Commission approves La Scuola expansion at St. Charles site with conditions

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on July 19 approved a certificate of appropriateness for La Scuola International School's proposed expansion at 3250–3270 Eighteenth Street, which involves merging lots, removing three portable classrooms and constructing a new four‑story, 20,370‑square‑foot building adjacent to the landmarked Saint Charles School building.

Monica Giacamucci (planning staff) said the project was revised since an earlier Architectural Review Committee review and no longer includes a footbridge or a north circulation core. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: the school must provide product information for proposed outdoor lighting prior to permit issuance and must update planning staff with mural artist information, subject matter and final location before permits are issued.

Dani Solberger, chief operating officer at La Scuola, described the school's Reggio Emilia approach and said the new building would add nine classrooms, accessible community space and play areas and that 30% of families currently rely on the school's sliding tuition scale. Architect Emily Gossack of Jensen Architects said the design emphasizes transparency, daylighting and compatibility with the Saint Charles fenestration pattern; the project proposes no new automobile parking and 50 additional bicycle spaces.

Community and labor speakers supported the project. Mauricio Chavez of Carpenters Local 22 urged support and noted union opportunities; parents and board members said the addition would strengthen neighborhood school access.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about fenestration, glazing color and reflectivity, material finishes and the ARC review timeline; the project team said glazing colors are La Scuola colors and that matte finishes were intended to reduce reflectivity. After discussion, the commission moved to approve the COA with the staff conditions; the motion passed unanimously 4–0.