Event and Facility Rentals
Designed and built by the award-winning Mark Cavagnero Associates and featured in San Francisco Magazine and on 60 Minutes, the LightHouse Building was built from start to finish with accessibility in mind. Newly opened in 2016, our one-of-a-kind facilities are equipped with custom acoustic paneling to condition sound, accessible audio visual systems, and picturesque views of San Francisco. LightHouse is the perfect venue for your next special event.
Whether you are looking to host a ceremony, company training, or a board meeting, this is the ideal place to host your event. Guests will be greeted warmly by our staff, who will work closely with you to meet your needs.
Our $45 million headquarters at 1155 Market St. is conveniently located a block and a half away from San Francisco’s City Hall, across the street from the Orpheum Theatre and directly above the Civic Center BART and Muni Stations, as well as nearby parking garages. The LightHouse building also meets LEED Gold standards, with the latest in LED lighting, recycling and efficient HVAC systems.
All rental proceeds from your patronage help boost the programs and services of the LightHouse for the Blind, serving northern California since 1902.
The Multipurpose Room and Pre-Function Area
This scenic 2,025 square foot assembly space is located on the 10th floor of our building at 1155 Market Street, just around the corner from Civic Center and UN Plaza. Our multipurpose rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art AV equipment, sound proof paneling, and flexible, electrical and data equipped tables. The event space has floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views from City Hall all the way to Nob Hill.
Situated across from the Orpheum Theatre, you can stroll over after your meeting for a night of musicals and theatre. We are adjacent to the main public library with nearby access to the Asian Art Museum, Dolby Laboratories, Twitter headquarters and the densest public transportation hub of the Bay Area.
This space is great for:
- Trainings
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Motivational gatherings
AV includes:
- Three 80” Samsung TVs
- Apple TV
- AV Bridge Conference
- Tactile Interface switch box for video or telephone conferences
- Lecterns with laptop video inputs
- Adjustable lighting with privacy shades
- In-room acoustic paneling
- JBL overhead speakers
- Fiber-powered public WiFi
The Conference Rooms
30 Person Conference Room Overlooking U.N. Plaza
16 Person Conference Room Overlooking U.N. Plaza
8 Person Meeting Room
8 Person Meeting Room
Facility Rental FAQ
Audio Visual Services
Does LightHouse provide AV equipment?
Lighthouse provides the following AV equipment with most rentals:
- DVD Players/TV/VCR’s
- Assisted Listening Devices
- Microphones (tabletop, podium, hand-held microphones, lavalieres)
- Computer and Video Presentation hook ups/overhead projectors
- Lighting & Sound
- Video Recording (for basic recording of entire program)
Any technology requirements that are listed may be requested during your intake meeting with our events team, which will be scheduled once you complete your rental application.
Facilities
Our Facilities Team provides set-ups for all events, which will be agreed upon during your intake meeting with the Event Team. Clients will be ask to sign off on the hospitality service outline.
Examples of setup requirements include:
- Tables (6’ or rounds) and chairs (set as: theater, dining, conference style, etc.)
- Trash cans and recycling containers are included
- Podiums
- Electrical Needs-extension cords and power strips
Logistics
If your event includes multiple service providers, and/or is taking place in multiple spaces, you are required to draft a cohesive logistics document and attach to your rental contract for our Facilities Team. Logistics should be added to your reservation no later than two weeks in advance of your event. If changes occur after the first logistics submission, please make certain you update the original and resubmit to our Facilities Team.
How do I rent from LightHouse?
To start the rental process please complete a rental application.
Please contact our office at 415-431-1481 or 415-694-7679 for any additional details.
What types of events does the LightHouse allow?
Qualifying specific events may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Typically we host receptions, small performances, company meetings, training sessions, non-profit fundraisers, holiday parties, weddings/receptions, award ceremonies, game nights, and more.
We do not allow events in which tickets are sold at the door.
If holding a fundraiser, it must be made clear that the LightHouse is not a beneficiary.
Is a Rental Contract needed to conduct training or events at the LightHouse?
Yes, every organization/company or independent event holder is required to sign a LightHouse Rental Agreement at least one month in advance of the event date.
Will I need insurance coverage to hold an event at the LightHouse?
Yes, all applicable insurance requirements are listed on the rental agreement. If an organization or company does not have liability insurance, the Lighthouse can offer coverage with our TULIP policy for $100 a day.
How do I pay for the rental?
Check or credit card payments are preferred. An invoice will be sent out within 48 hours of receiving the signed rental agreement. For alternative payments, please contact our Events Team for more information.
What accessibility resources can LightHouse provide both at no cost and with a service fee?
Assisted Listening Devices, Audio Description capabilities, Tactile rendering on AV knobs, etc. are provided free of charge. For a complete overview, please schedule AV training with the Event Coordinator prior to the event.
Will I be required to submit a list of attendees for the event(s)?
Yes, a list of attendees will be requested in advance for security purposes. All attendees will be required to check in with the front desk security upon their arrival. If any attendees have mobility impairment or require assistance, please indicate this when on your list of attendees in case of an event requiring emergency assistance.
Can the event be catered?
Yes, although we do not offer a kitchen for use. A list of approved catering companies will be provided upon request, and we are also able to provide delivery for your event upon request.
If you are interested in using your preferred caterer, a meeting must be set up between yourself, the Event Coordinator and your preferred caterer prior to your event.
Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
Yes, if poured by an approved catering company with an alcohol license. Beer and wine are acceptable, although hard liquor is not. We can also provide a licensed bartender for a small fee upon request.
Are there any food, beverage, or other allergies to be made aware of?
Yes, the LightHouse is a scent free environment. We advise all event holders to notify all attendees of this policy. Due to other known allergies, we do not allow citrus to be provided by catering, and in addition a lid on all coffee cups is required if it is being served at the event.
Does the LightHouse have all appropriate waste bins and/or offer janitorial services?
Typically during daytime events with minimal to no catering we have janitorial on site to address most needs that may arise while our facilities are in use. If a rental uses full scale catering, is a weekend event or Facilities deems the event in need of additional janitorial services, the event holder will be charged a direct fee for janitorial services. Fees will be addressed on an event by event basis and will be addressed during the contract process.
All conference spaces have garbage and recycling bins, and our spaces allocated to events for catering needs have all sets of garbage, recycling and compost. Most event holders may wish to do their own catering or have deliverable meals as a cost measure but event holders take on responsibility to inform their staff or attendees of the location of bins in the spaces and adherence to San Francisco’s Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance. This will help our site keep to compliance and not needing to pass on additional charges to our clients. For reference please visit SFenviroment.
Is LightHouse wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Are animals permitted?
Only service animals are permitted.
What are the sizes and maximum occupancy for the rental space?
Our rentable areas range anywhere from 205-2500 square feet.
Maximum occupancy is dependent on the rental area. All three multipurpose rooms have a combined maximum occupancy of 127. Events will be assigned to specific areas which are appropriate to the size and nature of the event.
Can I hang items on the walls?
For janitorial purposes and to avoid damage, LightHouse only allows items to be hung with painter’s tape, as it does not damage the facilities. Prior authorization from Facilities is required.
How long can I place a hold date?
We can place a tentative hold for up to one week. At the end of this time, if a decision is not met, the hold will be released.
How can we view the space(s) available to rent?
Site visits may be scheduled during LightHouse business hours. Site visits are by appointment only by emailing events@lighthouse-sf.org or by phone at 415-694-7379.
What hours are available for an event?
Event rental hours generally range between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and are subject to change. Access for setup and strike may be scheduled outside of these hours through prior arrangement with the Events Team.
Events must conclude no later than 9 p.m. If special arrangements are needed to extend hours to account for load-out, that will need to discussed during your meeting with the Events Team.
Do you offer overnight storage?
No, we do not have any secure privatized areas for our event holders to store items for multiple day events.
Does LightHouse offer discounts for nonprofit organizations?
LightHouse offers a discount to 501(c)(3) organizations with proof by a IRS Determination Letter. This does not apply for events on Sundays.
What is LightHouse’s refund and cancellation policy?
Events canceled prior to ninety days before the first scheduled date of event will receive a 100% refund, less the initial 20% non-refundable deposit. Events canceled between sixty to ninety days prior to the first scheduled date of event will subject to a charge of 50% of the total fees and charges. Events canceled prior to sixty days before the first scheduled date of event will forfeit 100% of the entire amount of the rental fees and charges; plus the amount of all direct expenses or charges incurred by LightHouse for The Blind in anticipation of event. Terms of refunds exclude 20% venue hold deposit, which is non-refundable.