Pumping Station No. 2 San Francisco Fire Department Auxiliary Water Supply System, historic building in San Francisco
Pumping Station No. 2 is a historic pumping facility and part of San Francisco Fire Department's auxiliary water supply system built in 1912. Located at the end of Van Ness Avenue, the station draws seawater directly from the bay to supply water for firefighting and emergency use when the main system fails. The Mission Revival building was designed by Marsden Manson and remains recognizable for its curved windows and arched details.
The station was built in 1912 after the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed much of San Francisco, prompting the city to create a more resilient water system. It became part of a larger network of reservoirs, pipes, and pumps designed to operate independently during emergencies and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The building is located at the end of Van Ness Avenue near Fort Mason, making it easy to reach on foot from the waterfront area. Visitors can view the exterior at any time, but should check ahead whether the interior is open to the public since access may vary depending on events or special programs.
The system draws salt water directly from the bay through pipes built specifically to survive earthquakes and function after disasters, which was innovative for its time. Complementing this station are over 170 underground cisterns scattered throughout the city, regularly maintained by the fire department to ensure they remain full and ready.
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