SAN FRANCISCO | Projects: Under Construction, Approved, and Proposed

[NOPA]

Thanks for the Upper market update Timbad! SF Curbed also gave an update on 940 Grove and the construction of the "Painted Gentleman" on Alamo Square

http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2012/12/06/940_grove_hits_the_market_with_construction_site_neighbor.php

[timbad]

had jury duty this past week, so was in the Civic Center area during the day... got a few shots of the in-progress SF Jazz Center at Fell and Franklin. a reminder that it also has a webcam (http://www.sfjazz.org/center-news).

looking east down Fell (with the building on Van Ness that is to be re-clad in glass, in the background):

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8255731368_c75bfd45fa_b.jpg

closer-up:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8255735584_f209852a09_b.jpg

south down Franklin:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8503/8255815542_e4424533bd_b.jpg

right at the corner of Fell and Franklin:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8254670403_296bbb5f3b_b.jpg

and looking either way from that corner to give some neighborhood context... west down Fell:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8254666765_5d94c156fd_b.jpg

north up Franklin:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8498/8255733596_b3db04deb2_b.jpg

I think it's looking good, and that whole area around where the freeway used to be continues to improve.

a few blocks away, at Gough and Grove, this project (http://www.dbarchitect.com/project_detail/160/300%20Ivy%20Street.html) is underway:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8494/8255809292_203ee83862_b.jpg

[Jerry of San Fran]

Today, 12/10/12, construction trailers were moved to the site of Trinity Place. I suspect that Phase III may be happening soon with the teardown of the now empty Trinity Plaza. I'll keep an eye on the property. Picture from my apartment.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8262213621_a5a2eea73b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8262213621/)
Trinity Place (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8262213621/) by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/]

[timbad]

thanks Jerry, great shot! hope you don't mind, I copied your post over to the Trinity thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=129548)

[viewguysf]

While I'm demonstrably unhappy with the cheapening of the design of Trinity Place, I've waited years to see Trinity Plaza go. Goodbye and good riddance--you were a blot on the City and Mid Market Street!

[easy as pie]

yeah, i was all bummed at seeing the squat disappointment that is the jazz center, but then the shot of the trailers at city place literally brought a smile to my face. genius.

[1977]

Big news for the Treasure Island and Hunters Point developments:

China Development Bank approves $1.7B loan for Hunters Point, Treasure Island

The loan committee of the China Development Bank has approved a $1.7 billion loan to build new neighborhoods and upward of 20,000 units of housing on the Hunters Point Shipyard, Candlestick Point and Treasure Island.
The agreement, confirmed by sources familiar with the negotiations, is a crucial step in longstanding plans to build new neighborhoods on the two mothballed San Francisco military facilities, which represent San Francisco's largest development opportunities.
The loan will provide $1 billion for Hunters Point Shipyard, where the first 1,400 homes could be under construction by the first quarter of next year. Treasure Island, which is at least a year behind the Hunters Point project, will get $700 million.
Lennar is the managing developer of the Hunters Point project. On Treasure Island, Lennar is in a 50/50 partnership with Wilson Meany, Kenwood Investments, and Stockbridge Capital Group.
Source and article:http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2012/12/china-development-bank-approves-17b.html

[Jerry of San Fran]

timbad - thanks - I forgot that there is a thread for Trinity Place.

[edwards]

http://www.socketsite.com/75%20Howard%20Elevation.gif
Thanks to a plugged-in tipster, we now have the details and design for the proposed tower which has been raised to 350 feet and 31 stories with 186 condos over a ground floor restaurant, café, and 175 underground parking spaces accessed from Howard Street:

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/12/75_howard_street_scoop_details_and_design_for_a_350foot.html

[tech12]

http://www.socketsite.com/75%20Howard%20Elevation.gif


http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/12/75_howard_street_scoop_details_and_design_for_a_350foot.html

Nice, too bad the height limit at that location is only 200'. Hopefully this thing gets an exception and is approved. And if approved, hopefully the "OMG NO EVIL WALLZ ON OUR WATERFRONT1!!@1!" hysterical NIMBY types don't try and stop it.

[Jerry of San Fran]

Got this photo today from my apartment. I'm glad to see the little extra on the roof - a crown for what is apparently the mechanical room. Since I look down on a lot of buildings from my 27th floor apartment it is nice to see some design to hide the myriad pipes, fans & conduits.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8273856174_2ed780b3b6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8273856174/)
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8273856174/]

[ElDuderino]

201 FOLSOM: TISHMAN SPEYER’S FOLLOW-UP TO THE INFINITY TOWERS

201 Folsom is the eagerly awaited follow-up to Tishman Speyer’s Infinity towers, which upped the ante in the luxury high rise condo market in 2008 with spacious floor plans, private balconies, and first-rate hotel style amenities. As San Francisco’s market has finally pulled out of its long slump according to many analysts, developers have been eager to re-enter the new construction market.

This September, Tishman Speyer filed its building permit for construction at the Folsom and Main Street corner location in South Beach. The plans lay out a 699 residential unit, four-building complex, consisting of two mid-rise and two high-rise towers. The mid-rise towers will feature 59 and 80 units each and are expected to be eight stories, while the high-rise towers will contain the remaining 285 and 245 units and clock in at 42 and 37 stories respectively.

Like the Infinity, the new 201 Folsom complex will cater to San Franciscan urbanites looking to indulge in the lifestyle typically found only in the finest hotels in the world. If the Infinity towers are anything to judge by (and according to Tishman Speyer, the new project will build on the success of the Infinity), expect a chic modern look and finishes like granite kitchen countertops, marble baths, sculpted wood flooring in living areas, custom lighting, walk-in closets, and custom built-ins. The new towers, which are just blocks from the bay, will also feature stunning panoramic bay and city views.

http://www.sfnewdevelopments.com/11054/201-folsom-tishman-speyer%E2%80%99s-follow-up-to-the-infinity-towers/

[fimiak]

I didn't see a thread for 55 Ninth, so here are two pics from 12/13/12.

http://i.imgur.com/gmakf.jpg (http://imgur.com/gmakf)

http://i.imgur.com/iaZa8.jpg (http://imgur.com/iaZa8)

[stormkingfan]

[/URL].

the building on Van Ness that is to be re-clad in glass, in the background):



Noooooooooooooo!!!!!

[minesweeper]

A proposal at 942 Mission was approved a couple of years ago and planned to break ground (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/03/09/story11.html?page=all) back in 2009, but apparently got caught up in the recession.

http://i.imgur.com/9ClCc.jpg
Source: SocketSite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2009/06/942_mission_designs_details_and_environmental_impact_re.html)

I was randomly checking on this one, and they just recently got the permit to demo the existing building:

http://i.imgur.com/rVwJd.png

They already have the permit to construct the new building. SF hotel occupancy has been very strong (http://www.sfhotelnews.org/2011/06/san-francisco-hotels-top-tier-for-investment/) the last couple years, and there are almost no new hotels in the pipeline, so it makes sense that they'd finally get this one going.

[viewguysf]

Noooooooooooooo!!!!!

Oh yes, thankfully!!!

[tech12]

A proposal at 942 Mission was approved a couple of years ago and planned to break ground (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/03/09/story11.html?page=all) back in 2009, but apparently got caught up in the recession.

http://i.imgur.com/9ClCc.jpg
Source: SocketSite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2009/06/942_mission_designs_details_and_environmental_impact_re.html)

I was randomly checking on this one, and they just recently got the permit to demo the existing building:

http://i.imgur.com/rVwJd.png

They already have the permit to construct the new building. SF hotel occupancy has been very strong (http://www.sfhotelnews.org/2011/06/san-francisco-hotels-top-tier-for-investment/) the last couple years, and there are almost no new hotels in the pipeline, so it makes sense that they'd finally get this one going.

I never heard of this one before. Always nice to see more highrises approved, especially when it comes out of the blue. The entire Mission/Market Street corridor in downtown is going to be a very different place in several years.

[jbm]

i walked by 942 mission this morning. Scaffolding is up on the front of the building, so it appears that something is under way or will be shortly.

[ElDuderino]

Butterflies Facing Eviction As 45 Lansing Lands A General Contractor

According to a plugged-in source, Build Group has been selected as the general contractor for the construction of the 39-story tower to rise at 45 Lansing.

With construction permits in hand, as we first reported last month, the butterflies will likely soon be evicted from the Lansing Street Pollinator Garden on the site.

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/12/butterflies_facing_eviction_as_45_lansing_lands_a_gener.html

[modernist]

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/12/salesforce_set_to_call_350_mission_street_home_in_twois.html

looks like this is gonna go up, maybe ever a little taller then expected.

[1977]

Great news about 350 Mission (+3 stories!), 942 Mission, and 45 Lansing. Next up...535 Mission?

[fflint]

Salesforce taking all of high-rise on Mission (http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/place/article/Salesforce-taking-all-of-high-rise-on-Mission-4129698.php)

John King
The San Francisco Chronicle
Tuesday, December 18, 2012

http://ww1.hdnux.com/photos/14/42/36/3286932/3/628x471.jpg
A 24-story tower set to rise at 350 Mission St. is one of a number of all-glass towers now proposed or approved in downtown San Francisco. This one, at the northeast corner of Mission and Fremont streets, is designed by SOM. Photo: Skidmore Owings Merrill LLP / SF

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/16/73/41/3913841/3/628x471.jpg


One more construction crane is headed to the San Francisco skyline - and the fate of 14 acres in the emerging Mission Bay neighborhood is murkier than ever.

That's the mixed message from Tuesday's announcement by Salesforce.com that it will lease an entire 27-story tower planned for the northeast corner of Mission and Fremont streets. Construction will begin next month, and the homegrown software giant should move in by the end of 2015.

The site now contains an empty four-story building surrounded by tall fences.

Salesforce also will lease 100,000 square feet across the street at 50 Fremont, a 43-story tower where it already has space. In all, the company occupies 1 million square feet spread among five buildings in the Financial District.
....
Its most distinctive feature is a 50-foot-high lobby with walls that would be pulled back during the workday to blur the line between the sidewalk and the interior space. Stairs leading up to the lobby mezzanine would be wide enough to provide seating for events. Several benches in the lobby would be art pieces that could slide across the floor at a rate of 1 foot per hour.

"People will have an interactive experience in the building's public lobby on a daily basis," according to the 350 Mission website.

Asked if Salesforce might seek to rein in some of the tower's overtly public features, Hu said no. "We're not planning to make any major alterations. A lot of our customers visit us downtown, and we like the feeling of vitality."

The developer of the $250 million project, Kilroy Realty Corp., also is seeking city permission to add an additional three floors and 50,000 square feet beyond what was approved in 2011.

If the extra height is approved - it is allowed under current zoning - 350 Mission would grow to 30 stories and 445,000 square feet.
....

[Dale]

The cladding is gorgeous, the height increase a plus.

[tech12]

Can't wait for that one to go up. Also, Socketsite has a newer/better/bigger/less distorted-looking render than the one used by the Chronicle:

http://www.socketsite.com/350%20Mission%20Rendering%20Tall.jpg
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/12/salesforce_set_to_call_350_mission_street_home_in_twois.html

[edwards]

Trinity Place 12/19/12

http://i.imgur.com/SY6IH.jpg

[timbad]

the future UOP Dental Building (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/05/155_fifth_street_rendered_and_reopening_wide_in_2014.html) (wish they had kept the original design (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2011/11/the_155_fifth_street_refacing_and_renovation_to_come.html)) has been significantly stripped-down... the first shot is from earlier this month, the second one from today:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8255813976_2e8f99a8fc_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8363/8298277537_7f69b1763b_b.jpg

across Fifth, the two large residential projects (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/05/the_260_fifth_street_scoop_late_summer_start.html) are churning along... the more northern of the two is now a deep hole. the site is L-shaped along Fifth and Natoma. this is the Natoma leg, looking east toward Fifth:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8081/8299345006_ae52368990_b.jpg

from about the same spot looking south across the site of the other project toward the fire station being built on Folsom to replace the one that will be demolished with the SFMOMA expansion:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8299332718_dafa9a20b1_b.jpg

[timbad]

over at Rincon Green, across from ORH, the sidewalk has been re-opened with new trees and planting (looking east down Harrison):

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8299339198_f54b1f55eb_b.jpg

landscaping had been staged for the development itself, so that should be going in in the next few weeks

[edwards]

Good read: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/jobs-and-economy/2012/12/san-franciscos-surprising-building-boom/4213/

[Jerry of San Fran]

edwards - thanks for the link - gives me a better understanding of why we are having a building boom.

Good read: http://www.theatlanticcities.com/jobs-and-economy/2012/12/san-franciscos-surprising-building-boom/4213/

[1977]

Another article about our current/upcoming 'boom':

Bay Area economy looking bright for 2013
By Andrew S. Ross
Updated 11:03 pm, Sunday, December 23, 2012

http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/17/00/77/3936221/3/628x471.jpg


If the Bay Area economy were considered a stock, analysts would definitely rate it a "strong buy" for 2013.
"You folks will continue to outperform the U.S. economy and all of California," predicts Wells Fargo's chief economist, John Silvia.
Of course, prognosticators can be wrong. Many had predicted the state's unemployment rate, for example, would continue in double digits through 2013. In fact, unemployment dipped below 10 percent last month for the first time in four years and continued to fall even further in the Bay Area. And job growth numbers were led by industries such as transportation, construction and leisure and hospitality, rather than high tech, which has almost single-handedly powered the local economy.

Of note:

Tishman Speyer is looking to break ground next year on a 26-story, 450,000-square-foot office building one block away at 222 Second St. A block south, construction begins early in the new year on two condo complex towers, of 38 and 43 stories, at 201 Folsom St.


http://www.sfgate.com/business/bottomline/article/Bay-Area-economy-looking-bright-for-2013-4142769.php

[1977]

Found some new renderings of Parcel F in Hayes Valley:

http://www.dbarchitect.com/images/dynamic/slideshow_images/image/21205_goughview.slideshow_main.jpg
Source: http://www.dbarchitect.com/

http://www.dbarchitect.com/images/dynamic/slideshow_images/image/21205_gough-ash.slideshow_main.jpg
Source: http://www.dbarchitect.com/

More renderings here (http://www.dbarchitect.com/projects/slideshow/167.html#3397).

[jbm]

just noticed this little item in the chronicle's article about changes at city college:

The college will also move its business operations from 33 Gough St. a prime site in Hayes Valley near Market Street, and is looking to lease the property to a developer.

http://www.sfgate.com/education/article/CCSF-making-big-changes-to-stay-afloat-4147867.php#ixzz2GH6JSsVh

Given the size of that lot, it could be home to something interesting, either retail or housing. It is an odd triangle-ish shape right behind mccroskey mattress and flax art store. But it has a pretty big footprint for that area.

[CyberEric]

I really like the looks of that Parcel F rendering, different and good.

[minesweeper]

It's been five months since Cypress Equities and The Carlyle Group took over the CityPlace development and renamed it "Market Street Place". Their press release (http://marketstreetplace.com/?p=90) promised a "fall of 2012" groundbreaking, and grand opening in Q1 2015.

Well, 2012 is almost over, and there hasn't been a groundbreaking, but I noticed that the Permit database indicates that they received their building permit on 12/27. Hopefully, this means groundbreaking is just around the corner.

http://i.imgur.com/nFzvk.png

[fimiak]

It's amazing that there is going to be a hole in a few months now at 5th and Market for the Market Street Place. I walk past this spot all the time, so I will be sure to keep us updated with pics.

[easy as pie]

the one at pacific between polk and van ness (link below) was quietly revived, or at least seems to have been, as i walked by the site of this one yesterday and the site is almost totally cleared. the back hoe is still onsite, but it's mostly clean and the small facade retention element is all locked up. a quick search finds that cahill (the builder) lists the site as in pre-construction and the sales site qualifies it as 5% complete, but it seems like excavation ought to begin shortly.

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2010/11/1645_pacific_avenue_back_in_front_of_planning_tomorrow.html
http://www.1645pacific.com/

also, checking in on the trumark project at 1533 pine (i posted renders a couple months ago), i came across this article, which i can't believe i missed: http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2012/11/30/trumark-preps-5-condo-projects.html?page=all

best parts:

In addition to the first 123-unit project Trumark acquired in the Lower Polk Neighborhood, 1533 Pine St., the company is proposing 101 units at 645 Texas St. on the south side of Potrero Hill; 110 units at 1554 Market St., next the Richard Meier-designed tower for which developer David Choo is seeking approvals; 80 units on the site of a car wash at 346 Potrero St.; and 120 units on an undisclosed 22,000-square-foot parcel in the South of Market.

and in re 1533 pine:
While the San Francisco projects are at various stages of environmental review, the Pine Street development is the furthest along toward approval. Designed by Arquitectonica, the Pine Street project is being called the Tower at Nob Hill and will incorporate a 1923 façade from one of the existing buildings, a former furniture and automobile showroom. Cahill will be the contractor.

[minesweeper]

It's amazing that there is going to be a hole in a few months now at 5th and Market for the Market Street Place. I walk past this spot all the time, so I will be sure to keep us updated with pics.

As a followup to my previous post, I just noticed that their website says "Groundbreaking will be conducted in spring 2013."

http://marketstreetplace.com/?page_id=22

[1977]

Pretty cool video (http://blog.zumllc.com/market-square-san-francisco/) of the "Market Square" development which is the building directly south of the new Twitter headquarters.

[San Frangelino]

From Socketsite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/the_75_howard_scoop_tower_rendering_and_the_proposed_pu.html):

The 75 Howard Scoop: Tower Design And Proposed Public Park
As we first reported last month, and for which we now have the renderings, the design for the proposed tower to replace the existing eight-story parking garage at 75 Howard Street is up to 31 stories and 350 feet, 150 more than for which it’s currently zoned, with 186 condos over a ground floor restaurant, café, and 175 underground parking spaces.

http://www.socketsite.com/75%20Howard%20Rendering.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/75%20Howard%20Plaza%20Rendering.jpg

[jbm]

Nice video, i like what they are doing with the 2nd building and the alleyway. Also, I happened to be in the mission today, and noticed that work has restarted on the corner of 15th and south van ness. IIRC that is slated to be residential.

[aahuatzi]

It would be nice to build the old Transbay Tower deign by SOM but in a new location. I know this will never happen but it will be pretty nice. It would be nice to build it at 524 Howard Street since that is taking forever to build, and to build the tower over the new bus ramp. This would make the bus ramp go through the opening at the bottom, a great way to welcome commuters and tourist alike.
http://www.socketsite.com/524%20Howard%20Site.jpg

Source:http://www.socketsite.com/524%20Howard%20Site.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/SOM%20Transbay%20Design.jpg
Source: Socketsite http://www.socketsite.com/SOM%20Transbay%20Design.jpg

[Jerry of San Fran]

I noticed today that the windows are going in on the south tower. I'm surprised as to how dark the glass is. The top floor has been reached for the south portion of the complex - the 35 story section has a way to go yet. The picture is a view of the center & south parts. Picture taken from my balcony.

It is my understanding that the Archstone company has been sold. They own the Fox Plaza. Look for a new name for the Fox Plaza soon. If the new owner has purchased the two story corner building as well as the apartment section it is possible a 12 story building will go up there. The floors up to 12 are owned by another company and is business space.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8359815842_512634e4e9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8359815842/)
Crescent Heights - 10th and Market (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8359815842/)

[easy as pie]

speaking of re-naming, the crescent heights tower has apparently been named "nema" which i assume is an abbreviated portmanteau of "new" and "market."

[Jerry of San Fran]

easy as pie - The web page for NEMA is nemaSF.com, but one is requied to register & there is no information on the web page about the development. Nema may be the rental agent for the complex. At Crescent Heights' web site one can get some information about the development: http://www.crescentheights.com/corp1/

I cant' be sure what the building's name is! I can't sort it out.

[minesweeper]

When will the re-cladding of 100 Van Ness (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/04/100_van_ness_repurposed_redesigned_and_rendered.html) begin? (This is the former AAA building.)

They just got their permit to begin construction on New Year's Eve:

http://i.imgur.com/Xyb9k.png

[peanut gallery]

Nice find, minesweeper. Been wondering about that one. The same architects are doing the winning bid for Block 6 in the Transbay district. Socketsite posted the renderings today (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/the_smart_design_for_block_6_folsom_street_from_fremont.html):

The Green Designs For Block 6: Folsom Street From Fremont To Beale
Socketsite
January 10, 2013

http://www.socketsite.com/Block%206%20Tower.jpg

As we first reported yesterday, the winning proposal to develop Transbay Block 6/7, from Folsom Street to Clementina Alley and Fremont to Beale, includes a 300-foot tower on the corner of Folsom and Fremont, 40-foot townhomes along Clementina, and three 50 to 85-foot mid-rise buildings on Fremont, Beal, and Folsom (click images to enlarge):

http://www.socketsite.com/Block%206-7%20Site%20Schematic.gif

In total, 545 residential units (a mix of market-rate and subsidized), 10,000 square feet of ground floor retail and 136 undergrounding parking spaces will be built on the site with multiple green roof gardens and decks above, parks and a mid-block paseo below.

Designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the Block 6 Tower will attempt to leverage prevailing winds to ventilate and cool the building without air conditioning.

Click over to Socketsite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/the_smart_design_for_block_6_folsom_street_from_fremont.html) to read more about the sky gardens (including more renderings) and their approach to cooling the building. It's pretty cool and will include an app so you can adjust the blinds and windows remotely. Yeah, it's gimmicky, but still pretty interesting.

[timbad]

...

there is also still a vacant lot (well, it might have Xmas trees on it at the moment) at the same intersection as the two sites on 15th St, on the corner of Sanchez. I forget if anything is in the works for that. I have to say, whoever owns it keeps it in nice condition - as nice as empty can be, that is. ...


socketsite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/the_plan_for_the_parcel_at_2198_market_street.html) comes through again with info on this. salient details:

a mixed-use building with a height of 65 feet along Market Street and a town house-style structure with a height of 45 feet along Sanchez will rise on the site with a private courtyard at the center of the lot. The project would contain 85 dwelling units, 36 below grade off-street parking spaces, 87 bicycle spaces and 4,745 gross square-feet of ground floor retail space along the Market Street frontage.

[easy as pie]

When will the re-cladding of 100 Van Ness (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/04/100_van_ness_repurposed_redesigned_and_rendered.html) begin? (This is the former AAA building.)

i talked with some of the folks on site a few weeks ago, they were doing internal demo. there's currently hoarding up at the street level with scaffolding construction set (according to folks on site) imminently.

[jbm]

Demolition work has already started for the hotel that's going in on mission between 5th and 6th. i walked by today and the old building is totally gone, but the rubble still appears to be sitting on the lot.

[spyguy]

1400 Mission
190 affordable housing units, retail, 42 parking spaces
Brand + Allen

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5382/53700295.png
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3664/89301042.png
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/255/34576593.png

[minesweeper]

i talked with some of the folks on site a few weeks ago, they were doing internal demo. there's currently hoarding up at the street level with scaffolding construction set (according to folks on site) imminently.

Demolition work has already started for the hotel that's going in on mission between 5th and 6th. i walked by today and the old building is totally gone, but the rubble still appears to be sitting on the lot.

Thanks for the updates! I wonder how long it'll be until one of the news sites picks up on these.

1400 Mission
190 affordable housing units, retail, 42 parking spaces
Brand + Allen


Looks good, and it blends with the Crescent Heights development well. I assume there won't be any work on that project until "Nema" is done, since they're using that lot for staging.

[tech12]

1400 Mission
190 affordable housing units, retail, 42 parking spaces
Brand + Allen

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5382/53700295.png
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/3664/89301042.png
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/255/34576593.png

Nice, I've been wanting to see renderings of this one for a while. I like it, and agree with minesweeper that it will fit in well next to 10th and Market.

Also, here's the source for those renders if anyone wants to see more details (such as total height: 157' to the top of the structure) and even more renders:

http://commissions.sfplanning.org/cpcpackets/2011.1043CEKUX.pdf

I found this in there, which shows potential height limits for that area (or have they been approved?):

http://i.imgur.com/YQSBZ.jpg

Does anyone know if these height limit changes have been approved? I remember seeing stuff about raising the height limits around Market and Van Ness way back in 2007 or 2008, though I don't what progress, if any, has been made on it. It does say "allowable" heights, which makes it sound like the increases have been approved already.

[Jerry of San Fran]

TECH12, SPYGUY - thanks for the rendering and link. Since I can see a good part of this site when I stand at my balcony railing it is of interest to me. The architecture looks like it will be much better than the concrete monstrosity across the street from the site. I'm not thrilled with more low income people coming into the neighborhood - a discussion for another forum!

[easy as pie]

if you look at the planning documents, that tower isn't exactly an sro:

Of the 190 total units, 167 of the units serve as the off-site below-market-rate units for the previously approved project at 201 Folsom Street. Pursuant to Ordinance 20-04, all of the units designated as the offsite units for 201 Folsom Street must be completed within 5 years of the start of construction of the 201 Folsom Street project. Of the remaining 23 units, 20 of them are affordable units pursuant to Planning Code Section 124(f) – meaning they are affordable for 20 years to households whose incomes are within 150 percent of the median income – and three of the units are the corresponding on-site below-market rate units pursuant to Planning Code Section 415. The dwelling-unit mix would consist of 4 studios, 66 one-bedrooms, 102 two-bedrooms, and 18 three-bedrooms.

almost no studios and a large majority of units set for family occupation, it doesn't look like your typical tl non-market housing. three bedrooms, for pity's sake, it's almost difficult to believe.

edited to add: it's a tndc project.

[fimiak]

TECH12, SPYGUY - thanks for the rendering and link. Since I can see a good part of this site when I stand at my balcony railing it is of interest to me. The architecture looks like it will be much better than the concrete monstrosity across the street from the site. I'm not thrilled with more low income people coming into the neighborhood - a discussion for another forum!

I wonder if we live in the same building. This building is great and exactly the gentrification that mid-Market needs. It will be great to get some more storefronts in the neighborhood as well.

[jbm]

I wonder if we live in the same building. This building is great and exactly the gentrification that mid-Market needs. It will be great to get some more storefronts in the neighborhood as well.

agreed. i'm a few blocks west of here. and while market gets most of the attention, to really turn around the neighborhood, more retail/residential on mission is needed as well. between trinity, this, and the micro-units at 9th, its a good start.

[Jerry of San Fran]

easy as pie - thanks for the information. I had not read the info. (and probably would not have understood a lot of it). So it may not be what I thought it is to be.

fimiak - I live in the Fox Plaza (currently Archstone) - you will see a not with all of my posts were I am located.

jbm - thanks for your comment. Agree - what we need is more upscale to balance a neighborhood that has been much too seedy for too long. I'm for affordable housing but a concentration of too much can bring a neighborhood down. I'm talking about the kind of low income housing that caters to the worst - drug addicts, alcoholics, the mentally ill.

[timbad]

this is getting close to being done...

the main portal of Pier 15, awaiting new signage, presumably:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8383332624_09e81f031d_b.jpg

looking down the length of the pier:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8382257527_7f0a4cece3_b.jpg

looking south:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8055/8382256511_0371db15a2_b.jpg

it's not flashy, but that's not really the idea, anyway, and it's a huge improvement in location. what a boost both for the waterfront and the institution

[timbad]

speaking of waterfront, here is the new cruise terminal at Pier 27, in progress:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8335/8386076252_776d5e7d2f_b.jpg

... and Brannan St Wharf, which at least has all its decking now:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8364/8382249029_18115a49a3_b.jpg

[peanut gallery]

Thanks for the update on the Exploratorium. We went on the last day in the old space and can't wait for it to open in the new one.

[IMBY]

Reminds me of Bank of Hong Kong Tower

http://library.thinkquest.org/07aug/01291/chinabank.jpg

I was going to say the same thing, as the triangle-satiated Bank of China tower is one of my all-time favorites in the world. I don't know what features I love most in buildings, curves or triangular features.

Nice to see them add a wrap around balcony on the 36th floor of this condo tower.

Being claustrophobic, I could never live in a building with hermetically sealed windows, windows I couldn't open a crack, and a balcony is absolutely essential!!!

But, obviously, I'm in the minority, as they wouldn't be building these glass condo towers without potential buyers where a balcony is not of the utmost importance!

[1977]

Speaking of 181 Fremont:

SKS Investments is seeking a buyer for a Transbay development site approved for the area's second tallest tower.
The San Francisco investment firm has tapped HFF to market 181 Fremont St., which was recently entitled for a 54-story mixed-use tower with 417,000 square feet of office space and 74 deluxe condominiums. The property is currently occupied by a 41,000 square foot building that houses the technology incubator RocketSpace.

HellerManus designed the project, which has been rumored to be coming to market since late last year. The firm is open to selling the property outright or partnering with another investor or developer on the project, according to real estate sources. SKS did not return calls seeking comment.

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/01/transbay-site-could-fetch-75-million.html

[1977]

Also, Forest City unveiled their plan for Pier 70:

Forest City unveils Pier 70 plan

Forest City is proposing a mixed-use innovation center at Pier 70 that could include as many as 1,000 housing units, 2.2 million square feet of office space, and a diverse collection of spaces to accommodate 275,000 square feet of artisans, retailers, designers, and boutique manufacturers....

While those sort of mom-and-pop tenants will not bring the sort of Class rents needed to make Pier 70 a reality, they will help draw the residents and anchor office tenants that will. The denser office and residential portions of the project would be concentrated to the north and south of the property and would rise as high as 235 feet.


http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/real-estate/2013/01/forest-city-unveils-pier-70-plan.html

[tech12]

An 11 story, 220 room hotel has been proposed for 4th and Clementina streets, right across from the Moscone Center:

http://www.socketsite.com/250%204th%20Street%20Rendering.jpg

the building that's there currently:

http://www.socketsite.com/250%204th%20Street%20site.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/designs_for_eleven_stories_of_hotel_infill_and_feet_alo.html

[peanut gallery]

^Very bland, but a great location for a hotel with Moscone across the street and a future metro station next door. One interesting feature: no onsite parking.

[timbad]

a few updates from our favorite main street:

the former long-time hole in the ground just up from Octavia:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8403803717_e656118969_b.jpg

the Whole Foods project at Dolores, which I love for lots of reasons. the Market St side:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8403800229_df243ec349_b.jpg

it's really starting to loom over Dolores:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8403802075_f99fefac8b_b.jpg

still not too much to see at the kitty-corner former gas station, but stuff is sticking up out of the ground at least:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8093/8403807769_036e1b72d4_b.jpg

almost forgot, just off Market, 55 Ninth:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8403809385_47504f0bd0_b.jpg

[peanut gallery]

^What's happening with the top of the AAA tower in the background of that first shot? Is that darkened area test panels for the new skin or some kind of covering related to demo work?

[NOPA]

I believe they are converting the AAA tower into condos. However, I didn't think construction would happen for awhile.

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Plans-seek-to-add-life-to-Civic-Center-3816978.php

[peanut gallery]

Yes, that's what I was referring to and I'm with you in not thinking anything was starting just yet, which is why seeing something up there suprised me. Hopefully someone can walk by there and confirm what that darkened area is.

[jbm]

i think they are recladding (?) it as well. my assumption was that this is the first step to removing the current siding.

also, article on socketsite today about the proposed building at the southwest corner of 10th and mission.

[timbad]

also, article on socketsite today about the proposed building at the southwest corner of 10th and mission.

link (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/approved_for_14_stories_and_117_units_1415_mission_stre.html)

[Jerry of San Fran]

peanut gallery, nopa, jbm - yes indeed, the ventilation panels that hid the utilites on the roof of the old AAA building have been removed in preparation for the redesign of the structure into a residential building. For those who live in the Archstone Fox Plaza (it is my understanding that Archstone has been bought & a new name is coming soon for the Fox Plaza), it can be seen that work has been started on all floors and the walls are being ripped out for the redesign. You will notice on each floor a window has been taken out & fans and/or filters have been installed.

Herewith is a link with a picture of what it may look like after the concrete skin had been taken off and glass put on.

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2012/08/rendered_100_van_ness_ready_for_reality_check_this_afte.html

I watched 100 Van Ness being built from the roof of the Fox Plaza many years ago - we used to have a sun deck there. I'm glad to see the concrete skin go - as far as I know it is still in the works.

[Jerry of San Fran]

Here is a view I of the remodel that has started on 100 Van Ness Avenue. (I just found out that Van Ness Ave. is legally also known as El Camino Real). the top two floors are utility floors.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8330/8409756077_0819d15910_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8409756077/)
[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/8409756077/]

[jbm]

i walked by 8 (?) octavia today. while there is no equipment on site yet, a sign for the construction company has been affixed to the fence along market. i take that as a good sign that work will begin soon.

[minesweeper]

Although demolition and excavation has been ongoing for a while, the ceremonial groundbreaking (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/25/st-anthonys-dining-room_n_2554121.html) took place yesterday at 121 Golden Gate Ave. for the new St. Anthony's Dining Room and 90 units of senior housing:

http://i.imgur.com/BPjXxRgl.jpg (http://imgur.com/BPjXxRg)
Source: Hannah Bricker (http://i.huffpost.com/gadgets/slideshows/276978/slide_276978_2027716_free.jpg)

[minesweeper]

Trumark plans small SF condos in key areas (http://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/Trumark-plans-small-SF-condos-in-key-areas-4222203.php#photo-4084426)

In a city where most current construction focuses on rental apartments, Trumark Urban plans to build small and midsize condominium complexes - ranging from about 25 to 130 units each - in core areas around San Francisco, tailoring each complex to visions outlined in neighborhood plans.

Trumark has lined up six sites - in the Mission, Potrero Hill, Cow Hollow, South of Market, Nob Hill and Mid-Market - where it hopes to build 550 condos, ranging from 500 square feet to 2,500 square feet, and from $500,000 to $2 million, plus some below-market-rate units as required by the city. The first groundbreaking is set for spring; most would start construction next year.

[easy as pie]

well, if the undisclosed trumark cow hollow site is to break ground in april, that means that it's already all entitled and since their contractor is cahill, and there's only one development site on which cahill is active doing pre-construction, AND since in the last business times article on trumark's sf expansion, they mentioned that they wanted to pick up entitled projects to get moving quickly, i think it's a pretty good guess that the cow hollow project is... yep, my mystery project from last month:

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2010/11/1645_pacific_avenue_back_in_front_of_planning_tomorrow.html
http://www.1645pacific.com/

as for the rest of the article, it's a real shame that we'll be waiting until next year for all of these projects to get into construction, but the market and polk gulch projects have my full attention. let us not forget the glorious 1545 pine:
http://i.imgur.com/EiHkr.jpg?1

as for 1554 market, i scoured the various sites of builders, architects (i hope they go with architectonica over sbc or forum) and other vendors and found nothing. if you trumark folks are reading this, know that you've got great support from us here, but that we could use a bone, even just some elevation sketches!

also, an aside, it's interesting how up front these guys are with their process moves and much they mention the process in that interview. like, they understand the barriers to market entry and they see it as a good thing, as they see them as benefiting trumark once they're in. like check out this list, i've never seen a developer so up front about playing the game: http://www.trumarkurban.com/executive-profile/project-team

[1977]

This is the most up to date model flyover I've seen - New Transbay Tower (with "slit crown"), 181 Fremont, 201 Folsom redesign, 375 Fremont redesign, etc. For some reason, The Millennium tower is missing. ??? Cool none-the-less.

http://vimeo.com/55496206

[SLO]

Thanks for the update on the Exploratorium. We went on the last day in the old space and can't wait for it to open in the new one.

Although I absolutely loved the old Exploratorium, the new location is pretty incredible....

[jayblue]

One Rincon, second tower is finally out of the ground. Watched them fly in formwork this past weekend. The day will come soon when Rincon hill's middle finger to the city isn't quite so outstanding.

http://anotherway.in/i/1Rincont2.jpg.JPG
Rincon Hill Phse 2 Moving Right Along (http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2012/11/07/rincon_hill_phase_2_moving_right_along.php)

[Foley Santamaria]

Sweet that the next Rincon tower is going up!

[easy as pie]

One Rincon, second tower is finally out of the ground. Watched them fly in formwork this past weekend. The day will come soon when Rincon hill's middle finger to the city isn't quite so outstanding

actually, it's the one thing that i don't really like about the build out on rincon hill - i really like the way rh1 looks on the horizon from elsewhere in sf. it's a landmark par excellence. also love the way it looks coming back over the bay bridge, so iconic that it's good things are moving quickly - if it were there alone for another 10 years, there'd be an effort to landmark that view.

[timbad]

Sweet that the next Rincon tower is going up!

just a reminder that ORH2 also has its own thread, so additional info there:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=199764

a good collection of SF threads can be found here, just in case any others have not stumbled upon this:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/tags.php?tag=san+francisco

[San Frangelino]

From Socketsite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/ucsf_is_seeking_developers_for_its_10acre_laurel_height.html)


UCSF Seeking Developers For Prime 10-Acre San Francisco Site

UCSF's Chancellor's Executive Cabinet has approved the issuance of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to redevelop UCSF's 10-acre Laurel Heights campus at 3333 California Street, seeking to realize "the highest and best use of the site [and] maximize the value of the property." UCSF will be exploring options for relocating its 1,200 Laurel Heights employees to other campuses in San Francisco over the next couple of years.

Continue Reading (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/ucsf_is_seeking_developers_for_its_10acre_laurel_height.html)

http://www.socketsite.com/UCSF%20Laurel%20Heights%20Campus%20Building.jpg

If only the labels 242', 263', 290', 308' were the allowed high limits. Wishful thinking of course.

http://www.socketsite.com/UCSF%20Laurel%20Heights%20Campus.gif

[fflint]

I have never understood the Laurel Heights campus--is it just administrative offices?

[WildCowboy]

Essentially. They used to have a couple of the "dry" research programs there (no labs), but I think Anthropology, History and Social Medicine is the only one still there.

UCSF wanted to build some labs there before Mission Bay came about, but the neighbors nixed it.

[1977]

Here are a few project updates from Socketsite:

First, is 400 Grove (http://commissions.sfplanning.org/cpcpackets/2012.0083ECV.pdf):

On the agenda for San Francisco’s Planning Commission this week, the approval of 34 new condos and a cafe to be built at 400 Grove Street at the corner of Gough, also known as Central Freeway Parcel H, currently a Hayes Valley parking lot.

http://www.socketsite.com/400%20Gough%20Rendering.jpg
Source and more info: http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/400_grove_street_going_for_approvals_this_week.html#more




Second, is 72 Townsend:

The building permits to add seven stories and seventy-four units atop the existing 31-foot building were quietly reinstated at the end of last year. And if a plugged-in reader is correct, construction should commence in March and be completed by the end of 2014.

http://www.socketsite.com/72%20Townsend%20Rendering%202.jpg
Source: http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/72_townsend_development_dusted_off_and_set_to_start_con.html




Lastly, and probably the furthest from a construction start, is 970 Market (http://nomnic.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/970-Market-Teaser.pdf):

Having been in negotiations with the Loan Star Fund, the Dallas based hedge fund which acquired the parcels out of distress a few years ago, and having seemingly secured a soft agreement to incorporate TEDP’s arts and education vision into any development, Lone Star suddenly went silent at the end of last year and quietly listed the parcels for sale as "970 Market Street" with bids due by February 15, 2013.

While not yet entitled for development, the offering memorandum for the 25,557 square foot site with over 100 feet of Market Street retail frontage notes "the potential for over 250 residential units or over 250,000 gross square feet of office and retail space."

http://www.socketsite.com/970%20Market%20Street%20Rendering.jpg
Source: http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/acting_out_970_market_street_site_hits_the_market_sans.html

[tech12]

535 Mission might finally get built:

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/real-estate/2013/02/boston-properties-zeros-in-on-535.html

Boston Properties zeros in on 535 Mission

Boston Properties, suddenly one of San Francisco’s most voracious developers, is in negotiations to buy 535 Mission St...

...In October of 2008 Beacon Capital, which bought the property for $30 million in 2006, had already dug the foundation and bought the steel for 535 Mission when financial crisis started and the world came to a halt.

So if Boston Properties is able to come to terms and purchase the site, the REIT would have at least a six to eight month head start. A source who has discussed the project with Boston Properties officials said the company intends to build the project on a speculative basis...

[tech12]

And here are some more socketsite updates:

The conversion of the old AAA tower in Civic Center to rental apartments is now underway.

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/02/renovation_of_100_van_ness_is_underway_400_rentals_on_t.html

http://www.socketsite.com/100%20Van%20Ness%20Rendering%202013%202.gif

----------------------------------------

The city has also released preliminary plans to build a bunch of highrises and midrises above the Caltrain station/train yard at 4th and King streets in Mission Bay, once high speed rail is built (the station would be demolished and rebuilt underground, beneath the new buildings):

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/the_bold_plans_to_redevelop_sfs_fourth_and_king_street.html

One option includes the 280 overpass/offramps, while the other option has the overpass gone, in case the shortening of 280 ends up happening:

http://www.socketsite.com/Railyard%20Project%20Massings.jpg

here are the proposed height limits for the development:

http://www.socketsite.com/Railyard%20Project%20Massing%20Heights.gif

---------------------------------------

The SF Giants development at seawall lot 337 in Mission Bay is also going to start construction sometime before 2015:

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/01/giants_moving_forward_with_massive_mission_rock_develop.html

http://i.imgur.com/g8mUI.jpg
(the Giants development is that highrise cluster on the right of the render. The tallest tower would be 320', 380', or 450' tall...the "option C" render above has it at 450')

http://www.socketsite.com/SWL%20337%20-%20One%20Proposal-thumb.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/Mission%20Rock%20Site%20Plan%202013.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/Mission%20Rock%20Rendering%20-%20Plaza.jpg

http://www.socketsite.com/Mission%20Rock%20Rendering%20-%20China%20Basin%20Park.jpg

Once that and the development above the CalTrain station gets built (if it does), Mission Bay is going to be a serious new highrise cluster.

[peanut gallery]

I liked the AAA tower proposal a lot better before the Planning Department got their hands on it. The greener glass was sophisticated and relatively unique in SF compared to the bluer color. I liked the smoother skin too. However, I'm still very happy to see it moving forward. It's been empty for too long.

[NOPA]

As much as I like brutalism...the AAA tower was a little too harsh and Soviet for my taste. Glad to see it repurposed (wouldn't be great if older commercial buildings space could be retrofitted into condos? one can only dream)

[easy as pie]

aside from how awesome it'll be to get that building back into use, how amazing it'll be to get all those rental units onto this desperate market and how fantastic this many new folks will be for the hayes valley and civic center areas (not to mention market st and this section of van ness), there's the fact that this is just the first of four (4!) sites owned by the same ground (nrea for some huge pension fund) and set for development by the emerald group. the two green buildings connected across hayes, as well as one of the rear surface parking lots on hayes at polk are also slated for development. these parcels are excluded from the tax break, so there are some calculations to be made on exact balance of commercial to residential, but with the market right now, you know they're on the drawing board.

[timbad]

Moscone Center expansion (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2013/02/06/san-francisco-hotels-vote-yes-to.html?ana=e_du_pub&s=article_du&ed=2013-02-06) takes another step forward...

The district will begin collecting the hotel tax for the district in July, with construction of Moscone slated to begin in November 2014.

[fflint]

how awesome it'll be to get that building back into use, how amazing it'll be to get all those rental units onto this desperate market and how fantastic this many new folks will be for the hayes valley and civic center areas (not to mention market st and this section of van ness)
Agreed, and because Market and Van Ness is a true crossroads with excellent public transit service, in all directions, 24 hours a day, the creation of hundreds of new units there is a notable example of transit-oriented development.

[NOPA]

Plus killer views of the city! I love how this neighborhood is coming together!

[timbad]

another neighborhood coming together: Fifth St between Market and Folsom

1. Mint Project (http://sanfranciscomuseum.org/index.php/the-museum-experience)
2. 5M Project (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/02/the_5m_projects_buildings_timing_and_proposed_central_p.html#more) (new from socketsite)
3. UOP Dental Building (http://dental.pacific.edu/future_school_facility.html)
4. housing near Folsom (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2010/05/900_folsom260_fifth_street_approval_this_week.html)

[minesweeper]

An update on the AAA tower conversion (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/02/emerald-fund-ready-to-go-on-100-van.html?page=all):

Emerald Fund is ready to start the $200 million transformation of 100 Van Ness from a concrete office tower to deluxe apartments after the Planning Commission approved a request to drop the number of affordable units.

The unanimous 7-0 vote allows the Emerald Fund to implement a 20 percent reduction in on-site below market rate units on the Civic Center redevelopment of the former California State Automobile Association headquarters. The change, which is consistent with the Prop C ordinance San Francisco voters approved in November, will reduce the number of below market rate units from 60 to 48.

Apparently the construction loan was contingent on getting the BMR number lowered in accordance with Prop C. They'd been getting inquiries about keeping the building as office space if the BMR requirement wasn't lowered.

[NOPA]

Just a question, but with the dozens of projects going on in the city (and more in the next few years). Does anybody have an idea how many total new housing units will hit the market by 2020? Are there estimates as to the total city population by 2020?

The 2012 estimate by the census is 812,826; I don't see why this couldn't hit 825,000 by 2020. Thoughts? Sorry if this is off topic. And for "only" being the 14th largest city in the U.S. San Francisco punches WAY above its weight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population

[hruski]

Just a question, but with the dozens of projects going on in the city (and more in the next few years). Does anybody have an idea how many total new housing units will hit the market by 2020? Are there estimates as to the total city population by 2020?

The 2012 estimate by the census is 812,826; I don't see why this couldn't hit 825,000 by 2020. Thoughts? Sorry if this is off topic. And for "only" being the 14th largest city in the U.S. San Francisco punches WAY above its weight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cities_by_population

The population in 2010 was 805k and in 2012 it was already 812k, so if growth is constant over the next 8 years the population would be 840k by 2020. And with the new housing construction, it's not unreasonable to think the population will be closer to 850k by 2020.

[fflint]

Here's a massing render for the 5M proposal from timbad's link:

http://www.socketsite.com/5M%20Project%20Massing.gif