Church of Scientology Buys Historic Building for Repair
The religious organization purchased the 1909 property on Sacramento Street, which now requires a full seismic retrofit.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Commercial
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The Church of Scientology has acquired the historic office building at 650 Sacramento St. in San Francisco for $2.1 million. The organization plans to renovate the 1909 structure to expand its capacity for local parishioners.
Why it matters
The sale marks a change in ownership for a prominent local site as the buyer looks to upgrade the facility to better serve its congregation. The property was sold by Brick & Timber Collective, which had previously acquired the site out of foreclosure.
The property at 650 Sacramento St. sold for $2.1 million, a decline from its prior purchase price of approximately $2.5 million. Constructed in 1909, the site now requires extensive renovations and seismic retrofitting to meet occupancy standards.
The players
The Church of Scientology
A religious organization that operates a local headquarters at 701 Montgomery St.
Brick & Timber Collective
The commercial real estate entity that previously owned the building at 650 Sacramento St.
The details
The building was marketed for several years before the recent sale, with the new owner touring the site multiple times before finalizing the purchase. The structure requires a comprehensive overhaul, including a seismic retrofit to satisfy modern building safety codes. While the organization plans to modernize the facility for new purposes, it intends to preserve the historical character of the 1909 property.
Timeline
1849: The site hosted the first Jewish services in San Francisco.
1909: The current building was constructed.
October 26, 2026: The Church of Scientology closed on the purchase of the building.
The Home Front
This acquisition sits within the broader trend of San Francisco commercial properties requiring significant capital investment to address seismic safety standards. These mandates often dictate the renovation scope for century-old buildings as owners seek to update legacy infrastructure.
Property owners in San Francisco should keep track of seismic retrofit mandates that impact older buildings in the city. If you are planning a renovation of a historic structure, consult with a licensed professional to review current structural safety requirements.
The takeaway
The Church of Scientology plans to modernize the 1909 building at 650 Sacramento St. while retaining its historic features. Property owners considering large-scale renovations should ensure they obtain professional assessments for all necessary seismic structural upgrades.
Further reading
For more on local market shifts, visit San Francisco Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The San Francisco Standard.
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