Laurel Heights Welcomes New Sports Complex, Bids Farewell to Historic Pool Hall
A significant development is on the horizon for San Francisco’s Laurel Heights, as the Schools of the Sacred Heart prepare to construct a new $50 million sports complex. This state-of-the-art facility promises expanded athletic opportunities for K-12 students, but its rise signals the bittersweet end for Family Billiards, the city’s oldest pool hall.
A Glimpse into the Future: The Stuart Hall-Convent Sports Complex
The Schools of the Sacred Heart have unveiled ambitious plans for a four-story, 63-foot-tall athletic facility at 2835 Geary Boulevard. Spanning approximately 65,370 square feet, this modern complex is designed by San Francisco-based TEF Design, featuring curtain-wall glass and metal panels.
The facility will boast a range of impressive amenities for Convent & Stuart Hall’s K-12 students:
- A basement-level lap pool with bleachers, visible from the ground floor lobby via an open ceiling cutout.
- A second-floor gymnasium equipped with a full basketball court.
- A rooftop soccer field, enclosed by chain-link fencing.
- A third floor dedicated to a performance studio and a meditation space.
- Parking facilities for 17 cars and 20 bicycles.
This substantial investment aims to consolidate and enhance the school’s athletic programs, which currently rely on multiple off-site locations across the city, including Golden Gate Park’s Lisa & Douglas Goldman Tennis Center and Kezar Stadium for football.
The Bittersweet Farewell to Family Billiards
The construction of this modern complex necessitates the demolition of Family Billiards, a beloved 60-year-old institution that has operated at the site since 1965. The news of its closure last December was met with emotional reactions from the community.
Owner Delbert Wong voiced uncertainty about relocating due to the significant financial investment required, leaving the future of the pool hall in doubt. Longtime patrons, like daily visitor Cameron Combs and two-decade regular Bert Benisch, lamented the loss, emphasizing that Family Billiards was more than just a place to play pool; it was a vital part of San Francisco’s social fabric and its billiards community.
Private School Development Trends in San Francisco
The $13.5 million property sale for the site was finalized in July 2024, clearing the way for construction to commence within the next two years, pending city planning department approvals and potential rezoning for the building’s height.
This project is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader trend of private school expansions across San Francisco. Institutions like University High School and French American International School have also undertaken significant construction projects. These expansions highlight the competitive nature of Bay Area private education and the ongoing challenge of developing comprehensive facilities within San Francisco’s dense urban environment. The Schools of the Sacred Heart, with roots dating back to 1887, are part of a global network of schools.
Facilities Comparison: Old vs. New
| Feature | New Stuart Hall-Convent Sports Complex | Current Athletic Support (Pre-Complex) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (Construction) | ~$50 Million | N/A |
| Lap Pool | Yes (Basement, with bleachers) | Off-site venues |
| Gymnasium | Yes (Full basketball court) | Two on-campus gyms, off-site support |
| Outdoor Field | Yes (Rooftop soccer field) | Kezar Stadium (for football) |
| Other Unique Spaces | Performance studio, meditation space | Limited dedicated spaces |
Laurel Heights and San Francisco’s Changing Landscape
Laurel Heights, a neighborhood that has seen limited new residential development over the past half-century, is experiencing an institutional shift with this project. Its proximity to medical facilities like UCSF Laurel Heights Campus and California Pacific Medical Center already gives it an institutional character, which this development further reinforces.
Meanwhile, the displacement of Family Billiards contributes to concerns about the shrinking number of traditional pool halls in San Francisco. While new venues like The Hall Bar & Billiards on Mission Street attempt to offer an upscale alternative, the city’s historic billiards culture continues to evolve. Residents and patrons will be watching closely as the project navigates its final city approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is being built in Laurel Heights?
The Schools of the Sacred Heart are building a new $50 million, four-story athletic facility for Convent & Stuart Hall students, featuring a lap pool, gymnasium, rooftop soccer field, and more. - What will be demolished for the new complex?
Family Billiards, San Francisco’s oldest pool hall (operating since 1965), will be demolished to make way for the new sports complex. - When is construction expected to begin?
Construction is projected to start within the next two years, following the completion of city planning approvals. - What is the budget for this project?
The construction budget for the new facility is approximately $50 million, not including all development costs. - Why is this project important for the school?
The new complex will significantly expand and consolidate the school’s athletic capabilities, allowing students to train on-site instead of relying heavily on various off-campus facilities.
As Laurel Heights prepares for this significant transformation, locals can reflect on the balance between urban development and the preservation of community landmarks, and consider visiting Family Billiards one last time before its anticipated closure.
Laurel Heights welcomes new sports complex historic pool hall out
