more coverage of local creative and community-focused public art, visit Painting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Architect’s Newspaper.
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Do you believe the recent upgrades to your local recreation centers prioritize the needs of residents?
