500 Cortland Avenue

1. 1900

   Built.

2. 1935–1941

   The Works Progress Administration excavated and graded the site, built 75 feet of rubble wall and paved 16,000 square feet of playground behind the Bernal Heights branch library.

   San Francisco New Deal Historic Context Statement, adopted 2023
3. 1936

   The Bernal Heights branch library, 1936, by Frederick H. Meyer, a Public Works Administration project.

   Modern Architecture and Landscape Design Context Statement, adopted 2011
4. 1940

   One of only two substantial buildings the Works Progress Administration put up for the city, this $41,709 branch library was designed by the veteran architect Frederick H. Meyer in a blend of Classical Revival and Mission Revival motifs and completed in 1940, with an adjoining playground. Its main reading room has decorative ceiling stencilling by unrecorded artists.

   San Francisco New Deal Historic Context Statement, adopted 2023
5. December 1970

   Photographed, showing the San Francisco Public Library.

   San Francisco Subjects Photograph Collection (SFP 162), San Francisco Public Library
6. May 10, 1981

   A mural on the building was photographed.

   James E. Gordon Color Slide Collection of San Francisco Murals (SFP 90), San Francisco Public Library
7. Jul 1994

   Issued Permit 9411229 $$$ $190,000

   Horizontal.

8. Nov 2007

   Permit 200711218773 $$$ $3,200,000

   Bernal height-branch library. newentry ramp, rear ramp at west side plaza.interior wk incl new stair, elev, mechanical. hvac system, newelec. service & lighting. demolition of all int.lowerlevel& const.ofnew upper floor incl.newada doors, casework& finishes, seismic upgrade incl. conc.openings, roof strengthenings.

9. Sep 2009

   Permit 200909166956 $$$ $4,370

   Provide an elevator recall system only.

10. 2023

    Recommended for city landmark designation in 2023, on historical, aesthetic and artistic grounds.

    San Francisco New Deal Historic Context Statement, adopted 2023
11. May 2025

    Permit 202505025715 $$$ $5,000

    Barrier removal: alteration to 2 existing restrooms to create single user restrooms. removal of toilet compartment partitions, rearangement of toilet compartment partitions, install unisex restroom geometric symbol signs, install threshold, new door hardware, & relocate 1 existing baby diaper changing station.

12. Jul 2025

    Permit 202507160953 $$$ $815,000

    Installation of a new chidlren's play area and play area surface. required path of travel work consisting of upgrading the restroom to full compliance alteration to 2 entries and pedestrian routes at play area and lower court.

8 nominal $1 street-space or sidewalk permits are omitted from the timeline. 1 expired permit is not shown. The assessor dates the building to 1900; Planning's historic resource survey records 1940.