By Alex Akel

Schools of the Sacred Heart, Convent and Stuart Hall, independent K-12 preparatory schools in Pacific Heights, plans to build a Wellness, Athletics and Aquatic Center at 2835 Geary Blvd., just west of Masonic Avenue.

The project has been a longstanding vision of Anne Marie Krejcarek, president of Schools of the Sacred Heart, since she assumed her role in 2012.

Krejcarek said the goal of the facility is to, “develop a strong athletic experience fitting to an urban K-12 school focused on the development of the whole person and providing a school community hub.”

The school purchased the property in the summer of 2024 from 2835 Geary Building Partners and filed an application earlier this year with the San Francisco Planning Department to begin the work.

The project calls for the demolition of the existing – mostly vacant – building, which formerly housed a Bank of America branch, and proposed the construction of an approximately 65,000-square-foot, 57-foot-tall building. The cost of the project is currently unknown.

The vision includes a pool, gymnasium and rooftop field as well as team spaces, a training room and a multi-purpose classroom. There will also be studios to accommodate classes such as yoga, dance and nutrition.

“The center will support the many ways students can engage in athletic and fitness activities while being in a collective social setting,” Krejcarek said. “As we experience the emergence of A.I. technology, we know that, maybe more than ever, the ability to come together socially and in support of the development of the mind and body will be critical for the future role schools play in the life of students, family and alumni.”

Construction will utilize sustainable methods, with the aim of achieving a LEED Gold Certification – signifying a high level of sustainability according to the U.S. Green Building Center.

Many business owners around the area said they are optimistic about the project.

“Promoting wellness and fitness among our local youth is a positive step for the entire community,” said Travis Senhaux, the manager at San Francisco Baseball Academy which sits right across from the lot.

“Providing a safe space for athletics and extracurricular activities helps build a stronger, more connected neighborhood,” he said.

While optimistic about the project, Senhaux also noted a minor concern about the project.

“My only concern is parking and traffic being impacted from the construction,” he said.

Al Haddad is the owner of The House of Hummus Mediterranean Restaurant. Haddad said that their restaurant, which sits one block east of the property, is looking forward to the new development.

“That’s a very nice idea. That is what we like, especially these days where everyone is eating healthy food and everyone is going to clubs to exercise,” he said.

Some have praised the new development because it will occupy an empty building vulnerable to graffiti.

“Any empty buildings hurt the area – especially when they’re getting tagged as that building is,” said Hector Leuvano, the manager at Abby Carpet & Floor, which is across Geary Boulevard from the site.

“I think anything that is going to improve the community is a good thing,” Leuvano said.

Krejcarek said she is confident the new aquatic center will enrich the student experiences at Convent and Stuart Hall.

“Since its founding in 1887, the Schools of the Sacred Heart San Francisco has undertaken ambitious building and construction projects, each in an effort to uphold and enrich its mission of providing a Sacred Heart education to the children of San Francisco,” Krejcarek said.

The school’s goal is to complete construction of the center by the 2028-2029 academic year.

For more information, visit sacredsf.org.