The bold plans for an all-new United Irish Cultural Center to rise up to 96 feet in height on the site of the existing 35-foot-tall Center at 2700 45th Avenue, between Wawona Street and Sloat Boulevard in the Outer Sunset, have been submitted to Planning.

As designed by Studio BANAA, the modern 125,000-square-foot building would be topped by a sixth floor restaurant and cocktail lounge, both of which would open to a rooftop deck and garden with ocean views.

The conceptual plans for the floors below include library, museum, gallery, classroom and shoppe spaces; a two-level banquet hall and event space; a member’s only aquatic center and gym; office and administrative space for the UICC and Irish Immigration Pastoral Center; a basement garage for 31 cars; and a ground floor pub.

The projected budget for the new building is currently around $60 million, which would need to be raised or contributed.  And yes, the Center was rendered with a placeholder for the proposed redevelopment of the Sloat Garden Center parcel across the street.

34 thoughts on “Bold Plans for an All-New United Irish Cultural Center”
  1. Shazam! This certainly would become an icon of the outer sunset. I’m skeptical it gets funded though to build this vision.

    1. I’m sure Bernie Curran (his father, Bernie Sr was an original member of ICC) raised enough money in DBI bribes to fund this. It’s nice that SF DBI will have a new headquarters! Not one bit of housing, affordable or otherwise!

  2. I give this project a 20% chance of ever getting built. Especially with the $60 million that needs to be raised and contributed.

  3. A nice pool and gym? A theater for live music? A museum AND a rooftop bar? What’s not to like? I’m excited about this project!

  4. This building makes me jealous of the Irish community. Innovative, with a sleek looking design, and packed with amenities. A great addition to the SF skyline. Hope it gets built.

  5. The United Irish Cultural Center has been in existence since the mid 1970’s. This will be a wonderful building for the next generation to enjoy. This is for the entire community not just the Irish; all are welcomed! Wawona Gates has been a godsend to all during COVID. I’m at Wawona Gates every weekend to enjoy festivities! Music, food, drinks! I highly recommend this place!

  6. This is the best news I’ve heard in a longtime – for this side of the city. Absolutely would love to see this amazing ambitious project built. If anyone can build it the Irish can! They built this city and most every other city in the USA. Fair play – what a bold vision legacy developed by the Irish Center and all their supporters. What a vision for the future. Beautiful. Good luck to you all!

  7. This is such inspirational design. It captures the culture and history of old world Ireland with a modern yet functional building that will be another San Francisco iconic architectural gem serving the community.

  8. Beautiful building supported by the Mayor of SF London Breed, State elected officials and many more. This will get built and the entire community is welcomed! Wawona Gates has served the public well during COVID. Let’s help build this !

  9. What a tremendous legacy to leave for our next generations and our city! So excited about this vision – soon to be a Must see destination for neighbors, family and visitors. Love the concept of merging our existing center with the much needed upgrades the new Center will provide. There is such a positive energy surrounding this project. Just what we need.

  10. Heh, looks like this article’s been linked from some booster site. Not that I disagree, but it’s funny to see the normally-cynical comments get flooded with optimism. I do want to see it happen, though!

  11. Wow! The Irish Center has been such a special place for my family. The current building is very dated so this is much needed!

  12. Thankfully it will be built far away on the western edge of the city deep in the fog with a tsunami horn on the roof and the call of the wild across the street. not even the UBER drivers venture out that far. Good Luck!!!

  13. This looks just like the building on Van Ness across from the symphony hall. Not sure it would blend in, in the Outer Sunset. It’s huge!!

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