San Francisco Symphony Proposes Davies Symphony Hall Renovation

The Symphony is going ahead with its proposal plan to expand the space of its home venue

The San Francisco Symphony (SFS) is moving forward with its plans for a full refurbishment of Davies Symphony Hall. To be presented this week to city planners, the renovation proposal, designed by Mark Cavagnero Associates, details an expansion of Davies Symphony Hall’s ground floor and the addition of a recital hall above the building’s southeast corner.

The smaller recital hall aims to feature chamber groups and performers whose shows do not require a full-scale concert hall. The park nearby would feature free concerts; plus, a large “media wall” would accompany the outdoor space to allow concerts to be broadcast to the public.

The SFS is also aiming to tap into the surrounding commercial district by replacing a parking lot with a new wing featuring a restaurant and event spaces. The expansion of the venue is predicted to cost at least $100 million.

As reported in the San Francisco Chronicle, this announcement comes as SFS is facing a $12.5 million budget deficit and the decision of its music director Esa-Pekka Salonen to not renew his five-year contract. 

The SFS filed the initial proposal for a full renovation of Davies Hall in September 2023. Before any decisions are approved, the proposal plans will be shared at an informational presentation to the Historic Preservation Commission on August 21 at City Hall. 

“In the future, we will expand the range of programming and educational initiatives the Symphony can offer,” said SFS CEO Matthew Spivey in the SF Chronicle. “[The priority now] is to stabilize the organization financially and support our artistic output before embarking on a campaign to support any future renovation projects.”

“Everything we are doing is with an eye towards ensuring that we remain an integral part of our (city’s) cultural landscape for generations to come,” added SFS board of governor’s chair Priscilla Geeslin.