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

[coyotetrickster]

Why did they have it closed? It was my understanding that there wouldn't be more than a handful of days total during the entire construction period where any disruption on the surface would take place.

Part of the reason for the nosebleed cost is that they're building everything with the explicit goal of minimum to no disruption on the surface, rather than a cheaper cut and cover tunnel that would pass above the Muni/BART tunnel (through the mezzanine level).

What a bunch of whingy, whiners drivers.... :whip: The intersection (Geary and Stockton) is slated for station entrances. Cuts and bracing, plus surface street realignments are required to allow the entrances to the Union Sq. Station...People should really read the entire EIR and plan documents....

[Gordo]

What a bunch of whingy, whiners drivers.... :whip: The intersection (Geary and Stockton) is slated for station entrances. Cuts and bracing, plus surface street realignments are required to allow the entrances to the Union Sq. Station...People should really read the entire EIR and plan documents....

Is any of that work being done now? It was my understanding that that would come much later in the project, and amount to a very small percentage of the total construction time.

[Reminiscence]

Not sure if anyone's posted about this, but according to the Chronicle, proponents have decided to trim the height of the Treasure Island towers. Instead of a 650' peak, and 3 450' towers, we'll have one 450' and 3 315' towers. A bit of a letdown, but I'm glad the proposal is not dead altogether.

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/02/19/BA8I1HNUBT.DTL&tsp=1

[dr_strangelove]

Is any of that work being done now? It was my understanding that that would come much later in the project, and amount to a very small percentage of the total construction time.

she knows not what she speaks

[Gordo]

she knows not what she speaks

I suppose it's the "utilities relocation" that's going on now:

http://www.sfmta.com/cms/mcsp/cspprogress.htm
http://www.centralsubwayblog.com/blog/2011/02/utility-relocation-construction-schedule/

Looks like the plan is for it to be finished in the next couple days.

[WildCowboy]

My understanding is that the utilities relocation will take until June 2012 to complete. Obviously the whole stretch won't be under construction for the whole time, but Stockton Street is going to be a mess for a very long time.

Edit: Here (http://www.sfmta.com/cms/apress/SFMTAAdjustsPlannedStocktonStreetDetourforCentralSubwayConstruction.htm) is a news release on it...portions of Stockton will see lane reductions one block at a time for the next 10 months.

The construction work will begin at the southeast corner of Geary and Stockton streets. The work will proceed along the east side of the street, one block at a time down Stockton Street to Market Street. The work will then continue back up the opposite side of Stockton Street to Union Square. Once the work south of Geary is complete, the construction will continue north along the east side of Stockton Street from Geary Street to Post Street.

[Mattylite]

Not really seeing how we are on our way to being a subway "heaven". As befitting us being the 2nd densest major city in the US we should have had a first class subway oh lets say over a hundred years ago. Half a million in 1920 in a city smaller than todays 47 square miles. Why they are building a 3 stop muni line to middle of Chinatown when a Geary line heavy subway line would make the most sense is comical. Impressive clout for the Chinese-American community considering they would serve more constituents on Geary than Chinatown? Then again I don't have a degree in urban planning or common sense nor in Chinatown/Cityhall politics. Can't wait for that stop at Washington and Stockton. I picture several live chickens a fluttering:)

[202_Cyclist]

@Mattylite:

Despite your concern about whether SF's subway system is adequate for one of the nation's densest, largest cities that already has the 2nd or 3rd highest transit ridership rates, it is good construction of this project is underway before the RepuB(P)licans put the kibosh on any kind of infrastructure investments that don't use oil or otherwise benefit the Koch brothers.

http://thesource.metro.net/2011/01/21/house-republican-group-calls-for-elimination-of-federal-new-starts-program/

[tommaso]

Anyone have any photos of the Trinity Market/8th construction site? Anytime I'm in S.F. I post photos of that development because it's massive and it's just that important to that part of S.F. Thanks in advance :)

[CyberEric]

Not sure if anyone's posted about this, but according to the Chronicle, proponents have decided to trim the height of the Treasure Island towers. Instead of a 650' peak, and 3 450' towers, we'll have one 450' and 3 315' towers. A bit of a letdown, but I'm glad the proposal is not dead altogether.

Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/02/19/BA8I1HNUBT.DTL&tsp=1

Interesting, a bit of a bummer, but I am glad to hear it is still being considered at all.

@Mattylite:

Despite your concern about whether SF's subway system is adequate for one of the nation's densest, largest cities that already has the 2nd or 3rd highest transit ridership rates, it is good construction of this project is underway before the RepuB(P)licans put the kibosh on any kind of infrastructure investments that don't use oil or otherwise benefit the Koch brothers.

http://thesource.metro.net/2011/01/21/house-republican-group-calls-for-elimination-of-federal-new-starts-program/

My understanding was that the Central Subway had been specifically chosen to receive federal funding, which is why it is being done now, even though a Geary line is equally needed. I really hope they make something happen with Geary eventually, it's way overdue. In the meantime, it's great to hear the Central Subway project is underway. It's going to be great to be able to get to Chinatown quicker than Oakland from my place in Haight Ashbury, right now that's not the case.

[Gordo]

My understanding was that the Central Subway had been specifically chosen to receive federal funding, which is why it is being done now, even though a Geary line is equally needed. I really hope they make something happen with Geary eventually, it's way overdue. In the meantime, it's great to hear the Central Subway project is underway. It's going to be great to be able to get to Chinatown quicker than Oakland from my place in Haight Ashbury, right now that's not the case.

Just curious - how exactly is it now quicker to get from the Haight to Oakland rather than Chinatown, and how is that going to change with the Central Subway?

The Central Subway may make it quicker to get from the southeast to Chinatown, but I fail to see how it will have any time effect from the west, and especially from a place like the Haight where you'd likely be coming into downtown above ground.

[peanut gallery]

^N Judah is just a couple of blocks up the hill on Carl. I'm guessing he takes that downtown and is comparing a transfer to BART vs walking several blocks up to Chinatown.

[Gordo]

^N Judah is just a couple of blocks up the hill on Carl. I'm guessing he takes that downtown and is comparing a transfer to BART vs walking several blocks up to Chinatown.

I suppose...

I lived in the lower Haight for two years (a block and a half from the N Judah), and I can't imagine thinking that it's faster to get to Oakland than Chinatown, and I can't see how it would be any different from the other side of the tunnel.

Who knows though, I really haven't used Muni much in the past year. Uber rules!

[dr_strangelove]

http://i56.tinypic.com/353ausl.jpg

[1977]

Thanks for the update dr_strangelove. It looks like they have another 4 or 5 floors to go. I'm excited to see what the skin looks like.

[Jerry of San Fran]

Thanks for the update Dr Strangelove - here is a view I took from the 14th floor of the Archstone Fox Plaza Feb. 2011.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5138/5474278874_2b042c9722.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/5474278874/)
San Francisco Public Utilities Bldg. Construction (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/5474278874/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[CyberEric]

Thanks for the updates! Will the final height be about where the crane's crossbeam is?

[ElDuderino]

Thanks for the updates! Will the final height be about where the crane's crossbeam is?

I think a little shorter than that

[peanut gallery]

It's supposed to be 13 stories, and it looks like it has 3 more floors to go plus mechanicals. To my eye, that should take it up about half way from where it is to the boom.

[San Frangelino]

Found this interesting. Click the link to get the renderings. I quite like the architecture,but why is everything always so white?
http://www.archdaily.com/115256/mashouf-performing-arts-center-at-san-francisco-state-university-michael-maltzan-architecture/

Mashouf Performing Arts Center at San Francisco State University / Michael Maltzan Architecture
By Kelly Minner

A 1,200 seat opera style theater is planned within the first phase of construction, and four smaller theaters will follow in two additional phases. The total 242,000 sqf Mashouf Performing Arts Center will also include programs for drama, dance, music, and broadcast journalism.

[1977]

Found this interesting. Click the link to get the renderings. I quite like the architecture,but why is everything always so white?
http://www.archdaily.com/115256/mashouf-performing-arts-center-at-san-francisco-state-university-michael-maltzan-architecture/

Thanks! Looks great. Here are the renderings from the link you provided:

http://cdn.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1298654016-maltzan-san-francisco-08.jpg

http://cdn.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1298654012-maltzan-san-francisco-06.jpg

http://cdn.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1298654005-maltzan-san-francisco-04-1.jpg

http://cdn.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1298654003-maltzan-san-francisco-02.jpg

http://cdn.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1298654010-maltzan-san-francisco-05.jpg

Source: http://www.archdaily.com/

[peanut gallery]

Wow, that's spectacular looking. BT posted news about this at SSC, but I hadn't seen the renderings. Very nice!

San Frangelino: We do see a lot of all-white proposals, but in this particular location it will look really good. There's so much green, especially with the golf course across the street, that this will contrast very nicely with its surroundings. And right next door is Park Merced, which has a lot of earth tones.

[patriotizzy]

Loving the shapes and the concert hall. Looks immaculate in both design and aesthetics.

[fflint]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5453021766_68665f8a13_b.jpg
by photogism (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photogism/) at flickr

If you look at the Burton Federal Building you can see the red crane at the PUC site and the white crane a little beyond at the Chinatown CC site.

[CyberEric]

That new hall looks great!

Nice shot FFlint. It looks like the tower on the eastern span of the bay bridge is now visible.

[ElDuderino]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5099/5453021766_68665f8a13_b.jpg
by photogism (http://www.flickr.com/photos/photogism/) at flickr


I am imagining this view with the transbay tower sticking out in the middle. Amazing.
That performing arts center looks stunning...:tup:

[ElDuderino]

Bay Bridge suspension tower's 4th piece of 5 rising

Michael Cabanatuan, Chronicle Staff Writer

Just before dawn on Monday, ironworkers laboring more than 40 stories above the bay began hoisting the fourth section of the sleek new tower of the Bay Bridge into place.

The piece is just one of four massive white sticks of steel that will dangle above the bay this week as the penultimate pieces of the new tower are lifted and bolted into place.

Despite its slow pace, it's amazing work to watch. But bridge officials hope drivers won't succumb to the temptation.

"Our advice is, please, keep your eyes on the road while driving across the bridge," said Bart Ney, a Caltrans spokesman.

The work Monday involved using strand jacks mounted on a 500-foot steel frame. Crews carefully lifted and then lowered the 105.6-foot-long, 500-ton tower leg into place about 6:30 p.m. and began bolting it to the third level. All told, it takes about 30 hours to install each leg.

When all four are bolted in place, by Friday, if weather cooperates, the tower will stand at 480 feet of its ultimate 525 feet.

"We expect to go around the clock until this entire segment is done," Ney said.

After this week, all that remains to complete the tower is to place the final piece, known as the grillage, which includes the saddle from which the span's suspension cable will be draped, and some decorative flourishes. That work is expected to be done in early April.

The self-anchored suspension bridge, the signature piece of the $6.3 billion new eastern span, is an unusual structure that will feature the lone tower just east of Yerba Buena Island. It will hold up a single suspension cable that will support the bridge deck.

"It's the only suspension bridge in the country that has just one cable," Ney said. "You think of a traditional suspension bridge as a hammock. This is more like a sling."

The latest delivery of tower pieces, along with more sections of the bridge deck, arrived in the Bay Area from Shanghai on Feb. 14. The tower is made of four independent legs joined together with horizontal connection bars that act as fuses, breaking apart to provide flexibility in the event of a major earthquake.

Workers installed the first level of the tower, atop a 21-foot thick foundation anchored by 13 piles reaching 196 feet into the bay floor, in July. The second section was installed in October, and the third in December.

Once the tower is completed, construction crews will drape temporary footbridges along the path the cable will follow, and the cable will be strung along that route - not spun, as most suspension cables are - and compacted. Suspender cables, reaching from the main cable to the bridge deck, will be installed, and the weight of the bridge deck, now supported by a temporary steel trestle, will be shifted to the main cable. That's expected to occur sometime near the end of 2012.

The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in both directions by the end of 2013. To make that possible, construction crews in May will detour traffic coming off of the existing Bay Bridge, shifting it slightly to the south, as part of a plan to allow construction of the eastbound Oakland landing of the new span.


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/01/MNMG1I0F1D.DTL

[northbay]

man, i cant wait till this thing is finished. its gonna be such a beaut!

[peanut gallery]

The tower was clearly visible from the mountain tops of central Marin last weekend. And that was before the fourth piece was in place. It's going to be very dramatic when complete.

[CyberEric]

The tower was clearly visible from the mountain tops of central Marin last weekend. And that was before the fourth piece was in place. It's going to be very dramatic when complete.

Cool! Does this bridge have its own thread? It seems like it has been sort of forgotten amongst the talk of the Transbay Terminal.

[ElDuderino]

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4900/91303476.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/91303476.jpg/)

more pics: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/01/MNMG1I0F1D.DTL

[peanut gallery]

CyberEric - I don't think it does.

And now that I see the shot that ElDuderino posted, I realize I was seeing the tower crane and scaffolding, not really the tower itself. But it's a good approximation of how visible it will eventually be.

[patriotizzy]

We need more picture updates of the bridge. I've tried Binging images but I never seem to find any. Anyone know about how many pieces of the bridge are left to finish it? They've been taking way too long. It's kind of frustrating really.

[northbay]

We need more picture updates of the bridge. I've tried Binging images but I never seem to find any. Anyone know about how many pieces of the bridge are left to finish it? They've been taking way too long. It's kind of frustrating really.

after this fourth piece there's one more tower section. then all they have to do is the cables and the touchdowns. the bridge will open in late 2013.

[peanut gallery]

patriot - have you checked out the cameras at the project website (http://baybridgeinfo.org/construction-cams)?

They also post photos on the project's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/baybridgeinfo).

[cityjogger]

The Bay Bridge work is part of CalTrans district 4, which has an active Photography website:
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist4/photography/

There are photos of major Bay Bridge developments on here (after a week or three delay) as well as lots of aerial shots of the project.

[ElDuderino]

CyberEric - I don't think it does.

And now that I see the shot that ElDuderino posted, I realize I was seeing the tower crane and scaffolding, not really the tower itself. But it's a good approximation of how visible it will eventually be.

I figured it was the scaffolding that you were seeing. After the latest installation the tower is slightly above the next crossbeam in that last picture. I think the final height will actually be a little higher that the scaffolding.

[1977]

This isn't that exciting but news is a bit slow these days.

Foundry III website:

http://www.foundrythree.com/

Click on 'tour' for some renderings.

[patriotizzy]

Not sure what this is but I saw it when I visited the city on the 5th.

http://i1211.photobucket.com/albums/cc426/patriotizzy/San%20Francisco/DSCF2561.jpg

[northbay]

This isn't that exciting but news is a bit slow these days.

Foundry III website:

http://www.foundrythree.com/

Click on 'tour' for some renderings.

i like how they include shots of the existing buildings in with the renderings:

"so basically our building is going to look exactly like these 3 other buildings"

the first rendering showing the superimposed transbay terminal (and 535 mission?!) is pretty cool

[CyberEric]

This isn't that exciting but news is a bit slow these days.

Foundry III website:

http://www.foundrythree.com/

Click on 'tour' for some renderings.
Aren't those already built? The renderings of the terminal and tower are cool!

Not sure what this is but I saw it when I visited the city on the 5th.



That is the China Town campus for the City College. Looks terrible now but should be somewhat attractive when done.

[northbay]

Aren't those already built? The renderings of the terminal and tower are cool!


foundry square 1, 2, and 4 have been built.

they included pictures of the built buildings in with the renderings of 3:

i like how they include shots of the existing buildings in with the renderings:

"so basically our building is going to look exactly like these 3 other buildings"

the first rendering showing the superimposed transbay terminal (and 535 mission?!) is pretty cool

[CyberEric]

Ah I see.

This looks like it could be interesting:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/09/MN951I7CMC.DTL&feed=rss.jking

And this article could interest you guys as well.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/03/08/DD9N1I1PVB.DTL

[dr_strangelove]

Something missing from the new Rincon Hill/ SOMA development areas are spiritual/ religious centers. These are more important than shops and offices and organic restaurants for the well being of society yet all that is being built is offices, condos, and apartments. What about a New Age meditation center? A mosque? A temple? The area needs some soul and is lacking it very much.

[Jerry of San Fran]

I went to see the new exhibit at the Asian Art Museum today and got this picture of the new skyline for the Civic Center a block away.

http://http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5516121867_3a486412be.jpg

[fflint]

Something missing from the new Rincon Hill/ SOMA development areas are spiritual/ religious centers. These are more important than shops and offices and organic restaurants for the well being of society yet all that is being built is offices, condos, and apartments. What about a New Age meditation center? A mosque? A temple? The area needs some soul and is lacking it very much.
Disagreed.

[ElDuderino]

:previous: +1:tup:

[patriotizzy]

Something missing from the new Rincon Hill/ SOMA development areas are spiritual/ religious centers. These are more important than shops and offices and organic restaurants for the well being of society yet all that is being built is offices, condos, and apartments. What about a New Age meditation center? A mosque? A temple? The area needs some soul and is lacking it very much.

San Francisco is a happy city. There is so much to do in the city, that anything of the sort is nothing more than an afterthought. Besides, I'm sure your own home would be more than well suited for meditation.

[CyberEric]

Thanks for the shot Jerry!

[dr_strangelove]

San Francisco is a happy city. There is so much to do in the city, that anything of the sort is nothing more than an afterthought. Besides, I'm sure your own home would be more than well suited for meditation.

Not quite sure on your premise there..

But I'm sure the area will develop and progress with new museums, galleries, music venues, etc. All I see now are offices, condos, and chain link fenced dirt lots. I suppose it will take a while to really turn into a great neighborhood, it is just missing so much right now. I would like to see Folsom st. turn into a Valencia st. full of independent stores of mixed variety (not just all high end luxury furniture boutiques) to attract the younger more energetic crowd- for that is what makes a neighborhood lively.

[ElDuderino]

Not quite sure on your premise there..

But I'm sure the area will develop and progress with new museums, galleries, music venues, etc. All I see now are offices, condos, and chain link fenced dirt lots. I suppose it will take a while to really turn into a great neighborhood, it is just missing so much right now. I would like to see Folsom st. turn into a Valencia st. full of independent stores of mixed variety (not just all high end luxury furniture boutiques) to attract the younger more energetic crowd- for that is what makes a neighborhood lively.

Yeah that totally makes sense. But you said a new age meditation center, mosque, or temple which is not what attracts the 'younger more energetic crowd.' Especially in San Francisco

[dr_strangelove]

Yeah that totally makes sense. But you said a new age meditation center, mosque, or temple which is not what attracts the 'younger more energetic crowd.' Especially in San Francisco

Well I didn't say they did I said they make the neighborhood lively, and "spiritual centers" (I'll use this term loosely so as not to prescribe any organized religion) bring a sense of well being to the community. So having a lively, spiritually aware community is harmoniously beneficial. We can even throw in an atheist temple for all the nihilists out there :jester:
San Francisco has some of the most fascinating and diverse "spiritual centers" in the country, and we are recognized for that.

[dr_strangelove]

http://i53.tinypic.com/23rokxv.jpg

[ElDuderino]

:previous: That thing has got to be getting close to topping out right?

[peanut gallery]

^ Not quite there yet. It will top out about halfway between the Hilton and the white building sitting in front of it. Or approximately the height of the cab on the crane.

Don't forget, it has its own thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=159669). It would be great if you posted your photos there as well since it gets so little love. :( There are some models and renderings posted on the first page that give you a better sense of how this will look when completed.

[viewguysf]

Disagreed.

Agreed. How about relegating religion to the realm of mythology where it belongs? :worship:

[brantw]

http://i53.tinypic.com/23rokxv.jpg

Can someone please tell me which neighborhood this is in the picture?

[peanut gallery]

That's looking south down Kearny from about Vallejo. It's on the slope of Telegraph Hill and thus I'd consider it part of that neighborhood. I'm not sure exactly where you'd draw the line between North Beach and Telegraph Hill though, so it could actually be NB instead.

[dr_strangelove]

Can someone please tell me which neighborhood this is in the picture?

You are looking at North Beach, Chinatown, Financial District, as well as glimpses of Soma. I took it on Kearny and Vallejo St. in North Beach.

[brantw]

Thank you.

[NOPA]

About the spiritual centers, I think SF already has plenty. I live in the Panhandle area and there are tons of churches that seem to have fallen into disarray and/or are underused. Everytime I pass by one (often converted from an old Victorian) I can't help wonder how much better off the neighborhood would be if they tore the building down and built some sweet new condoes or restored the original building.

Granted spiritual centers have their place in the community of course. I just get the sense that the demand in SF isn't there anymore for all structures we have. Example, the Luthern Church on Dolores Park was converted into a 17,000 square foot home.

http://601dolores.com/
http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2009/02/12/back_on_the_market_your_very_own_church_in_the_mission.php

[dr_strangelove]

About the spiritual centers, I think SF already has plenty. I live in the Panhandle area and there are tons of churches that seem to have fallen into disarray and/or are underused. Everytime I pass by one (often converted from an old Victorian) I can't help wonder how much better off the neighborhood would be if they tore the building down and built some sweet new condoes or restored the original building.

Granted spiritual centers have their place in the community of course. I just get the sense that the demand in SF isn't there anymore for all structures we have. Example, the Luthern Church on Dolores Park was converted into a 17,000 square foot home.

http://601dolores.com/
http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2009/02/12/back_on_the_market_your_very_own_church_in_the_mission.php

Have you ever been to Glide (one of our infamous spiritual centers) to the Sunday celebration? Even if you are not a religious person, you will be moved, and the place is always packed with locals and tourists. Many people walk in alcoholics and drug addicts and are transformed (although not overnight). All I'm saying is- keep an open mind. These places really do serve the common good.

[fflint]

Have you ever been to Glide (one of our infamous spiritual centers) to the Sunday celebration? Even if you are not a religious person, you will be moved, and the place is always packed with locals and tourists. Many people walk in alcoholics and drug addicts and are transformed (although not overnight). All I'm saying is- keep an open mind. These places really do serve the common good.
I'm glad all you're saying now is to keep an open mind, because earlier your own mind was closed tight around your declaration that spiritual centers "are more important than shops and offices and organic restaurants for the well being of society yet all that is being built is offices, condos, and apartments."

A truly open mind would allow for the possibility that offices and shops and restaurants--which generate local jobs--and new residences just might be more important for the well-being of our society here in San Francisco than another empty 'spiritual center' in a city with a massive surplus of such things that far, far exceeds demand. Hurray for open minds!

[peanut gallery]

Some encouraging news for the Tenderloin. We discussed this proposal several months ago when word first came out. It will be affordable housing at Eddy and Taylor and will include space for a grocery store. Bonus points for replacing a surface lot! I don't know how much they need, but $10M is a good start.

From the SF Streetsblog (http://sf.streetsblog.org/2011/03/23/tenderloin-transit-oriented-housing-development-gets-boost-from-mtc/):

Tenderloin Transit-Oriented Housing Development Gets Boost From MTC
by Aaron Bialick
March 23, 2011

The Tenderloin could see a 14-story mixed-use building replace a parking lot within the next few years. Developers hoping to bring new affordable housing and space for a much-needed grocery store to the neighborhood received a $10 million funding commitment from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) today.

...

The development at 168 Eddy Street would provide 153 new apartments reserved for low-income families and space for a 12,000-foot street-level grocery store. It would help quell some of the high demand for affordable housing in the neighborhood, where valuable lots used to park cars diminish the urban fabric despite very low car ownership. Bringing the first full-sized grocery market to the neighborhood would also provide access to healthy food options within walkable distances.

...

Falk said construction on the site could start as early as 2013 after further funding is secured.

And some renderings from the architect:
http://www.dbarchitect.com/images/dynamic/slideshow_images/image/20618_rooftop_perspective_-blue.project_large.jpg

http://www.dbarchitect.com/images/dynamic/slideshow_images/image/20618_axonometric.project_large.jpg

http://www.dbarchitect.com/images/dynamic/slideshow_images/image/20618_market_corner_blue.project_large.jpg
Source: David Baker + Partners (http://www.dbarchitect.com/project_detail/141/Eddy%20%2B%20Taylor%20Family%20Housing.html)

[CyberEric]

I think that is very encouraging, but why does all new housing have to look like Tetris blocks? Is this the best design they can come up with on the cheap?

Thanks for the update!

[peanut gallery]

I like it. I wouldn't want to see this become the vernacular or anything, but in the Tenderloin I think this will make a nice contrast to its surroundings.

Out of curiosity, what other buildings are you thinking of with this Tetris look?

[peanut gallery]

More Tenderloin news. Yesterday, Planning approved St. Anthony's proposal for a new center at Jones and Golden Gate. It will replace their existing 3-story building on that corner.

From SFGate (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/cityinsider/detail?entry_id=85719):

The Tenderloin charity St. Anthony's will be able to build a new 10-story community center after the plan received unanimous approval from the Planning Commission Thursday.

Once the building at Jones Street and Golden Gate Avenue is constructed, it will house a new dining room, a free clothing shop and a social work center under one roof, said Karl Robillard, spokesman for the charity.

...

The building will also house 90 units of affordable senior housing, run by Mercy Housing. Construction is slated to begin in July 2012.

I looked all over the architect's website but couldn't find a rendering and the one on SFGate is tiny:
http://imgs.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/cityinsider/2011/03/24/stanthonys275x193.JPG

But SocketSite has this one:
http://sf.curbed.com/uploads/2010_04_stanthony.jpg
Source: SocketSite (http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2011/03/25/st_anthonys_foundation_gets_the_goahead.php).

And best of all, it looks noting like Tetris blocks! :)

[1977]

Mission news:

Oyster Development Corp. has agreed to buy a site in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission district and will revive a stalled — and contentious — plan to build housing and an entertainment center there.
Oyster President Dean Givas said his firm, along with equity partner Tricon Capital Group, is acquiring the Giant Value store at 2558 Mission St. near 21st Street, a site where Mission District impresario Gus Murad had planned to build 95 housing units and 14,000 square feet of retail. Murad, who owns Medjool restaurant on Mission Street, will retain ownership of the adjacent, shuttered New Mission ...


Read more: Oyster tries to crack Mission | San Francisco Business Times
Source: www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco

Does anyone have a subscription? I'd love to read the rest. This project, along with this (http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/a-six-lane-bowling-alleyrestaurantbar-is-coming-to-the-mission/) one, could really begin to turn Mission St. around.

[dr_strangelove]

Mission news:


Source: www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco

Does anyone have a subscription? I'd love to read the rest. This project, along with this (http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/a-six-lane-bowling-alleyrestaurantbar-is-coming-to-the-mission/) one, could really begin to turn Mission St. around.

Is it a high rise? I highly doubt it in this area.. isn't the height limit 40'?

[1977]

Is it a high rise? I highly doubt it in this area.. isn't the height limit 40'?

No, it should be somewhere around 40'. I know they were aiming for an extra 20' (60' total) but I'm not sure if that was ever approved.

[fflint]

Tetris or not, I like most of the new stuff in the Tenderloin including the Turk/Taylor proposal.

Sometime soon I hope to have the time to hit up the Census site and and get some sense of how many new housing units have been added in the Tenderloin over the last decade.

[dr_strangelove]

deletedelete

[Jerry of San Fran]

Today I took a picture of the demoliton of the old Trinity Plaza facing Mission Street that has started, which I am glad to see. It means that construction of the 2nd building of the Trinity Place complex is happening this year. Note the 1st building in the background of the photo showing the completed 1st Trinity Place building.

Trinity Plaza started out many years ago (1960's?) as a motel. I can't remember the name of it and will try to get information and post. Anyone know the history?

http://http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5559550140_beaa74f02c.jpg

[edwards]

SFPUC building 2 days ago...

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

[CyberEric]

I like it. I wouldn't want to see this become the vernacular or anything, but in the Tenderloin I think this will make a nice contrast to its surroundings.

Out of curiosity, what other buildings are you thinking of with this Tetris look?
That building at the Trinity stuff looks like Tetris to me, maybe it will grow on me, but I am not too excited about it in the renderings.

Mission news:


Source: www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco

Does anyone have a subscription? I'd love to read the rest. This project, along with this (http://www.tablehopper.com/chatterbox/a-six-lane-bowling-alleyrestaurantbar-is-coming-to-the-mission/) one, could really begin to turn Mission St. around.

I wish I could read the article to see what the plan is there.

Tetris or not, I like most of the new stuff in the Tenderloin including the Turk/Taylor proposal.

Sometime soon I hope to have the time to hit up the Census site and and get some sense of how many new housing units have been added in the Tenderloin over the last decade.

I like the proposals as well, I just think it's likely to look like bad design in 20 years.

Today I noted that the demoliton of the old Trinity Plaza facing Mission Street has started, which I am glad to see. It means that construction of the 2nd building of the Trinity Place complex is happening this year. Note the 1st building in the background of the photo I took today showing the completed 1st Trinity Place building.

Trinity Plaza started out many years ago (1960's?) as a motel. I can't remember the name of it and will try to get information and post. Anyone know the history?

http://http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5559550140_beaa74f02c.jpg

Glad to see that old hotel go.

[Jerry of San Fran]

Edwards - you must have taken the picture between the raindrops! Nice.

[1977]

Today I noted that the demoliton of the old Trinity Plaza facing Mission Street has started, which I am glad to see. It means that construction of the 2nd building of the Trinity Place complex is happening this year. Note the 1st building in the background of the photo I took today showing the completed 1st Trinity Place building.

Trinity Plaza started out many years ago (1960's?) as a motel. I can't remember the name of it and will try to get information and post. Anyone know the history?

http://http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5013/5559550140_beaa74f02c.jpg

I forget which hotel was there prior to the Infinity Apartments but I do know the Crystal Palace Market used to be there:

http://www.foundsf.org/images/8/8c/Crystal_palace_AAC-6908.jpg

http://www.foundsf.org/images/8/82/Crystal_palace_AAC-6862.jpg
Source and more info and pictures: http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Crystal_Palace_Market

[1977]

Missed this:

then in 1944 it was bought by 33-year-old Joseph Long of Alameda, who in the previous seven years had started a chain of drug stores. He “modernized” the huge market by breaking up its open spaces and building a large drugstore in one corner. But postwar tastes changed as families moved out to the suburbs. On August 1, 1959, the Crystal Palace Market closed its doors and was demolished to make room for the new $8 million, 400-room Del Webb TowneHouse luxury motel.
Source: http://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Crystal_Palace_Market

[ElDuderino]

SFPUC building 2 days ago...

Looks like just a few more floors to go. :tup:

The Trinity plaza may look like Tetris, but I actually like it. I think it'll be impressive when the whole complex is completed.

[peanut gallery]

Thanks for the updates Jerry and edwards, and for the history lesson, 1977. Very interesting all the way around.

Eric - That's right, you mentioned that in the Trinity thread. Have you had a chance to examine (in person) the Trinity building that is already built? Maybe in person you'll like it better than the renderings? I'm pretty excited about that whole development myself, but I can see your concern -- especially given they will fill an entire block. Hopefully Trinity and the Tenderloin buildings won't look too dated in a couple of decades. I guess time will tell.

[Jerry of San Fran]

Thanks 1977 for the great photo of the market and link - you are sharp! I remember there used to be a market in that block in the 1970s - long gone. If only we had digital cameras 40 years ago - so many buildingsa are gone and we cannot remember what was there!

Being that I will have to look at the Trinity Place complex from my window till I probably die, I'm happy to say that I like what I see now and look forward to seeing the whole complex finished. There are times I have doubts about it, but the 1st building does change it's character depending on the time of day and light.

Unfortunately the Holiday Inn blocks my view of the corner of Mission and 8th Streets, so it will be awhile before I can post pictures from my window.

[1977]

333 Harrison is set to begin construction in the next month or so!

San Francisco-based Emerald Fund Inc. hopes to begin construction in the next 30 days on a $105 million, 326-unit apartment complex at 333 Harrison St. in San Francisco.

The move follows notification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that a $70 million loan guarantee has passed muster at the federal level.

“We have verbal confirmation from HUD that we have been approved by HUD’s National Loan Committee, and we are moving forward,” said Alastair Mactaggart of Emerald.

The company began work to gain entitlements for the seven-story complex beginning in 2007, succeeding in 2009. Without the HUD loan guarantee, the project could not progress. “The construction financing market was so dead and is so dead that there is no way to do it without them,” Mactaggart said.

The lender is RED Mortgage Capital LLC, the mortgage banking arm of Columbus, Ohio, -based RED Capital Group. RED provides debt and equity to the multifamily, student and senior-housing sectors, as well as the health care industry. RED managed the processing of the Emerald Fund loan through the federal housing department.

San Mateo’s Webcor Builders has been selected as the general contractor. The project has a $65 million construction budget. Construction should last 18 months.

The project includes 49 affordable units intended for rent to families earning 30 percent of the San Francisco median income. The HUD backing also limits rents on the remaining units as well, Mactaggart said.

The development has benefitted from an $11.5 million infill infrastructure grant from the state’s housing department. That grant acknowledges its affordable housing contribution, its proximity to public transit and other services, its readiness to proceed and its density.

The project includes a fitness center and a rooftop terrace as well as two levels of subterranean parking and 171 stalls, a ratio of not quite one parking place for every two units. “It is true workforce housing,” Mactaggart said.

The architect is Christiani Johnson Architects.
Source: http://www.theregistrysf.com/

Here's a picture for reference:

http://www.dbarchitect.com/images/dynamic/slideshow_images/image/20613_-_3d_view_of_project.slideshow_main.jpg
Source: http://www.dbarchitect.com/

[patriotizzy]

Sweet! The tower gets a brother to stand tall with! Awesome, nice to see some more construction in the City on the Bay.

[WildCowboy]

Sweet! The tower gets a brother to stand tall with! Awesome, nice to see some more construction in the City on the Bay.

Note that this project is the little 7-story one in color nestled amongst the towers. A nice little project and great to see it going up, but not exactly "standing tall". :)

[peanut gallery]

If only this was news about ORH2. 333 is a nice little project too though. I don't recall and can't seem to find anything online about timing for the park. Is that to be done by the developer or is that funded and managed separately?

[CyberEric]

Thanks for the updates Jerry and edwards, and for the history lesson, 1977. Very interesting all the way around.

Eric - That's right, you mentioned that in the Trinity thread. Have you had a chance to examine (in person) the Trinity building that is already built? Maybe in person you'll like it better than the renderings? I'm pretty excited about that whole development myself, but I can see your concern -- especially given they will fill an entire block. Hopefully Trinity and the Tenderloin buildings won't look too dated in a couple of decades. I guess time will tell.

I have only seen the Trinity Building from a great distance, my girlfriend's apartment deck in Bernal Heights, so perhaps I need to see it closer. I am with you, I hope they stand the test of time! Either way, I was alarmed to see the other project with a somewhat similar design in the Tenderloin and was worried about a undesirable trend.

Thanks for the updates 1977!

Anyone see this article in NYT about SF's parklets? http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/us/25bcjames.html?_r=2

[pseudolus]

333 Harrison is set to begin construction in the next month or so!


Source: http://www.theregistrysf.com/

Here's a picture for reference:

http://www.dbarchitect.com/images/dynamic/slideshow_images/image/20613_-_3d_view_of_project.slideshow_main.jpg
Source: http://www.dbarchitect.com/

I'm not too crazy about how this meets the sidewalk on Harrison.

[San Frangelino]

This is very interesting, but sadly it's just a pipe dream.

http://www.archdaily.com/123689/helios-rehab-sanctuary-team-cls/

Wouldn't be a bad idea for Treasure Island.

[CyberEric]

This is very interesting, but sadly it's just a pipe dream.

http://www.archdaily.com/123689/helios-rehab-sanctuary-team-cls/

Wouldn't be a bad idea for Treasure Island.

Very interesting indeed, thanks for posting! Yeah, I agree, that would work very nicely for Treasure Island.

[1977]

According to SocketSite, this bland box recently broke ground...

http://www.socketsite.com/701%20Golden%20Gate%20Avenue%204-4-11.jpg
Image Source: www.socketsite.com
http://www.socketsite.com/701%20Golden%20Gate%20Rendering.jpg
Image Source: www.socketsite.com

[fflint]

^Where is that?

[pesto]

^Where is that?

701 Golden Gate. Can't you see the seniors walking in front of it? :jester:

[1977]

701 Golden Gate. Can't you see the seniors walking in front of it? :jester:

Haha. Yeah, 701 Golden Gate and Franklin. I guess it's better than a parking lot but I wish we could see a more inspired design.

[peanut gallery]

A couple more details from SocketSite: there will be 100 apartments for low-income seniors and it's supposed to open in 2013. So clearly we're not going to see the most leading-edge design here and I'm glad to see a surface lot bite the dust. But yuck! Maybe this isn't the final design? Hopefully? Please?

[fflint]

What, you'd rather be dazzled by a sweet rendering and then sharply disappointed when the project hits cost overruns and they dispense with all the nice stuff and build it out like this more honest if craptastic rendering here? :)

[peanut gallery]

Ha ha! Good point, fflint. Gotta look for the silver lining!

[RST500]

I know this is a little out of line but I just saw this and realized something like this has to be built in SF near the transbay redevelopment area.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5171071793_e842b420cb_b.jpg
ArchNew.com

[CyberEric]

^Umm, what do you mean?

[ElDuderino]

I know this is a little out of line but I just saw this and realized something like this has to be built in SF near the transbay redevelopment area.

The transbay area needs some architecturally appealing buildings with height, not this short, hideous Hollywood proposal. :koko:

[RST500]

The transbay area needs some architecturally appealing buildings with height, not this short, hideous Hollywood proposal. :koko:

well.....something ideally taller. maybe 40-50 stories and just the tower without the rest of the building. Its bassically based on the Hearst Tower which I conisider to be the most spectabular modern skyscraper. SF really needs something along those lines.