Located at the corner of 19th Street and Broadway, the revitalization of the Tapscott is part of a larger program, including an adjacent pedestrian plaza, basement parking, and residential highrise, to redevelop a long neglected stretch of Broadway. Named after prominent East Bay Developer Ernest N. Tapscott, the four-story, L-shaped steel and concrete structure was originally built in the early 1920s as an office and retail building, subsequently serving diverse uses during its lifetime, including a theater and even a morgue.
The building’s core and shell rehabilitation encompassed a seismic upgrade, new utility and HVAC systems, and upgrades to meet current codes. In addition to 5,000 sf of Broadway-facing retail and 34,000 sf of office space, the project features a new 5,000 sf 5th floor penthouse office space with a 2,300 sf roof deck with views of the nearby Fox and Paramount theaters. The penthouse addition required careful evaluation of building loads, given its location directly above the 19th St Bart station. Micro-piles have been added to a depth of 60' below grade.
Existing interior partitions and ceilings were removed to create an open canvas for incoming tenants. Outside, the building’s brick and terra cotta exterior, Beaux Arts parapet, spandrels and cornice — including historic exterior advertising signage — have been restored.
