Project wins California Preservation Award!

On behalf of St. Ignatius Parish, Fr. Greg recently attended the California Preservation Foundation's California Preservation Awards, a statewide hallmark, showcasing the best in historic preservation. The 2025 winners were celebrated at the California Museum in Sacramento on May 9. St. Ignatius Parish's project was celebrated and honored as one of the best historic preservation projects in California this year. Recipients were selected by a jury of top professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, planning, and history, as well as renowned architecture critics and journalists. 

Here is what they said about the project.

"Built in 1914, after the original structure was destroyed by the 1906 earthquake, St. Ignatius Church embodies the spirit and story of San Francisco. It serves as more than a place of worship. It is a vital community hub, offering an inclusive space for residents, students, and visitors alike to gather, connect, and find a sense of belonging. With its open doors, the church provides a welcoming environment where people can come together as part of their daily lives or routines. Over time, however, its facade and roof have required significant repair, threatening the building’s function and beauty. Funded completely by parishioners and the community, the goal of the project was to address deterioration, bringing it back to its original splendor as a “beacon on the hill,” while ensuring it can serve generations to come. The project’s stakeholders, especially the parishioners, have been involved from the beginning, committed to creating a lasting legacy. The church community prioritized long-term performance, understanding that an investment in quality now prevents costly repairs later. This approach ensures that St. Ignatius will continue to serve as a sanctuary and gathering place not only for the parishioners, but for the University of San Francisco and broader community."

Through the generosity of over 790 households and foundations, we completed this once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and we are proud that the cooperative and far-sighted way it was done has been recognized by the California Preservation Foundation with this award.