SAN FRANCISCO | Projects: Under Construction, Approved, and Proposed [Archive] - Page 33

San Frangelino

Dec 2, 2011, 4:59 AM

This was in the Chronicle a few weeks ago.
http://articles.sfgate.com/2011-11-10/bay-area/30385565_1_bay-bridge-light-sculpture-leo-villareal

Here is a video of how it will look. Reminds me of the light show on the Eiffel Tower.http://vimeo.com/25870560

WEBSITE (http://thebaylights.org/)
Bay Lights to honor Bay Bridge's 75th anniversary
November 10, 2011|Michael Cabanatuan, Chronicle Staff Writer

It's not the frosting on the cake that says "Happy Birthday"; it's the flickering lights of the candles. In that spirit, the Bay Bridge, which turns a distinguished 75 years old Saturday, could be transformed into a sprawling abstract light sculpture next year as part of an extended celebration.

Bridge officials and arts aficionados will announce plans for the Bay Lights at a low-key Bay Bridge birthday celebration this morning on Treasure Island. The $7 million project, which is working its way through the Caltrans approval process, will be privately funded.

CyberEric

Dec 2, 2011, 6:25 PM

That is going to be fantastic! Any word on when it will be installed?
Also, will it just be on the outside so it doesn't distract drivers?

San Frangelino

Dec 2, 2011, 10:27 PM

That is going to be fantastic! Any word on when it will be installed?
Also, will it just be on the outside so it doesn't distract drivers?

They are going to place the LED lights on the outside of the bridge, away from traffic. They are suppose to be in place for the 75th "Diamond" Anniversary and stay up until the new East Span of the bridge opens. They will be viewable from the northeastern side of San Francisco, so no lights on the south cables. It's also suppose to be privately funded.

1977

Dec 15, 2011, 5:56 PM

The new Target at the Metreon will break ground next month. The rest of the renovation is still in full swing. Last time I walked by there, the construction crew were installing new glass panels at street level. Looking great!

San Francisco’s long-awaited Target store is expected to be open for business by October, with construction beginning in January.

The Target is planned for the Metreon Center, in South of Market. Target will begin renovating the building’s interior this winter, after the property owner, the Westfield Group, completes its portion of the construction, Target spokeswoman Mya Walters said.

Source and remainder of article: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2011/12/san-francisco-target-store-plans-track-october-debut

fflint

Dec 16, 2011, 5:15 AM

The coming Target will further expand the range of SF's commercial core--we've got the high-end, and now, we're getting more middle as well. That's a good thing--people will shop at Target no matter what, so it might as well be a Target in the shopping district, eh?

Jerry of San Fran

Dec 16, 2011, 7:25 AM

1977 - good news. With a Target downtown the Target advertisement in my Sunday Chronicle paper will have some meaning at last!

CyberEric

Dec 16, 2011, 6:56 PM

1977

Dec 17, 2011, 12:57 AM

Speaking of more affordable shopping...

Does anyone know the status of the CityPlace shopping center on Market between 6th and 7th? Last I heard financing was still being sought but wasn't sure if there was any recent news or progress.

Here's a rendering:

http://sfcitizen.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/IMG_0801.jpg

viewguysf

Dec 17, 2011, 2:39 AM

Speaking of more affordable shopping...
Does anyone know the status of the CityPlace shopping center on Market between 6th and 7th? Last I heard financing was still being sought but wasn't sure if there was any recent news or progress.

IMO, this is where Target belonged, not in the Metreon. CityPlace looks like a beautiful project that fits the streetscape and would greatly benefit Market Street.

1977

Dec 17, 2011, 3:58 AM

IMO, this is where Target belonged, not in the Metreon. CityPlace looks like a beautiful project that fits the streetscape and would greatly benefit Market Street.

Agreed! I really hope CityPlace moves forward though. It will eat up a huge chunk of blight on that block which, might I add, is LONG overdue.

WildCowboy

Dec 17, 2011, 5:24 AM

viewguysf

Dec 17, 2011, 8:07 AM

Last thing I saw was from a couple of weeks ago...the broker, developer and city were all not returning phone calls about the project. Not a good sign.

Haven't word about the status of the financing after the original mortgage holder went belly-up.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/02/BUOT1M70LE.DTL

If the Redevelopment Agengy and the City had their acts together, the Metreon could have largly been given over to Moscone Center for much needed fabulous break out space and Target could have launched CityPlace. We so often don't get it right here, which has been a problem for decades.

coyotetrickster

Dec 17, 2011, 5:56 PM

If the Redevelopment Agengy and the City had their acts together, the Metreon could have largly been given over to Moscone Center for much needed fabulous break out space and Target could have launched CityPlace. We so often don't get it right here, which has been a problem for decades.

I think blaming the city and the redevelopment agency on the issues with CityPlace is a bit of a stretch. I worked for one of the impacted locations when the Metreon/Moscone swap was discussed. There were significant, almost insurmountable infrastructure costs in that scenario, as well as some significant loss of park space for YB Gardens that were deemed unacceptable from a public amenities perspective.

CityPlace's original developer was also an 'interloper' from the Deep South/Sunbelt, where bulldoze and build is the operating development paradigm. He was neither prepared for, nor able to, deal with the blood sport that is development in this city:whip:

pseudolus

Dec 31, 2011, 11:43 PM

Avalon Bay/Whole Foods project on Ocean Avenue. The first building was unwrapped recently.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6609394327_598ff8b305.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6609394327/) IMG00807 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6609394327/) by pseudolus1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/34525041@N05/), on Flickr

Mostly stucco (the white), a bit of wood siding (light green), terra cotta around the window insets, gray stone tiles (granite?) on the first floor.

flight_from_kamakura

Jan 2, 2012, 3:03 AM

well, the market street lane access for the underground parking was pretty much never going to happen (obvious and good), meaning that anchor retail would be significantly more difficult to obtain. one wishes that the (out of town) developers here would be a little bit more creative.

utgf

Jan 3, 2012, 5:59 AM

well, the market street lane access for the underground parking was pretty much never going to happen (obvious and good)

There was never a request for market street lane access for the underground parking. The access to the underground parking was to be from the alley Stevenson St.

1977

Jan 6, 2012, 7:21 PM

I wasn't really sure which thread to post this in, but it looks like the parcel where the second tower of the One Rincon Hill development is to be built is close to being sold to Crescent Heights. They seem to be very confident in the SF market these days with this project, 45 Lansing across the street, and the huge new development under construction at 10th and Market.

From www.socketsite.com:

While not a done deal, according to a plugged-in source the undeveloped site for the second tower of One Rincon Hill is now in contract. And if our source is correct, Miami-based Crescent Heights which has started construction on 749 units at 1401 Market Street and owns the parcel at 45 Lansing on which a proposed 320 units will rise across the street from One Rincon Hill should emerge as the buyer, or possibly an equity partner.
Source: http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/01/one_rincon_tower_two_site_in_play.html

mello

Jan 6, 2012, 8:24 PM

Hello my brethren from the Bay, I know this isn't exactly relating to development but I wanted to get your take on my idea. I'm obviously hoping that another NFL team besides the Chargers makes the move to LA and I was trying to think about why the Raiders wouldn't want to move back there.

Here is my reasoning. The Raiders are like the "New Bengals/Browns" of the NFL. Not one winning season in 9 years. This year the long suffering Texans and Lions qualified while the Raiders still wallow away in mediocrity and maybe worse next season. I can't see how their fan base in the Bay Area/Sacramento could possibly be growing seeing that they have stunk for so long and the 49ers seem to definitely be trending upwards.

There is excitement up there for the the Niners and thoughts of better things to come and a competitive team for the next few years. So obviously the Raiders will continue to be the stepchild of the NFL up there with their hard core fans but little else.

I would love to hear your reaction to this, especially since talks of sharing the Santa Clara facility seem to be breaking off. why wouldn't Mark Davis and the other shareholders want to go be the big dog in LA and have a huge market all to themselves instead of having a decreasing share of a smaller market in the worst facility in the NFL? :shrug:

1977

Jan 6, 2012, 9:19 PM

I can't see how their fan base in the Bay Area/Sacramento could possibly be growing seeing that they have stunk for so long and the 49ers seem to definitely be trending upwards.

Well, they sold out every home game this year which is definitely a sign of growth as they haven't done so since their return to Oakland.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/31/raiders-complete-first-full-season-sellout-since-returning-to-oakland/

1977

Jan 6, 2012, 9:37 PM

Some good news for South of Market and SF in general:

South of Market runs out of space
San Francisco Business Times
Date: Friday, January 6, 2012, 7:15am PST

Landlords in San Francisco’s South of Market may soon have to resort to something more commonly seen on roadside motels: no vacancy signs.
After the strongest leasing year since 1988, the city’s hottest neighborhood has just a 3.3 percent vacancy rate, according to a fourth quarter report from Jones Lang LaSalle . Out of nearly 3.5 million square feet in SoMa, just 112,000 square feet is vacant and ready for occupancy. The situation is even more pronounced for tenants seeking Class A space. In the fourth quarter, the data mining company Splunk took 23,362 square feet at 250 Brannan St. That ...
SOURCE: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/morning_call/2012/01/south-of-market-runs-out-of-space.html

edwards

Jan 7, 2012, 7:05 AM

In one fell swoop Salesforce’s lease at 50 Fremont St. wipes out the biggest vacancy in the financial district and makes it much more likely that a developer will start work on a speculative office highrise in 2012.

Thus large tenants who want to be in the heart of the financial district will be under increasing pressure to look at new construction. Entitled towers that are ready to go include Tishman Speyer ’s 222 Second St., GLL’s 350 Mission St., Lincoln Property Co. ’s 350 Bush St., Wilson Meany Sullivan’s final Foundry Square building, and Beacon Capital Partner’s 535 Mission St.

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2012/01/salesforce-lease-could-prompt-downtown.html

GeminEyeSF

Jan 7, 2012, 9:24 PM

I've been lurking for a couple of years and appreciating all you guys posting and keeping me abreast of all the fun changes on the horizon for the city that I love. But I decided in 2012 I'm going to try to be a little active on the site...well, at least register for the site! Unfortunately, I live in NoPa and work at SF General so I don't have much opportunity to post cutting edge stuff...but I can at least keep people posted on the development of the new SFGH hospital.

That said - 1977 - this is going to sound probably a little stupid but...
When Crescent Heights does start construction at the Rincon Hill site...are they going to go with the original plan for that building or will they be modifying the tower?

Also, are their any images of the 45 Lansing location? I'm not a huge fan of the look of the Rincon tower, but I like that it extends the skyline south...however its soooo lonely. I am hoping it gets some sweet-lookin' little buddies!

viewguysf

Jan 8, 2012, 12:57 AM

1977

Jan 8, 2012, 1:59 AM

That said - 1977 - this is going to sound probably a little stupid but...
When Crescent Heights does start construction at the Rincon Hill site...are they going to go with the original plan for that building or will they be modifying the tower?

Also, are their any images of the 45 Lansing location? I'm not a huge fan of the look of the Rincon tower, but I like that it extends the skyline south...however its soooo lonely. I am hoping it gets some sweet-lookin' little buddies!

Welcome GeminEyeSF! Looking forward to some SF General updates.

Regarding ORH Tower II...

I'm not sure about the design but I'm guessing they would keep it as is and build apartments (most likely mapped for condo conversion) for the time being. But, as I said, that's just a guess.

As for 45 Lansing:

Thread link: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=115515
Project link: www.45lansing.com/

pseudolus

Jan 9, 2012, 11:37 PM

1977

Jan 10, 2012, 12:42 AM

Looks like renovation of 680 Folsom is starting. The crane went up this weekend.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6669898409_25c8f3d78b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6669898409/) IMG00834 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6669898409/) by pseudolus1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/34525041@N05/), on Flickr

Awesome! Thanks for the pic.

Socketsite (http://socketsite.com/) had a little blurb about it today as well:

As a number of tipsters have noted, over the weekend a construction crane sprouted at 680/690 Folsom Street as the $87 million building overhaul we first showcased back in 2008 finally moves forward...

http://www.socketsite.com/680%20Folsom%20Crane.jpg
SOURCE: www.socketsite.com

peanut gallery

Jan 12, 2012, 9:25 PM

peanut gallery

Jan 12, 2012, 9:27 PM

Looks like renovation of 680 Folsom is starting. The crane went up this weekend.

FINALLY!!!! My goodness that took a long time. I gave up on that project a long time ago. I hear macys.com might be moving in there (a friend of mine used to work for them).

peanut gallery

Jan 12, 2012, 9:29 PM

Oh, and welcome GeminEye! Glad to have another local on the board. It feels like we've lost a bit of the SF community on here over the past couple of years.

northbay

Jan 13, 2012, 5:24 AM

Oh, and welcome GeminEye! Glad to have another local on the board. It feels like we've lost a bit of the SF community on here over the past couple of years.

As development activity dropped off so did activity in the forums.

GeminEye, welcome!

fflint

Jan 13, 2012, 8:52 AM

Welcome GeminEye, I've been spending a lot of time at SF General recently, and am pleased to see contruction cranes on the scene!

1977

Jan 15, 2012, 6:37 PM

I've read about this project at 2558 Mission but hadn't seen any renderings until now.

San Francisco, CA
Size: 158,500 sf
Client: Oyster Development Corp.
110 Market Rate Condominums will inhabit this urban site adjacent to the New Mission Theater.
The project showcases quality and urban living. Meticulous detail 'weaves' the project tightly into the existing vibrant urban fabric. Small meticulously designed one and two bedroom condominiums bring value and density the neighborhood. The design utilizes contemporary design and materials to bring individuality to the building and dwelling units.

http://www.kwanhenmi.com/Images/projects/2558mission/2558mission01.jpg
Source: http://www.kwanhenmi.com/
http://www.kwanhenmi.com/Images/projects/2558mission/2558mission06.jpg
Source: http://www.kwanhenmi.com/
http://www.kwanhenmi.com/Images/projects/2558mission/2558mission04.jpg
Source: http://www.kwanhenmi.com/

More renderings:
http://www.kwanhenmi.com/projects/otb/2558mission.html

jbm

Jan 15, 2012, 11:44 PM

I too am a relatively recent lurker, and fan of the site. As I see many of the bigger ongoing projects in the city (10th x market; 8th x mission; transbay) and others somewhat less frequently (SF jazz; 15th x misison) I figured I should register and contribute to the convo.

Anyway, happy to report that cement has recently been poured at 8th and mission, probably 20-25 ft below ground level. Looks like that might start rising soon.

1977

Jan 16, 2012, 1:55 AM

Thanks for the info and welcome jbm!

northbay

Jan 16, 2012, 6:41 AM

I like the design of 2558 Mission, not quite sure about the color.

Welcome jbm!

shakman

Jan 16, 2012, 6:05 PM

The link below shows a rendering of the renovated 680 Folsom:
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2011/09/renovation_of_680690_folsom_slated_to_finally_begin.html

(If the posted link does not show an accurate rendering, then someone please correct me. It is most likely posted on some previous page however I am feeling a bit lazy today thanks in part of a co-worker who has turned the office into Carribean type temperatures.)

patriotizzy

Jan 16, 2012, 7:33 PM

peanut gallery

Jan 16, 2012, 7:57 PM

^Yep, it's going to look so much better. And to answer shakman, as far as I know that's still the current rendering.

Anyway, happy to report that cement has recently been poured at 8th and mission, probably 20-25 ft below ground level. Looks like that might start rising soon.

Welcome to SSP and thanks for the update on Trinity, which has its own thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=129548), btw.

CyberEric

Jan 16, 2012, 9:35 PM

Wow, no kidding that is one hell of a renovation!

Are they demoing a few buildings to make 2558 Mission fit?
Edit: Just looked on street view and saw that they will just demo the Giant Value store.
Cery happy to see them leave the New Mission sign...call me crazy but I like it unpainted like it is now, wouldn't mind if they left it that way. :)

hruski

Jan 17, 2012, 4:47 AM

Any timetable for 2558 Mission?
The announcement for the project came a long time ago, but I had never seen renderings for it. Has there been some movement?

1977

Jan 18, 2012, 2:46 AM

Any timetable for 2558 Mission?
The announcement for the project came a long time ago, but I had never seen renderings for it. Has there been some movement?

This (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/morning_call/2011/03/oyster-in-san-francisco-mission-project.html?s=newsletter&ed=2011-03-25&ana=e_sfbt_rdup) is the last sign of progress I read about.

Edit: Also, found this (http://www.oysterdev.com/cms/index.php/projects/current-work/2558-mission-street) blurb.

1977

Jan 18, 2012, 3:27 AM

The View, a 16 story residential tower near Candlestick, seems to be moving forward on some level -- at least according to this site:

http://www.buildgc.com/projects/resident-mixed-theview.php

I found these:

http://www.ltcdesigngroup.com/LTC_WEBSITE_IMAGES/images_new_website/03_RESIDENTIAL/Saint_Francis_Bay_housing/website_finish/Residential_SaintFrancisBayHousing_01.jpg
Source: http://www.ltcdesigngroup.com/

http://www.ltcdesigngroup.com/LTC_WEBSITE_IMAGES/images_new_website/03_RESIDENTIAL/Saint_Francis_Bay_housing/website_finish/Residential_SaintFrancisBayHousing_02.jpg
Source: http://www.ltcdesigngroup.com/

Does anyone have any more info?

peanut gallery

Jan 18, 2012, 6:36 PM

1977 - You're on a roll with finding renderings, thanks a lot! I hope that Mission project happens. Tough sledding in that neighborhood, though. I like the look of that Candlestick project too. It somehow fits the location well. Speaking of location: I can't imagine wanting to live there, yet they're building housing all over that side of the hill. It does have water views, and perhaps wind-surfers like it? :)

1977

Jan 19, 2012, 5:04 PM

I never thought I'd see the day:

Construction has commenced at the corner of Market, Noe, and 16th streets. Known as the "Hole in the Ground" for the past three decades following the fiery demise of the church that once occupied the site, as plugged-in people know, it’s a five-story building with 18 residential units over ground floor retail that’s being built
Source: http://www.socketsite.com

http://www.socketsite.com/2299%20Market%20Facade.jpg
Source: http://www.socketsite.com

1977

Jan 19, 2012, 5:23 PM

Jerry of San Fran

Jan 19, 2012, 11:38 PM

viewguysf

Jan 20, 2012, 6:42 AM

[QUOTE=1977;5556113]I never thought I'd see the day:

Thanks for the scoop 1977. A miracle! Amen peanut gallery, I too did not think I'd live long enough to see this horrible blight erased. I think it will make a difference in the neightborhood by bringing together both sides of the street. When built my blood pressure will be lower when I pass the site.

I well remember the strange buff colored brick church that used to be there ions ago--I understand how it happened, but it was totally bizzare for such a prime location to be a hole in the ground for so many years in San Francisco's Castro District. Good riddance!

To add my voice to a unanomous opinion here, I couldn't imagine living at Candlestick Point either, no matter how nice the unit.

fflint

Jan 21, 2012, 5:17 AM

viewguysf

Jan 21, 2012, 5:33 AM

Also under construction: Dolores and 15th. Back in the early 1990s, I was told it was a church that had burned down (started by homeless, one of whom died) and it has remained a vacant lot 10 months of the year (Christmas tree lot the other two) . It's on my block. The excavation work is shaking the entire block like a minor earthquake, over and over--it's quite jarring. But I'm happy to see this project finally proceed, as my old firm handled the permitting. When the weather improves I'll take some pics.

A similar, but shorter, situation existed with that lot as with the hole in the ground at Market and Noe where Methodist Church used to be. Yours was one of the original ethnic Lutheran churches in the area. I remember both churches and both fires--both wanted to rebuild but it never happened since the majority of people in the area don't care about religion any more, myself included.

San Frangelino

Jan 21, 2012, 4:46 PM

Thanks for sharing the info and images on the 16-story tower at Candlestick 1977. Here is a little reminder image of the plan for Executive Park (http://www.universalparagoncorp.com/projects/executive-park/). http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/6031876887_3ed6e9f9d8_z.jpg

David Baker + Partners just put up a project they have "on the boards" for the nearby Sunnydale Hope developmen (http://www.vmwp.com/projects/sunnydale-hope-sf-master-plan.php)t.
http://www.dbarchitect.com/project_detail/157/Sunnydale%20HOPE%20SF%20Senior%20Housing.html

Is there much happening at the Schlage Lock Site (http://www.renewvisvalley.com/)?

BTW....if anyone is interested, here is the Draft Specific Plan from Feb 2011 for the Brisbane Baylands Development (http://www.brisbanebaylands.com/project/) just south of Candlestick.

http://www.brisbanebaylands.com/pdf/BRISBANE%20BAYLANDS%20-%20SPECIFIC%20PLAN%20-%20Feb%202011.pdf

Here is a sampling of the images from that document.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6737171381_1b6f459595_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6737170227_2ff4e4240c_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6737172799_9c3f79d3b3_b.jpg

peanut gallery

Jan 29, 2012, 6:00 AM

Here's an interesting story about some FiDi buildings trying to mimic the feel of your typical open, raw SOMA space to capitalize on the high demand in SOMA. Perhaps the respective owners of 535 and 350 Mission (and other proposals in the area) can take advantage of this limited vacancy and sign some tenants that might otherwise be looking for space a little further south.

Financial District losing to SoMa as destination
By: Sarah Gantz | 01/22/12 4:00 AM
SF Examiner Staff

As surging demand from technology companies propels rents skyward and vacancy rates lower in the South of Market Area, the neighborhood is reaching its limits and prospective tenants are looking to the once-uncool Financial District.

And Financial District property owners — who suddenly can’t attract rental rates as high as those in SoMa — have taken note of the type of office space popular among tech firms.

So they are ripping out their carpets, ceiling tiles, cubicles and private offices and replacing them with sealed concrete floors, high ceilings with exposed air ducts and lots of open space.

“A lot of these new workers don’t want to go into an office their dad used to work in — they want a cool space,” said Charlie Withers, vice president of The CAC Group, a brokerage firm that studies commercial real estate trends.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner (http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/development/2012/01/financial-district-losing-soma-destination#ixzz1kp5vin12)

BTW, I'm so not like the cool workers mentioned here. My favorite part of working in the Financial District is that the environment is just like my father's and grandfather's generations worked in. I'm kind of old fashioned that way.

fflint

Jan 31, 2012, 2:23 AM

^They really wanted to build 535 Mish--but they couldn't get financing, which is also the story for other pending projects. Maybe the SOMA situation will change the lenders' minds?

1977

Jan 31, 2012, 2:39 AM

Good news for the Mexican Museum and 706 Mission:

San Francisco's Mexican Museum has joined the Smithsonian Institution orbit.

It is the only San Francisco museum to be named an affiliate of the Smithsonian, which is based in Washington, D.C., and is the largest museum in the world. By virtue of that collection, the Mexican Museum will be able to access the Smithsonian collections for future exhibits and on a long-term basis.
The announcement will be made public at a Jan. 31 press conference at the current Mexican Museum location at Fort Mason. Harold Closter, Smithsonian affiliation director, will be at the event to present the Mexican Museum with its certificate of affiliation.
The new relationship is a welcome development for the Mexican Museum, which has long been delayed in its plans to open a new museum in the Yerba Buena cultural district south of Market Street.
That dream of a new museum home is getting closer to realization. It will become part of Millennium Partners' mixed-use plan for 706 Mission St. In October, the Mexican Museum won an $800,000 grant from the California Cultural and Historical Endowment for planning and design.

Source and the rest of the article:

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2012/01/mexican-museum-joins-smithsonian.html

1977

Jan 31, 2012, 2:43 AM

^They really wanted to build 535 Mish--but they couldn't get financing, which is also the story for other pending projects. Maybe the SOMA situation will change the lenders' minds?

Hopefully, so! It seems like we're pretty close to justifying some new office construction. I guess we have 680 Folsom under construction, as well as a few other smaller projects, but it'd be great to see a new tower break ground this year -- preferably, 350 or 535 Mission.

peanut gallery

Jan 31, 2012, 6:40 PM

fflint - I certainly hope so! I wonder what the vacancy is at 555 Mission. If they've filled most of that, it could also look good to lenders since that was built on spec (though a few years ago now) and is right next door.

1977 - in the case of 535, technically they don't even need to "break" ground, just scoop up a bunch of rocks! ;) That is really great news for the museum. Imagine the variety of exhibits they'll have access to with that relationship. Also, don't forget that 706 Mission has a thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=179766) if you want to post that bit of good news over there too.

1977

Jan 31, 2012, 7:08 PM

1977 - in the case of 535, technically they don't even need to "break" ground, just scoop up a bunch of rocks! ;) That is really great news for the museum. Imagine the variety of exhibits they'll have access to with that relationship. Also, don't forget that 706 Mission has a thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=179766) if you want to post that bit of good news over there too.

I guess I put the article in this thread cuz it was more about the museum. I'll throw it over there as well.

535...Yes, that should make for a quick rise!

1977

Feb 1, 2012, 12:45 AM

The new cruise ship terminal and America's Cup village broke ground today:

San Francisco breaks ground on new cruise ship terminal

San Francisco officials broke ground Tuesday on the city’s new cruise ship terminal at Pier 27, a site that will also be used during the upcoming America’s Cup races.
Mayor Ed Lee said construction can begin on the site because city supervisors last week approved the environmental impact report for the terminal and 2013 America’s Cup.
The plan for Pier 27 calls for an existing shed to be largely demolished. The America’s Cup will then use the site to house its America’s Cup Village, a gathering place where race fans can view the tournament, shop and eat.
After the conclusion of the America’s Cup in 2013, the city will take over Pier 27 and complete the new cruise ship terminal.
Source and article: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2012/01/31/san-francisco-new-cruise-ship-terminal.html

http://www.cupinfo.com/images/ac34-sf-pier27-29-render-0001-1.jpg
Source: www.cupinfo.com

1977

Feb 1, 2012, 5:19 PM

Another day, another project...

From www.socketsite.com:

The St. Anthony Foundation will serve their last lunch from the basement of the two-story building at 121 Golden Gate Avenue today, will serve to-go meals tomorrow and Friday, and will move across the street to a temporary dining room for two years while a new ten-story building with 90 senior housing units over a ground floor dining hall rises.

http://www.socketsite.com/121%20Golden%20Gate%20Rendering.jpg
Source: www.socketsite.com
http://www.socketsite.com/121%20Golden%20Gate%20Ave%20GGA%20Elevation.jpg
Source: www.socketsite.com
http://www.socketsite.com/121%20Golden%20Gate%20Ave%20Jones%20Street%20Elevation.jpg
Source: www.socketsite.com

peanut gallery

Feb 1, 2012, 6:27 PM

I saw a story about that on the news the other day. They mentioned that the current dining room area is built out in what used to be an auto repair shop and the ramp people walk down was built for cars to get down there. I'm sure they're looking forward to using a facility actually designed for humans. This is great news for the neighborhood and St. Anthony's in particular.

peanut gallery

Feb 1, 2012, 6:33 PM

A couple of other tidbits about that project from St. Anthony's website (http://www.stanthonysf.org/?q=about/catholic-capital-campaign):

St. Anthony's Dining Room will be on the first floor, and two other St. Anthony's programs, the Social Work Center and the Free Clothing Program, will be located on the second floor of the new building. Mercy Housing California is partnering with us to build 90 units of affordable senior housing on the upper floors.

St. Anthony's serves at least 40% of all free meals served in San Francisco each day. It is the only free food program in San Francisco open every day of the year.

That last bit surprised me as I thought Glide did the same.

1977

Feb 1, 2012, 6:47 PM

A couple of other tidbits about that project from St. Anthony's website (http://www.stanthonysf.org/?q=about/catholic-capital-campaign):

That last bit surprised me as I thought Glide did the same.

That is surprising. Thanks for the additional info.

patriotizzy

Feb 1, 2012, 6:54 PM

The new cruise ship terminal and America's Cup village broke ground today:

Source and article: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2012/01/31/san-francisco-new-cruise-ship-terminal.html

http://www.cupinfo.com/images/ac34-sf-pier27-29-render-0001-1.jpg
Source: www.cupinfo.com

That looks freaking awesome. I love visiting SF a few times a year, and this'll be yet another great spot to look forward to!

minesweeper

Feb 1, 2012, 8:03 PM

The new cruise ship terminal and America's Cup village broke ground today:

Source and article: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2012/01/31/san-francisco-new-cruise-ship-terminal.html

Looks great.

Combine this with the upcoming Jefferson Street redesign (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/26/BAHK1MUI51.DTL) and the Exploratorium moving to Piers 15/17 (http://www.exploratorium.edu/piers/), and things are looking great for the northeast waterfront.

1977

Feb 1, 2012, 8:47 PM

I was wondering why nobody had taken advantage of this beautiful building:

From sf.curbed.com:

Up before the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission today- a proposal to renovate and re-purpose the SOMA eyesore/treasure St. Joseph's church. Chris Foley of the Polaris Group wants to take advantage of the new Twitter/Mid-Market activity and convert the 99-year-old structure into offices and a cafe. The Commission gets to review the conditional use change, seismic upgrade and exterior renovation- all changes that Planning has signed off on as appropriate- as this is San Francisco Landmark No. 120. And if that's not enough, the Romanesque-to-Baroque St. Joe's is on the National Register of Historic Places. Only the church is in play here, not the extensive campus around it, and the building's been unoccupied after being damaged by the 1989 earthquake if you don't count the homeless people who squatted there periodically until March, 2008 when Foley bought the building and secured it.
Source and article: http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2012/02/01/soma_st_josephs_may_have_some_resurrection_in_its_future.php#more

The church:

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/4f29921b85216d5bb000d00b/2011_02_01_stjoe3.jpg
Source: sf.curbed.com

1977

Feb 1, 2012, 8:48 PM

Looks great.

Combine this with the upcoming Jefferson Street redesign (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/26/BAHK1MUI51.DTL) and the Exploratorium moving to Piers 15/17 (http://www.exploratorium.edu/piers/), and things are looking great for the northeast waterfront.

Yes, really looking forward to all of these projects.

Jerry of San Fran

Feb 2, 2012, 8:02 AM

1977 - I visited St. Joseph' last year for a "garage sale" and took several pictures of the intereor which was very disappointing. The architecture inside is all plaster which was damaged in many places. There is very little marble. I've always had the fantasy to turn the church structure into condominiums. As far as church decoration inside this is very plain.

CyberEric

Feb 2, 2012, 7:30 PM

Cool, I hope that Church is utilized in a nice way.

What is the Jefferson st redesign? The link posted seems to be broken.

ElDuderino

Feb 2, 2012, 8:40 PM

Cool, I hope that Church is utilized in a nice way.

What is the Jefferson st redesign? The link posted seems to be broken.

They are widening the sidewalks and narrowing the roads to make the 5 blocks from Hyde to Powell in Fisherman's Wharf more pedestrian friendly. They are starting with the two western blocks first, and it should be done by summer 2013. The other three blocks are more expensive because they have the rail line, so they are waiting on funding.

It should really improve that area of the waterfront.

peanut gallery

Feb 2, 2012, 11:40 PM

Here's the Fisherman's Wharf project page on the Planning website (http://sfplanning.org/ftp/CDG/CDG_fishermans_wharf.htm).

Better yet, here's a link (http://www.sf-planning.org/ftp/CDG/docs/fishermans_wharf/jefferson-board.pdf) to the pdf showing what's in store for Jefferson.

peanut gallery

Feb 3, 2012, 7:54 AM

Here's a little project that's been moving forward, 333 Harrison:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6810811571_b0f013b7af_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6810810555_a5018bce0e_b.jpg

viewguysf

Feb 4, 2012, 4:32 AM

Here's a little project that's been moving forward, 333 Harrison:]
The two yellow cranes really show up from Twin Peaks since they are up on the hill.

peanut gallery

Feb 4, 2012, 7:32 PM

I bet you have a view of at least half a dozen cranes from your place right now. They're suddenly all over the place.

pseudolus

Feb 4, 2012, 9:24 PM

Ocean Avenue Whole Foods

Both buildings are now unwrapped.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6818934891_72b350b087.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6818934891/)
IMG00854 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6818934891/) by pseudolus1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/34525041@N05/), on Flickr

East corner

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6818936977_7e392aa9c2.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6818936977/)
IMG00855 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6818936977/) by pseudolus1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/34525041@N05/), on Flickr

Brighton Street extension

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6818938079_a28f7c4701.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6818938079/)
IMG00856 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/34525041@N05/6818938079/) by pseudolus1 (http://www.flickr.com/people/34525041@N05/), on Flickr

Zapatan

Feb 5, 2012, 10:48 AM

I can't believe people aren't paying much attention to a potential new tallest building, or is it just that unlikely to happen?

coyotetrickster

Feb 5, 2012, 6:01 PM

I can't believe people aren't paying much attention to a potential new tallest building, or is it just that unlikely to happen?

Zapatan, there are so many market variables with the Transbay Tower, most SF forumers are focused on those actual buildings funded and under construction. The costs for the high speed rail have gone through the roof. The rail terminal for the SF terminus of the rail line was going to purpose the building. And while the SOMA market where the tower would be located has finally eclipsed the financial district as the most desirable office submarket, the types of offices preferred will not be the types of spaces built out or even available in an 85 story building.

That said, when there is an actual construction crane on the site, then you'll see some excitement and interest.

CyberEric

Feb 6, 2012, 7:29 PM

Yeah the Transbay tower is really not worth thinking about at this time. The Renzo Piano towers are actually more exciting visually, and the new buildings around 10th and Market are actually happening, so there are better things to be excited about in my opinion.

Gordo

Feb 6, 2012, 8:09 PM

^Plus, nothing has really changed on the Transbay tower portion in three years. As soon as there's some kind of action, there will be plenty of talk here, just as there was three years ago.

1977

Feb 6, 2012, 9:52 PM

Riverbed signed a 150K lease at 680 Folsom.

Riverbed Technology, the fast-growing San Francisco networking company, is relocating into larger digs at 680 Folsom St.

The company has signed a more than 150,000-square-foot lease, industry sources say. The company will make an official announcement with Mayor Ed Lee later this morning.

And a new rendering of the rehab:

http://www.socketsite.com/680%20Folsom%20Rendering%202012.jpg
Source: www.socketsite.com

Click here (http://blog.sfgate.com/techchron/files/2012/02/680folsom.jpg) for a larger version.

peanut gallery

Feb 6, 2012, 11:05 PM

Not surprising that they are having no trouble lining up tenants given the demand in SOMA right now. I wonder, what is the current plan for the corner? Long ago, there was talk of something cultural there (dance related if I recall correctly). Haven't heard if that's still in the plan or if they have something else in mind (like retail).

1977

Feb 7, 2012, 4:55 PM

I wonder, what is the current plan for the corner? Long ago, there was talk of something cultural there (dance related if I recall correctly). Haven't heard if that's still in the plan or if they have something else in mind (like retail).

The SF Business Times answered your question this morning:

All building systems will be replaced and a new public plaza will be built on the corner of Folsom and Third streets, where there eventually will be a new 15,000-square-foot retail or cultural building constructed. A new glass, steel and granite lobby will have 30-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass and a floating staircase.
Source and article: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/morning_call/2012/02/riverbed-from-berkeley-coffee-shop-to.html

mt_climber13

Feb 10, 2012, 12:31 AM

Before:

http://i41.tinypic.com/md2pmf.jpg

After:

http://www.socketsite.com/1800%20Pacific%202012.jpg

Source: http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/02/a_new_lease_on_life_and_light_for_1800_pacific.html

1977

Feb 10, 2012, 12:42 AM

:previous: Huge improvement! Thanks.

1977

Feb 10, 2012, 12:47 AM

A little blurb from the SF Business Times about potential development sites (all of which we've discussed) in and around downtown:

Some are surface parking lots. Some are empty buildings. Some are fenced-in lots. One is even a butterfly garden. What these properties all have in common is that they are fully entitled for office buildings or condo towers.

Yet they remain -- for now -- devoid of tower cranes or any concrete evidence that they will some day add to San Francisco’s built environment.
While San Francisco has seen a burst of new construction over the past three months -- some 2,500 rental units are under construction -- many other developers still struggle to find financing.

Source and the rest of the article here (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/real-estate/2012/02/slideshow-12-san-francisco-lots-ready.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_sanfrancisco+%28San+Francisco+Business+Times%29&page=all).

peanut gallery

Feb 10, 2012, 1:27 AM

1977

Feb 10, 2012, 4:18 AM

^Some interesting tidbits in there: Tishman Speyer is rumored to break ground this year on 222 Second, which is office, and is about a year away from breaking ground on 201 Folsom, which is condo. And it reminded me about 350 Bush, which has been a hole in the ground forever.

Speaking of holes in the ground...

Does anyone know what's up with the parcel directly west of the BofA tower on the northwest corner of Kearny and Pine? Nobody ever brings that up when talking about vacant lots downtown. I know Heller Manus designed a small (5 stories) office building there but that seems like a lost opportunity considering its location. You can check it out here (http://www.hellermanus.com/500_Pine_Street.html).

northbay

Feb 10, 2012, 5:44 AM

can only keep our fingers crossed on 222 second. speaking of 201 folsom - i had no idea it had been redesigned by arquitectonica (just like it's already built twin 'infinity' on spear st, which is visible in the second photo).

old design by heller manus
http://www.socketsite.com/201%20Folsom%20Old.jpg
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2009/09/201_folsom_three_more_years_to_contemplate_and_start_co.html

new design:

http://www.socketsite.com/201%20Folsom%20Arquitectonica%20Design%201.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/201%20Folsom%20Arquitectonica%20Design%202.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/201%20Folsom%20Arquitectonica%20Design%203.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/201%20Folsom%20Arquitectonica%20Design%204.jpg
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/02/the_arquitectonica_redesigned_201_folsom_street_renderi.html#more

a vast improvement, just like last time. :tup:

fflint

Feb 10, 2012, 6:42 AM

Love, love, love the Arquitectonica redesign!

WildCowboy

Feb 10, 2012, 3:57 PM

Here (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=197560) is the dedicated thread on 201 Folsom.

minesweeper

Feb 10, 2012, 9:07 PM

A little blurb from the SF Business Times about potential development sites (all of which we've discussed) in and around downtown:

Source and the rest of the article here (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/real-estate/2012/02/slideshow-12-san-francisco-lots-ready.html?ana=RSS&s=article_search&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+bizj_sanfrancisco+%28San+Francisco+Business+Times%29&page=all).

One of the most intriguing ones that is briefly mentioned in the slideshow is the Fox Plaza development. I've heard almost nothing about it lately, but here's an old article with a rendering from 2009 (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2009/04/a_step_forward_for_the_plans_to_expand_fox_plaza_1390_m.html).

The old plan was for condos, but this is right across the street from Twitter's new HQ, and I have to imagine this site is looking very attractive for rentals. It's currently very bland and underutilized, so I hope something happens with this site soon.

Jerry of San Fran

Feb 10, 2012, 9:34 PM

One of the most intriguing ones that is briefly mentioned in the slideshow is the Fox Plaza development. I've heard almost nothing about it lately, but here's an old article with a rendering from 2009 (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2009/04/a_step_forward_for_the_plans_to_expand_fox_plaza_1390_m.html).

The old plan was for condos, but this is right across the street from Twitter's new HQ, and I have to imagine this site is looking very attractive for rentals. It's currently very bland and underutilized, so I hope something happens with this site soon.

minesweeper - A little history about the property you reference - Archstone bought the property on the whole block several years ago and then sold the office part of the building (floors 2-12) and the low rise building. It is my understanding that there are now 3 separate properties on the block. The low rise was granfathered when the Fox Plaza was built for a 12 story building (it is part of the lease for apartment tenants). The owners of the low rise tried for a long time to sell it. You can imagine the conflict having two or more owners of a joined property! I live in the Fox Plaza and would like to see the low rise property built up - we need more services in the area for tenants.

1977

Feb 11, 2012, 2:02 AM

Looks like 2001 Market will break ground this spring!

From the San Francisco Business Times:

Meanwhile, Prado Group will start construction this spring on three San Francisco projects.
In April, the group will begin work on 1266-1270 9th Ave. in the Sunset District, a 15-unit project with a 3,000-square-foot retail space on the ground floor that has been leased to La Boulange Cafe and Bakery. Also around the first of April, it aims to break ground on 2001 Market St. at Dolores Street, an 80-unit development with a Whole Foods on the ground floor. Webcor is the contractor on that project. Dan Safier, Prado’s president, said his firm is finalizing financing. “It’s in the sweet spot of what lenders like right now — a multi-family rental project in a great gateway city like San Francisco and 40 percent of the income is from Whole Foods, a high-quality, credit grocery anchor.”
Source and the rest of the article: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/morning_call/2012/02/prado-hunts-apartments.html

If you need a refresher, click here (http://2001marketsf.com/wp-content/themes/atahualpa/images/plans/View_from_Market_and_Dolores_Streets.pdf) to see the building.
Source: www.2001marketsf.com/

Jerry of San Fran

Feb 12, 2012, 12:57 AM

1977 - great news! Whole Foods will be that much closer to the Fox Plaza & easy to get to.

migol24

Feb 15, 2012, 8:10 PM

DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When In-n-Out first opened up a store in Dallas I remember this woman crying. She said that it brought back good memories and it was just her favorite place to go to. I thought she was silly and she was overreacting. But now I know exactly how she feels and I pray and hope that this damn right better happen! San Francisco needs and deserves a cool.... I mean, cool and very good movie theater. I'm tired of going to AMC.

http://www.slashfilm.com/san-franciscos-historic-mission-theater-alamo-drafthouse/

San Francisco’s Historic New Mission Theater Might Become An Alamo Drafthouse
Posted on Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 by Germain Lussier

Los Angeles might be the movie capital of the world, but another city in the same state could be the first in California to open an Alamo Drafthouse. SFist.com is reporting there’s a proposal on the table to turn San Francisco’s historic New Mission Theater into a five-screen Drafthouse. However, because the theater – which has been closed since 1993 – is a historical landmark, a Historic Preservation Committee must first approve a proposal the property’s owner and Alamo executives have devised. That will go down on Wednesday. Read more after the jump.

CyberEric

Feb 16, 2012, 6:11 PM

A chain moving into that (historic) building in the Mission is likely going to incite some interesting reactions.

1977

Feb 16, 2012, 7:29 PM

More good news! I like this building - simple, clean, and one less vacant lot in Rincon Hill.

From Socketsite.com:

It’s a plugged-in tipster that first caught the construction equipment arriving on the 399 Fremont site yesterday, but it’s not for the Californian to start rising. No, it’s actually to shore up the property line and prepare for the excavation of 333 Fremont upon which the 8-story residential building rendered above will rise.

http://www.socketsite.com/333%20Fremont%20Rendering.jpg
Source and article: http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/02/the_333_fremont_scoop_the_shoring_begins.html

tech12

Feb 16, 2012, 7:42 PM

A chain moving into that (historic) building in the Mission is likely going to incite some interesting reactions.

I dunno if too many people will really be opposed to this (i'm sure some will though). SF is already full of chain businesses, and that theater has been vacant and run down for a long time. It's also nice that it would be revived as an actual movie theater instead of something else.

It would definitely be an improvement over it's current state:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3159/2766370259_339d5d02ff_z.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/paul_lowry/2766370259/sizes/l/in/photostream/