Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Urban Design & Development Services
Founded in 1989, Martin Building specializes in urban design and development, blending contemporary architecture with historic preservation. Our integrated team of architects, designers, and construction experts deliver sustainable urban environments through seamless collaboration. With over 40 years of professional experience, we focus on neighborhood-oriented projects including multifamily residential, historic renovations, commercial offices, and community spaces.Our work has revitalized key San Francisco districts like Mid-Market, SOMA, and Dogpatch, earning recognition such as the EPA National Award for Smart Growth. We prioritize meaningful architecture, civic responsibility, and state-of-the-art construction to create exceptional urban environments that stand the test of time.
Services
Multifamily Residential
Historic Renovations
Commercial Offices
Restaurants and Retail
Community Spaces
Urban Infill Development
Mixed-Use Developments
Plaza Conversions
Sustainable Architecture
Neighborhood Revitalization
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 40 years of professional design-build experience in San Francisco
- Revitalized 30+ historic buildings in Mid-Market and SOMA districts
- Integrated team of architects and construction experts
- Recipient of EPA Smart Growth Award for Mint Plaza project
- Specialize in sustainable urban infill and neighborhood revitalization
What people say
Vibrant urban neighborhoods
Sustainable environments
Historic revitalization
EPA Smart Growth Award
State-of-the-art facilities
Services
Multifamily Residential
Designing modern multifamily housing solutions that balance density with livability. Our projects integrate sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems while maintaining aesthetic harmony with surrounding neighborhoods. We specialize in transforming underutilized urban sites into thriving residential communities that meet current market demands without compromising long-term value.
Historic Renovations
Preserving architectural heritage through meticulous restoration of historic buildings. Our approach combines modern functionality with original design elements, ensuring structural integrity while meeting contemporary standards. We've revitalized over 30 landmark properties in San Francisco, maintaining their cultural significance while adapting them for modern commercial and residential use.
Commercial Offices
Creating innovative commercial environments that enhance productivity and brand identity. Our designs optimize space utilization while incorporating flexible layouts for evolving business needs. From adaptive reuse of historic structures to ground-up developments, we deliver office spaces that combine cutting-edge technology with sustainable design principles.
Community Spaces
Developing inclusive public spaces that foster social interaction and community engagement. Our projects range from urban plazas to cultural facilities, emphasizing accessibility and environmental sustainability. The award-winning Mint Plaza project demonstrates our ability to transform urban voids into vibrant gathering spaces that become neighborhood anchors.
Urban Infill Development
Specializing in strategic redevelopment of underutilized urban sites. Our infill projects maximize land efficiency while respecting existing neighborhood character. We implement mixed-use solutions that integrate residential, commercial, and public spaces to create walkable, sustainable communities that address urban growth challenges.
People
Patrick McNerney
Founder & CEO
Founded Martin Building in 1989 with 40 years of design-build experience. Led revitalization of Mid-Market district and developed 30+ historic buildings. Holds leadership roles in urban preservation organizations and received EPA Smart Growth Award for Mint Plaza project.
Julie Heinzler
Director of Architecture
Licensed architect overseeing design strategy for major projects. Brings technical expertise and creative vision to balance aesthetic innovation with practical construction requirements. Plays key role in maintaining the firm's commitment to architectural excellence and sustainable development.
Jill Helffenstein
Creative Director
Shapes the firm's design philosophy and visual identity across projects. Focuses on creating cohesive urban environments that blend contemporary elements with historic context. Ensures all developments maintain artistic integrity while serving community needs.
Jesse Cowdrey
Executive Assistant
Manages executive operations and project coordination for the leadership team. Provides organizational support that enables efficient execution of complex development projects from initial concept through completion.
Questions
What types of projects does Martin Building Company specialize in?
We focus on multifamily residential, historic renovations, commercial offices, restaurants/retail, community spaces, and urban infill developments that create sustainable urban environments.
Which areas do you serve?
Primarily San Francisco, with expertise in Mid-Market, SOMA, and Dogpatch districts. We specialize in transforming urban sites throughout the Bay Area.
Do you offer financing options for development projects?
Yes, we provide creative financing solutions and have experience with mixed-funding models to support complex urban development projects.
What makes your approach to urban development unique?
Our integrated design-build methodology combines architectural innovation with construction expertise, focusing on historic preservation and sustainable neighborhood revitalization.
Can you handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we offer full-service capabilities for both ground-up developments and historic renovations, maintaining architectural integrity while modernizing infrastructure.
How do you ensure sustainability in your projects?
We implement energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and smart growth principles that reduce environmental impact while creating long-lasting urban environments.
