The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary the Virgin is a listed landmark within the City of San Francisco. This project involved a reconstruction of their Parish Hall; renovation of the classroom and administration building; improvements to the Sanctuary; and seismic and system upgrades throughout the property. The design effectively reconfigured two-thirds of the interior spaces while preserving the Church's historic character.

Lillian Mitchell worked as project manager on this project with Frank, Goring and Straja Architects.

Work in this historic sanctuary was limited to lighting and life safety upgrades, and replacement of the existing cork flooring. Lighting was placed to highlight and illuminate this simple yet rich space. Great care was taken not to intrude visually with the new fire sprinklers and other life safety improvements.

Lively and flexible classrooms were added at the ground floor level of the new Parish Hall addition. The classrooms have retractable walls so that they can be reconfigured as larger or smaller rooms as needs change. Each classroom opens directly to a protected courtyard and garden, so that the children have access to outdoor play space.

Detailing in the new Parish Hall, as at this bench in the foyer, was inspired by detailing in the historic sanctuary.

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