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Balboa is the only historic landmark school currently
operating in San Francisco. The campus became city historic landmark
number 205 by proclamation signed on January 20, 1995 by mayor Frank
Jordan. Balboa is regarded as one of the better architected
and visually engaging schools within the SFUSD. San Francisco
architect John Reid Jr. designed the first campus buildings in the
Spanish Colonial Revival Style with a
prominent center courtyard,
mission style roof tiles, and arcades.
Although originally designed with a distinctive red mission tile
roof, all campus buildings had their roofs replaced in 1998 with
seismically stable materials. An original roof tile is housed in
Balboa's Hall of History.
Facilities
The main entrance along the eastern side of the campus quadrangle is
dominated by the three story main classroom building. The
library
building to the north of the quad equals the height of the main
building. These two buildings are connected by distinct bridges on
all three levels. Vocational and cafeteria facilities form the
eastern side of the campus quad.
Arts and athletic facilities dominate the southern half of the
campus. Facilities along this side of the quad include the
gymnasium, tennis courts, track, and football field.
Balboa's
auditorium, theater, and music rooms are also on the southern side
of the campus quad. In 2004, the theater was refurbished with the
help of charitable funding from theatrical producer Carole
Shorenstein Hays.
In partnership with PG&E, Balboa will be one of seven SFUSD schools
to participate in the district's "Solar Schools" program. Solar
panels will be installed on the roof to benefit from and raise
awareness of alternative energy.
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