ARP_Bruce Damonte_ (3)

Arion Press

A New Chapter

Jensen Architects reimagined a former ceramics studio at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, transforming it into a new home for the legendary Arion Press. Updated for the 21st Century, the modernized space connects its artisanal heritage with a vibrant cultural future.

Making the Invisible Visible

After decades in an all but hidden industrial building in San Francisco’s Presidio, the 50 year old Arion Press joins the thriving arts campus at Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, emphatically re-announcing itself to the arts & craft community and welcoming a wider audience.  Added floor-to-ceiling windows flood the 1912 warehouse with natural light, providing passersby with glimpses of the vintage machines and art books within the press room and gallery spaces.

20241019_ArionPress-Batch2-MorganEllis-10
FMC Bldg B Exterior Significance Diagram_2016 P&T Page 001
FMC West 8 Exterior- Perspective JA w ARP marker
ARP_Bruce Damonte_ (2)

Less is More

Adhering to a stripped back and minimalist approach, we used a combination of readily available materials to create a gradient of levels of finish that mirror the activities in the foundry, press room, bindery, gallery, and offices. The design is as utilitarian and straight-forward as possible, allowing Arion’s own unique furniture and equipment to be celebrated and showcased.

ARP_Bruce Damonte_ (7)
Picture3
IMG_4361
ARP_Bruce Damonte_ (4)

Equipment Orchestra

Optimizing its new and compact footprint, JENSEN’s design aimed to be efficient and effective, while overlaying newer, more modernized ways of working. We worked closely with Arion Press’ skilled craftspeople to learn the details of their rare craft. We strategically located their furniture and equipment, striking a balance between internal operations and public showcase.

240903 ARPR-FMC Presentation Plan
Arion Press | Literary Dinner
IMG_4363
ARP_Bruce Damonte_ (11)

Lifting the Veil

The design brings the magic of bookmaking closer to the public with a gallery and more robust bookshop, both visible through the new storefront windows. The reimagined layout allows Arion Press to thrive while breathing life into a vision of inclusivity, where the love of books and printmaking can be shared widely.

ARP_Bruce Damonte_ (15)
ARP_Bruce Damonte_ (9)
20241019_ArionPress-Batch2-MorganEllis-27
Type
Adaptive Reuse
Client
Arion Press

Awards

2026 AIA San Francisco, Design Award
2025 SARA California, Merit Award

Architects

Project Leads
Mark Jensen
Lauren Harrison
Project Team
Melissa DeLacy
Megan Freeman

Consultants

MEP
MHC Engineers
Acoustics
Salter
Signage & Graphics
Jennifer Morla

Contractor

Johnstone McAuliffe Construction

Photographer

Bruce Damonte

Related Work

Fort Mason Center

Fort Mason Center Gallery 308

Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion

IDEO Lion Building
Back to Work
See our Office