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

[JRinSoCal]

^Any renderings of the finished product out there?

[1977]

^Any renderings of the finished product out there?

http://www.spur.org/files/event-attachments/Marc_Babsin_Presentation.pdf

[timbad]

Is Caltrain going to the TBT part of the 2019/electrification project or will that have to be separately funded?

separately funded. I think electrification has most funding in place, but the extension doesn't.

here (http://www.caltrain.com/Assets/Caltrain+Modernization+Program/Electrification+Documents/Peninsula+Corridor+Electrification+Fact+Sheet-May+2013.pdf) is a brief pdf on the electrification which mentions funding sources

[POLA]

Wow, that 101 polk looks great!

[simms3_redux]

Looks like both Curbed and Socketsite have come out now with new information regarding NEMA.

Curbed has more renderings, photos, and all of the floorplans now available, as well as timing. Looks like the South Tower will be ready for occupancy by October (these are the floorplans we see, and likely the pricing from the sounds of it), and the nicer looking/taller North Tower won't be ready until March of 2014, and I suspect these ~$4-5psf rents (and lower on the lowest floors) apply only to the South Tower.

Smallest studio is 469 SF, which is large for SF and exactly the size of my place. It starts at $1950/mo on the 2nd and 3rd floors ($4.15psf)...and I pay more in the Gateway apartments, would be nice if this provided some relief if I decide to stay here (sign that SF is due for new apartments when an older 70s complex has higher rents than luxurious new construction!). A 1BR starts at $2,683 for a sizable 789 SF on the 2nd floor ($3.40psf) to $4,399 for the 969 SF plan on the 12th floor.

So I'm just now learning that this entire development is 754 studios and 1 BRs...no 2BRs? Even if 2 BRs start at $5K, it's easier for 2 people to swing $2500 than for 1 person to swing $3K and up, which is likely the vast majority of units...so the whole building will be filled with essentially single-occupants making $100-$300K. This should be good for renters in Soma, Fidi, along Van Ness, and in some of those neighbs around there who are now competing with well-paid techies for cramped Craigslist apartments. It'll be interesting to see the trickle down effect, if there is one - now I'm paying attention to the newish Ava and Archstone communities in the area to see if what I couldn't afford this year comes down in price. I have a feeling that walk-ups in Pac Heights, Castro, Duboce Triangle, Hayes Valley, and Mission Dolores are still going to command a premium due to location...thoughts there?

http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2013/06/24/new_market_street_development_begins_leasing_apartments_to_support_techsavvy_lifestyle.php#more

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/06/midmarkets_nema_priced_leasing_office_to_open_on_monday.html#more

[1977]

Facade mockup for the new SFMOMA expansion via the Snohetta Twitter feed:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BNiSmdxCUAA3bSM.jpg:large
Source: https://twitter.com/Snohetta_/status/349190160635809792/photo/1

http://www.sfexaminer.com/imager/growth-the-museums-expansion-designed-to-add-new-entrances-and-galleries/b/original/2310157/3b84/SFMOMA.jpg
Source: www.sfexaminer.com

[simms3_redux]

Facade mockup for the new SFMOMA expansion via the Snohetta Twitter feed:

http://www.sfexaminer.com/imager/growth-the-museums-expansion-designed-to-add-new-entrances-and-galleries/b/original/2310157/3b84/SFMOMA.jpg
Source: www.sfexaminer.com

Looks good - question: is the patio in lower/central right part of SFMOMA already?

Also, does anyone know if the owner of the W put up a fight? Talk about blocked views! They just lost a ton of value in a lot of rooms and at $90M in, they are likely a larger taxpayer than the conglomerate of Four Seasons condo owners fighting the Millennium proposal.

[Jerry of San Fran]

While I was away in Scotland last week the north tower of the Rincon condo building became visible from my apartment in the Civic Center.

I see lots of news & pictures posted while I was away!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9130521885_c4a3cbbc4b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9130521885/)
Rincon II - June 24, 2013 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9130521885/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[timbad]

Looks good - question: is the patio in lower/central right part of SFMOMA already?

Also, does anyone know if the owner of the W put up a fight? Talk about blocked views! ...

pretty sure the answer to both questions is yes.

the patio thingy looks like the existing sculpture garden outside the little cafe.

http://www.sfmoma.org/about/press/press_exhibitions/releases/391

and:

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/W-Hotel-objects-to-SFMOMA-expansion-2345842.php

[1977]

New website for 75 Howard:

http://75howard.com/landing

...which included this rendering of it and how it relates to the Transbay Tower, 181 Fremont, 50 First, and 201 Folsom off to the left.

http://75howard.com/uploads/515db6220acb6.jpg

[OneRinconHill]

That really looks quite unfortunate.

[ozone]

That really looks quite unfortunate.

Really? How is the skyline not impressive? Or are you referring strictly to 75 Howard? I like the design. Nothing earth shattering but nice infill and it sure beats a ugly parking garage right on the waterfront.

[simms3_redux]

pretty sure the answer to both questions is yes.

the patio thingy looks like the existing sculpture garden outside the little cafe.

http://www.sfmoma.org/about/press/press_exhibitions/releases/391

and:

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/W-Hotel-objects-to-SFMOMA-expansion-2345842.php

And they had to use traffic as an excuse - the addition literally covers up 25% of the W's rooms, and a good portion of those rooms are probably view rooms...this is a much more severe "value kill" potentially than a slender condo tower that is a good 200+ yards away from another condo tower. I'm all for the SFMOMA expansion, just trying to understand how the power works for property tax payers - W's owners pay on a $90M basis, which probably makes them a larger taxpayer than the conglomerate of Four Seasons owners complaining against Millennium Partners and using shadows as an excuse. Considering that W's owners are out of Hong Kong and likely some of the Four Seasons owners are int'l and not always in town, the two ownership groups seem similar to me? Who has more clout?

[cv94117]

And they had to use traffic as an excuse - the addition literally covers up 25% of the W's rooms, and a good portion of those rooms are probably view rooms...this is a much more severe "value kill" potentially than a slender condo tower that is a good 200+ yards away from another condo tower. I'm all for the SFMOMA expansion, just trying to understand how the power works for property tax payers - W's owners pay on a $90M basis, which probably makes them a larger taxpayer than the conglomerate of Four Seasons owners complaining against Millennium Partners and using shadows as an excuse. Considering that W's owners are out of Hong Kong and likely some of the Four Seasons owners are int'l and not always in town, the two ownership groups seem similar to me? Who has more clout?

I have no sympathy for the W. They built a butt-ugly building that has been a sore on the skyline for years. It looks like a high-rise tilt-up. I'm thrilled to see something blocking it on at least one side.

[simms3_redux]

^^^LoL I totally agree...but just trying to understand who has more power in this city - wealthy local/int'l condo owners who may be powerful Bay Area businessmen (or absentee international owners), or commercial property owners who may pay a huge amount of taxes? Or a powerful museum where both a principal for commercial properties in the city and a wealthy/powerful condo owner in the city who runs a company elsewhere in the Bay may sit side by side on the board?

As someone still fairly new...watching these things get built or not get built based on various "issues" such as shadows, wind tunnels, traffic, etc...I'm having a difficult time following any real pattern.

[easy as pie]

New website for 75 Howard:

http://75howard.com/landing

...which included this rendering of it and how it relates to the Transbay Tower, 181 Fremont, 50 First, and 201 Folsom off to the left.

http://75howard.com/uploads/515db6220acb6.jpg

such an unattractive skyline, even with the new additions. hopefully transbay tower comes out less bulks and more like the hong kong tower it was copied from.

[tech12]

such an unattractive skyline, even with the new additions. hopefully transbay tower comes out less bulks and more like the hong kong tower it was copied from.

Settle down, that's just one relatively unflattering angle of part of SF's skyline...a skyline most people seem to find very attractive. And I think most people would still disagree with you that it looks unattractive from that particular angle in the rendering. 75 Howard does look pretty boxy and ugly though, I hope they tweak that design.

[tall/awkward]

While I don't think much of 75 Howard (unless it really does include that Goldsworthy sculpture), I like the included renderings of all the other buildings, especially now that 50 First is up there! Pics don't do that drive onto/off of the bridge justice...

[tech12]

I like the included renderings of all the other buildings, especially now that 50 First is up there! Pics don't do that drive onto/off of the bridge justice...

And there are 7 more sites zoned from 300'-750' where you would be able to see the towers within the view shown in that rendering (524 Howard at 450', the 750' site next to it, transbay block 6 at 300', 399 Fremont at 450', the two sites at the temporary transbay terminal at 450' and 550', and a 300' site across the street from that). So assuming all those towers get built too, then that view will be even more filled-in and impressive than what the rendering shows. In total, I count 20 sites in the south financial district/Rincon Hill area that are zoned for 300'+ and have proposed/approved/under construction projects on them, with 5 more that are likely to have towers proposed for them as well.

[viewguysf]

such an unattractive skyline, even with the new additions. hopefully transbay tower comes out less bulks and more like the hong kong tower it was copied from.

That rendering is pathetic--181 Fremont is on the wrong side of the Transbay Tower (which looks overly fat), 50 First is mistakenly in front of 50 Fremont, and 201 Fremont doesn't show the second tower. If an accurate scene were done, including the Rincon Hill towers, it would look much more impressive.

[simms3_redux]

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/06/bay_commissioners_vote_to_oppose_warriors_arena_bill_wi.html#comments

Ummm, speaking of stuff facing a setback to being built...

[minesweeper]

Ground has broken on 114 condos at 2558 Mission Street (http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/06/oyster-breaks-ground-on-70m-mission.html?page=all) adjacent to what will eventually be an Alamo Drafthouse:

http://i.imgur.com/BH0yuh1.jpg

EDIT: Mission Local posted a photo (http://missionlocal.org/2013/06/giant-value-coming-down/) of the former Giant Value being torn down.

[simms3_redux]

New website for 75 Howard:

http://75howard.com/landing


The owners of the site: Paramount Group - Portfolio (http://www.paramount-group.com/portfolio.shtml)

Despite all the trophy class A core office towers dotting their website (such as One Market a block away), their website does indicate they have a pocket for development&construction/repositioning. I don't necessarily like the current design as it's just another box in a very boxy area of the already boxy skyline, but I like the height and I like the concept. I hope that the fact there are relatively few "residential" neighbors here to complain vocally means well for the project. Really anything is better than the parking lot there now...

[timbad]

not a major project, but in a fairly prominent location, demolition is underway at 35 Dolores (http://www.newconstructionsf.com/san_francisco/buildings-for-sale/35-dolores-st/), across the street from the Whole Foods project:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7353/9139615433_187118f730_b.jpg

http://www.newconstructionsf.com/san_francisco/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Screen-Shot-2013-05-23-at-2.30.18-PM.jpg

from further down Dolores, looking towards Market (the demo is on the right, not easily seen):

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/9139601631_d693db79c4_b.jpg

speaking of the Whole Foods project, you can start to make out its texture on its southern, shorter, neighborhood-facing end:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/9141831134_306f74e7c0_b.jpg

[minesweeper]

There are two ceremonial groundbreakings (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-26/san-francisco-s-million-dollar-homes-spur-condo-surge.html) scheduled today for large projects:

Tishman Speyer Properties LP’s approximately 650 luxury units in two towers south of the financial district, and the first phase of Lennar Corp. (LEN)’s Hunters Point project at a former naval shipyard with 480 studios and townhomes, are both scheduled to break ground today, according to the companies.

At its ceremony, 201 Folsom will get a name (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/06/the_development_known_as_201_folsom_to_be_named_this_af.html):

As part of the groundbreaking ceremony, the name for the Bernardo Fort-Brescia designed development will be announced.

[simms3_redux]

There are two ceremonial groundbreakings (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-26/san-francisco-s-million-dollar-homes-spur-condo-surge.html) scheduled today for large projects:



At its ceremony, 201 Folsom will get a name (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/06/the_development_known_as_201_folsom_to_be_named_this_af.html):

Will be called "Lumina" according to Socketsite. From my perch that block is totally cleared and the barricade wall is up around it...small tent in the corner where the ceremony is being held. The rendering at your link seems new.

Surprised nobody has commented on the Socketsite link I posted a few things up where the Bay Commission appears to have shut down the Warriors arena proposal. I'm not sure what to make of it, but lots of comments on Socketsite.

[easy as pie]

they haven't shut it down, if the state passes the law (which currently seems like a slam dunk), that's it. the bay commission can chime in, and they have, but they the state legislature/governor are the ultimate authority.

[minesweeper]

Surprised nobody has commented on the Socketsite link I posted a few things up where the Bay Commission appears to have shut down the Warriors arena proposal. I'm not sure what to make of it, but lots of comments on Socketsite.

Reading it carefully, it looks like the Bay Commission voted 12-6 to oppose AB 1273, not necessarily the arena project itself. I don't think the arena depends on AB 1273 passing, but it will make things easier. The Bay Commission is just worried about being cut out of the process.

[pizzaguy]

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/06/bay_commissioners_vote_to_oppose_warriors_arena_bill_wi.html#comments

ummm, speaking of stuff facing a setback to being built...

boooooo!!!!!

[viewguysf]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9148035461_ce2ce51e18_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewguysf/9148035461/)
IMG_1805 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewguysf/9148035461/) by viewguysf (http://www.flickr.com/people/viewguysf/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5446/9148170367_7dfa04b912_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewguysf/9148170367/)
IMG_1804 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewguysf/9148170367/) by viewguysf (http://www.flickr.com/people/viewguysf/), on Flickr

[minesweeper]

http://i.imgur.com/SjWbIiFl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/SjWbIiF.jpg)

http://i.imgur.com/1j36aUYl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/1j36aUY.jpg)

[fflint]

A new pic of the ongoing work building tunnels for Caltrain and CAHSR at the Transbay site:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/9158003584_8d832d6dac_b.jpg
source (http://www.flickr.com/photos/urbanists/page1/)

[fflint]

Oh, and I rode my bike by 55 Ninth today and they have the skin up on one floor--it looks pretty good, very glassy.

[SF born and RAISED]

I was driving home today and notice that the building (New Controller's Tower?) at SFO is finally visible from the freeway. There's been a crane there for a while, but not until recent did I notice that construction progressed so far. It's kind of hard to see, but I'm not sure if that's it or another project.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7304/9162456179_5b2e3b86d5_k.jpg

[Jerry of San Fran]

A view from the 19th floor of the Essex Fox Plaza showing the removal of concrete panels from the lower east side. The Argenta is to the left, the green building part of the former California Automobile complex.

I have always liked the Spanish style low rise building next to 100 Van Ness. I watched 100 Van Ness being built from the sun deck of the Fox Plaza which is now closed to the tenants.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/9166784613_d00d8e4281_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9166784613/)
101 Van Ness Ave. skin removal (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9166784613/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[LMich]

A new pic of the ongoing work building tunnels for Caltrain and CAHSR at the Transbay site:

Out of curiosity, what was the former infrastructure configuration/setup in this area? Or, is this all-new, an expansion?

[coyotetrickster]

Out of curiosity, what was the former infrastructure configuration/setup in this area? Or, is this all-new, an expansion?
The tunnels for rail and high-speed rail are new. The old terminal was for the old key street car service and turned into a glorified bus barn and homeless hotel.

[WildCowboy]

Also important to note that all they're building right now as far as rail goes is the train box under the bus terminal. Caltrain (also the track alignment that would be used by high-speed rail) would have to be extended underground by 1.3 miles from its current terminus to get to the Transbay Terminal.

The project isn't funded and is reliant upon several other pieces falling into place. So for now the construction of the train box is simply to make it ready for the future. Originally the train extension was scheduled for completion in 2019, but it's been delayed due to the funding issues.

[fimiak]

Also important to note that all they're building right now as far as rail goes is the train box under the bus terminal. Caltrain (also the track alignment that would be used by high-speed rail) would have to be extended underground by 1.3 miles from its current terminus to get to the Transbay Terminal.

The project isn't funded and is reliant upon several other pieces falling into place. So for now the construction of the train box is simply to make it ready for the future. Originally the train extension was scheduled for completion in 2019, but it's been delayed due to the funding issues.

Just to add on, high speed rail to San Francisco isn't projected to be complete until 2026, and 2029 for actual service to LA, so building the tracks with money from 2013 is not necessary. This project is going to be a big park/pee station for tourists/bus terminal for nearly ten years. Nobody knows where the billion+ for the caltrain extension is going to come from just yet...however there are potential plans to sell the 4th and King st air space to developers to offset some costs.

[fflint]

Out of curiosity, what was the former infrastructure configuration/setup in this area? Or, is this all-new, an expansion?
Others have beaten me to the punch here, but I'll add a little context.

The old Transbay Terminal was built in conjunction with the Bay Bridge in 1936, and part of that massive infrastructural marvel included elevated train tracks to bring Key System commuter trains from the East Bay right into the terminal. Later, after the Key System was scrapped, those elevated structures were altered to bring transbay bus service directly into the terminal. Just a couple years ago those aerial structures still existed, but now they are gone.

Here's a pic of the elevated track loop:
http://foundsf.org/images/f/f0/Aero-Photo-Sausalito-Ed-Brady-1950.jpg
source (http://foundsf.org/index.php?title=Category:Downtown)

[timbad]

Just to add on, high speed rail to San Francisco isn't projected to be complete until 2026, and 2029 for actual service to LA, so building the tracks with money from 2013 is not necessary. This project is going to be a big park/pee station for tourists/bus terminal for nearly ten years. Nobody knows where the billion+ for the caltrain extension is going to come from just yet...however there are potential plans to sell the 4th and King st air space to developers to offset some costs.

if the money were available now or soon, I would push for the extension to be built as soon as possible so that at least Caltrain could take advantage of it. the other constraining factor (besides $) is electrification, which is a prerequisite for the tunnel and scheduled to be completed around 2019 as well.

[cv94117]

if the money were available now or soon, I would push for the extension to be built as soon as possible so that at least Caltrain could take advantage of it. the other constraining factor (besides $) is electrification, which is a prerequisite for the tunnel and scheduled to be completed around 2019 as well.

Won't happen. Caltrain is a puny operation that doesn't have near the revenue needed to build it, never mind operate it. Only revenues from HSR (if you believe their projections) could support the cost of the tunnel financially.

[timbad]

Won't happen. Caltrain is a puny operation that doesn't have near the revenue needed to build it, never mind operate it. Only revenues from HSR (if you believe their projections) could support the cost of the tunnel financially.

my point was not whether it will or won't happen (I doubt it will too), just that there is another good reason to build the extension besides HSR (fimiak seemed to be saying HSR was the only reason).

[Grantenfuego]

This little Hayes Valley infil project is coming along

300 Ivy
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8501/2zb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/2zb2.jpg/)
http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/4ff52cf485216d2c0400578d/300%20ivy%201.jpg
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/250/0ebk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/0ebk.jpg/)

[fimiak]

Bigger Plans For Building On Sixth And Folsom Street Site

http://www.socketsite.com/301%206th%20Street%20Site.jpg

Plans to demolish the former gas station and 16,000 square foot parking lot on the southeast corner of Folsom and 6th Street were first approved over a decade ago, with designs for a three-story building with 32 condos and 32 parking spaces to rise on the central East SoMa site.

While the ground was never broken and the permits cancelled in 2004, a new plan is now quietly making its way through Planning with designs for a seven-story building with 92 condos, 69 parking spaces, and nearly 4,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space on the corner lot.

As part of their preliminary assessment of the proposed project, the Planning Department is recommending that the development of the 301 6th Street parcel include public realm enhancements, "such as a bulb-out at the corner of Folsom and 6th and living alley treatments along Shipley."

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/07/bigger_plans_for_central_sixth_and_folsom_street_site.html

----

Can't wait.

[fflint]

Bulb-outs will mess with Folsom's busy bike lane, though. Anyway--I too cannot wait to see that parcel developed.

[fflint]

Won't happen. Caltrain is a puny operation that doesn't have near the revenue needed to build it, never mind operate it. Only revenues from HSR (if you believe their projections) could support the cost of the tunnel financially.
Agreed Caltrain has serious long-term financing issues, and clearly cannot singlehandedly fund a tunnel to Transbay, but I wouldn't refer to it as puny--it carries more riders on an average workday than 17 of the nation's 29 light rail systems.

[LMich]

Agreed Caltrain has serious long-term financing issues, and clearly cannot singlehandedly fund a tunnel to Transbay, but I wouldn't refer to it as puny--it carries more riders on an average workday than 17 of the nation's 29 light rail systems.

Forgot to thank you guys for providing the information about the Transbay site; obviousy, I haven't been paying much attention to transit in this region. lol Anyway, just so I get what's currently going on in terms of transit configurationg at the site, a trainbox and tunnel is being built underground (for future use by Caltrain), and the bus depot is simply being replaced, right? BTW, does the Muni Metro have a hub, and is it anywhere near the Transbay depot?

[coyotetrickster]

Forgot to thank you guys for providing the information about the Transbay site; obviousy, I haven't been paying much attention to transit in this region. lol Anyway, just so I get what's currently going on in terms of transit configurationg at the site, a trainbox and tunnel is being built underground (for future use by Caltrain), and the bus depot is simply being replaced, right? BTW, does the Muni Metro have a hub, and is it anywhere near the Transbay depot?

Muni does not have a hub, although several lines start/end at the Transbay (Temporary and underconstruction). The closest to a train hub will be the Powell St. Station (BART and MUNI). It will be the only station where the Central Subway will intersect directly with the current subway. Am not sure how the subway will re-route the T-line, which is currently light rail and loops along the embarcadero.

[fflint]

Forgot to thank you guys for providing the information about the Transbay site; obviousy, I haven't been paying much attention to transit in this region. lol Anyway, just so I get what's currently going on in terms of transit configurationg at the site, a trainbox and tunnel is being built underground (for future use by Caltrain), and the bus depot is simply being replaced, right? BTW, does the Muni Metro have a hub, and is it anywhere near the Transbay depot?
The train box is configured to handle both commuter rail and high speed rail consists--if I recall correctly, the latter needs longer turning radii--but Caltrain will be running there long before CAHSR does. The new bus terminal will be above ground level.

http://sfpublicpress.org/files/news/ttc-rendered-section.jpeg
source (http://sfpublicpress.org/news/2010-07/temporary-transbay-terminal-opens-aug-7)

The Transbay Terminal is the city's hub for buses serving commuters from surrounding counties--AC Transit (Alameda, Contra Costa), Golden Gate Transit (Marin, Sonoma), WestCAT (Contra Costa), and SamTrans (San Mateo), as well as Greyhound.

Several Muni bus lines terminate at Transbay, but I wouldn't say it is a notable hub for Muni riders. Rather than a hub-and-spoke transit system, Muni operates more like a grid. Instead of major transit hubs, we end up with major transit corridors--Market Street (BART, Muni Metro, F Line streetcars, buses), Mission Street (BART, buses), etc. That said, there still are some neighborhood/district transit hubs, most notably Balboa Station (BART, Muni Metro and buses), but Transbay? Your average Muni rider would only go there in order to leave the city, and the Muni coaches starting and ending their runs at TBT are usually pretty empty.

As coyotetrickster noted, the Central Subway's new Union Square Station will connect to the existing Powell Street Station complex, so that may turn out to be a rail hub given sufficient transfer activity.

Am not sure how the subway will re-route the T-line, which is currently light rail and loops along the embarcadero.
The T-Third will run to Chinatown in the new subway.

[viewguysf]

NeMa, Fox Plaza, and 100 Van Ness from Civic Center Plaza on Pride Sunday, 6/30/13

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3771/9210845374_c6dd57d3e1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewguysf/9210845374/)
Civic Center Progress (http://www.flickr.com/photos/viewguysf/9210845374/) by viewguysf (http://www.flickr.com/people/viewguysf/), on Flickr

...and a little reminder of the Fabulous Fox that Fox Plaza replaced...

http://www.historigraphics.com/fox/default.html

http://www.historigraphics.com/fox/wswainphotos/lower_balconies-color.htm

http://www.historigraphics.com/fox/wswainphotos/balcony_scene-color.html

http://www.historigraphics.com/fox/wswainphotos/diamond_horseshoe_foyer-co.html

Sorry to get off topic, but I couldn't resist!

[easy as pie]

been fantasizing about this moment for years:

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/07/designs_for_modern_hayes_valley_condos_revealed_ready_f.html
http://i.imgur.com/k3shwjE.jpg

obviously, it ought to be much taller, but going with the as-of-right inoculates them against costly slowdowns (especially on the question of shading patricia green) and additional environmental or whatever analyses related to variance issues. nonetheless, while it's another depressing reminder of how ossified the city's mindset has become on urbanism, it's still a fantastic win for the neighborhood that the horrid surface parking lot blight there will give way to a restored (retail) street wall, a good 40 residences and all the attendant virtues of good urban infill. yesssss!

[Jerry of San Fran]

I thought I would not see the day before I died that this property would be developed. It has been almost 20 years since the freeway was taken down! And the Oakland Bay Bridge is still not finished. So glad to see the plans!

[minesweeper]

Our fair skyline:
http://i.imgur.com/RBUgt1tl.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/RBUgt1t.jpg)

At least 7 cranes are visible in this shot:
http://i.imgur.com/TcbATIml.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/TcbATIm.jpg)

Upper Market construction:
http://i.imgur.com/bh3kLz6l.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/bh3kLz6.jpg)

[SLC Projects]

Hope this is the right thread for this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdFEk8GJrp0

[coyotetrickster]

Hope this is the right thread for this....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdFEk8GJrp0

Not really, there is nothing about San Francisco construction projects in the video.

[timbad]

this is probably out of date already, but as of June 29, they were watering the soil in preparation for laying down the lawn on the Brannan St Wharf along the Embarcadero:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9230716237_e386175758_b.jpg

[simms3_redux]

Large Construction Update - Pics Taken 7-6-13

Upper Market

1. Icon - 18 condominiums (8 1BR, 8 2BR, and 2 TH, 600-1500 SF starting at around $800K), 14 parking spaces...design has caused lots of controversy despite replacing a 30 year vacant lot.

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/ICON1_zps8ec5c475.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/ICON2_zps7498425b.jpg

2. The Century. 22 one and two bedroom condos.

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/2001Marketthecentury_zpsd0230998.jpg

3. 2175 Market - 85 apartments, 45 below-grade parking spaces, 7,000 SF retail. Strada Investments and Forest City.

http://stradasf.com/investments/images/Property_2175MarketStreet.jpg
http://stradasf.com/investments/2175-market-street.html

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/2175Market2_zps5f75e6e1.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/2175Market1_zps40a5a5ac.jpg

4. Linea (1998 Market St) - Brescia/Architectonica designed, 115 condos in 9 floors ranging from 450 SF studios to 1200 SF 2BRs, 90 parking spaces, and ground floor retail

http://lineasf.com/img/building.jpg
http://lineasf.com/

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Linea2_zps58510a00.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Linea1_zps669a7079.jpg

5. Venn on Market (1844 Market) - 113 apartments, MacFarlane Partners...they are also planning a 150 unit 12 story midrise next to the new American Conservatory Theater further down Market, which will be 12% affordable and have only 16 parking spaces.

http://www.macfarlanepartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/MacF_ProjectPhotos_1844Market-480x240.jpg
http://www.macfarlanepartners.com/projects/1844-market-street/

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/VennonMarket2_zps742fb248.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/VennonMarket1_zpsefa0fcc5.jpg

6. 8 Octavia - Stanley Saitowitz designed, 47 condos, 24 parking spaces, 26 bike stalls

http://www.newconstructionsf.com/san_francisco/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/742x602ximage001.png.pagespeed.ic.9yxm78R5iD.png
http://www.newconstructionsf.com/san_francisco/buildings-for-sale/8-octavia/

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/8Octavia1_zpscae7c7e3.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/8Octavia2_zpsf8cd8a1f.jpg

[simms3_redux]

Mid-Market

1. AVA 55 Ninth - Avalon Bay, 17 floors, 205 ft, 273 units, 5,000 SF retail

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/AVA55Ninth_zps753d4713.jpg

2. NEMA - 10th and Market - ~390 ft with crown, 35 floors, 754 units, Crescent Heights

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NEMA1_zps39c062fe.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NEMA2_zpsfa6154c8.jpg

3. St. Anthony's new Dining Room / Mercy Housing - 10 stories, 99 ft, 90 units affordable senior housing

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/StAnthonysDiningRoom_zpsfa7a30c6.jpg

4. Unknown development on Turk between Mason and Taylor

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/unknown-TurkbtwMasonTaylor_zpsf8140add.jpg

5. 174 room Hilton at 942 Mission st between 5th and 6th St...renderings at link below. Looks to be 14-15 floors. This area is actually very cool - snapped some cool pics and there is a great little coffee shop on the alley in the back that was packed.

http://www.stantonarchitecture.com/sas.html

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NewHilton942Mission2_zpsfe52daca.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NewHilton942Mission3_zps3438e609.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NewHilton942Mission1_zps9a0b9dd8.jpg

[scania]

Mid-Market

1. AVA 55 Ninth - Avalon Bay, 17 floors, 205 ft, 273 units, 5,000 SF retail

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/AVA55Ninth_zps753d4713.jpg

2. NEMA - 10th and Market - ~390 ft with crown, 35 floors, 754 units, Crescent Heights

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NEMA1_zps39c062fe.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NEMA2_zpsfa6154c8.jpg

3. St. Anthony's new Dining Room / Mercy Housing - 10 stories, 99 ft, 90 units affordable senior housing

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/StAnthonysDiningRoom_zpsfa7a30c6.jpg

4. Unknown development on Turk between Mason and Taylor

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/unknown-TurkbtwMasonTaylor_zpsf8140add.jpg

5. 174 room Hilton at 942 Mission st between 5th and 6th St...renderings at link below. Looks to be 14-15 floors. This area is actually very cool - snapped some cool pics and there is a great little coffee shop on the alley in the back that was packed.

http://www.stantonarchitecture.com/sas.html

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NewHilton942Mission2_zpsfe52daca.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NewHilton942Mission3_zps3438e609.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/NewHilton942Mission1_zps9a0b9dd8.jpg

I don't know if you guys realize how lucky you are to have so many cool towers and buildings going up!!!

[simms3_redux]

Financial District - Photos Taken 7-6-13

1. 680 Folsom - Also a former PacBell building, TMG/Rockwood bought from Boston Properties for over $300M, added 2-3 floors, and redveloped using SOM as architects 85% leased to Macy's.com (243,000 SF) and Riverbed Technologies (202,000 SF)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/680Folsom_zpsc6ca96f5.jpg

2. 144 New Montgomery - 295,000 SF renovation of the old Pac Bell building Yelp signed on for 110,000 SF at $54 with annual escalations and $60 allowance Luminosity signed on for 36,000 SF Stockbridge and Wilson Meany Sullivan

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/144NewMontgomery_zps32b405b9.jpg

3. SFMOMA Expansion - Snøhetta designed 235,000 SF expansion. I've heard $$ range from $400M to $600M.

35Uz7iVNM04

4. 535 Mission - 27 stories, 378 ft, 307,000 SF, LEED Gold, Boston Properties

http://www.socketsite.com/535%20mission%20Street%20Rendered.jpg
Source (http://www.socketsite.com/535%20mission%20Street%20Rendered.jpg)

http://www.socketsite.com/535%20mission%20Street%20Rendered.jpg
Source (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/05/535_mission_street_rising_rendered_and_ready_in_2014.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/575Mission_zps4bab3914.jpg

5. Foundry III - 286,000 SF office, Tishman Speyer

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/FoundryIII_zpsa3d9f6b9.jpg

6. 45 Lansing - 39 stories, 400 ft, Crescent Heights, 320 units and 265 mechanically stored parking spaces

http://www.socketsite.com/45%20Lansing%20Rendering%202011.jpg
Source (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/04/45_lansing_ready_to_rise_39_stories_on_rincon_hill.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/45Lansing_zps969db21a.jpg

7. One Rincon Hill North Tower - 50 above ground floors, 541 ft, 299 FOR LEASE units

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/ORHNorth1_zps710c0163.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/ORHNorth2_zps7a9db534.jpg

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/ORHNorth3_zps796004bf.jpg

8. Lumina (201 Folsom) - 37 and 43 stories, Tishman Speyer/China Vanke, 655 condos, 10,963 SF retail, HFF recently arranged $371.7M financing for project from Cornerstone Real Estate, which is an arm of MassMutual (http://online.wsj.com/article/HUG1713419.djm.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Lumina_zps9bba9cb3.jpg

[simms3_redux]

So, quick little recap - we are about to lose the following cranes in the next 1-3 months due to progress/substantial completion:

1) NEMA North Tower

2) AVA 55 Ninth

3) 680 Folsom

4) 5th and Folsom development

5) Linea/1988 Market St

6) Foundry III


We just lost the cranes for:

1) 144 New Montgomery

2) A couple Van Ness/Upper Market developments


We should be gaining cranes for:

1) 45 Lansing - they have made real progress in that hole, this should now be in official construction board rather than proposal

2) 201 Folsom/Lumina - they will have to dig a massive hole which will take a long time, but maybe they'll put up a crane or two in the meantime. this should now also be in official construction board rather than proposal due to financing and official ground breaking - the sponsors are Tishman Speyer and China Venke with MassMutual/Cornerstone financing so this is happening

3) SFMOMA expansion - not sure there will be much of a hole, so crane could go up soon

4) 350 Mission - they almost put a crane up a few months back and I reported that I had seen the base - it's not up still, but hole is getting deeper and this will go vertical within 1-2 months

5) 8 Octavia - this will certainly have a crane, right?

6) Market Center Place - Carlyle's big retail development on Market near the new Hilton going up at 942 Mission

[fflint]

Thanks for the pics, so much is going on right now it's sometimes hard to keep track of it all!

[viewguysf]

Mid-Market

5. 174 room Hilton at 942 Mission st between 5th and 6th St...renderings at link below. Looks to be 14-15 floors. This area is actually very cool - snapped some cool pics and there is a great little coffee shop on the alley in the back that was packed.

I think this will be a 15 floor Hampton Inn (one of Hilton's midrange brands). The link has four views of it (the last one is under "credits"), once you get to 942 Mission under Hospitality.

http://www.stantonarchitecture.com/sas.html

[viewguysf]

I don't know if you guys realize how lucky you are to have so many cool towers and buildings going up!!!

We realize it. :D

Our already amazing City is being positively revitalized in these areas without detracting from them or destroying anything of value--great versions of infill projects.

[mt_climber13]

What's more, the residents of these new projects will further revitalize the areas which they are built (Mid Market, Soma, Mission Bay), creating an even more vibrant city, thus creating demand for more mass transit, which will lead to more subway and light rail systems. The thing about SF at the moment is that it is in an awkward growing phase- traffic is absolutely maddening during the day. There is so much construction going on blocking traffic and still a car centric lifestyle that is putting burden on the capacity of the roads and highways. According to this article (http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2013/05/04/worst-traffic-cities/2127661/) San Francisco has the 3rd worst traffic in the U.S., and is only the 14th largest city! But I think in a decade a breaking point will be reached and we will start to see east coast style transit being planned, as well as many more soaring skyscrapers. I am really liking the progress and the direction that SF is taking- it is actually progressing, and, IMO, it was in a state of regression for a few decades since the late 70's, early 80's, as far as development and politics. I always enjoy visiting the city from my cozy Sacramento. Well, hell, I lived there for 11 years.

[simms3_redux]

^^^I have been trying to list parking spaces with projects so that we get a clearer picture on what we are looking at here in terms of new-age development. I created a little compilation below:

One Rincon Hill - 709 units in 2 towers + pedestal, unknown parking overall, 18 stalls in phase II UC now

Lumina (201 Folsom) - 655 units in 2 towers + pedestal, 655 parking spaces (at least 1 space per unit)...Infinity had 654 units and 659 spaces, Millennium Tower had 416 units and 434 spaces, One Hawthorne has 165 units and 118 stalls

45 Lansing St - 320 units (448 BRs) and 265 mechanically operated underground parking spaces (0.82 spaces per unit, or 0.59 spaces per bedroom)

NEMA - 754 units (est 1,000 BRs) in 2 towers + pedestal, 550 car spaces, 754 bike spaces (0.73 spaces per unit, 0.55 spaces per BR)

AVA 55 Ninth - 273 units, unknown parking, though it is underground

100 Van Ness - 399 units, 118 [underground?] parking spaces (0.30 spaces per unit)

1800 Van Ness (Marlow) - 98 units, 99 parking spaces

1998 Market (Linea) - 115 units, 90 parking spaces

2001 Market - 82 units, unknown resident parking (the plans hint at parking stating that there will be rideshare cars in both resi and retail garage areas), lots of design focus on bikes

25-35 Dolores (near 2001 Market) - 47 units, 40 underground spaces (0.85 spaces/unit)

8 Octavia - 49 units, 24 off-street parking spaces, 26 bike spaces

300 Ivy - 63 units, 35 parking spaces

450 Hayes - 41 units, 20 parking spaces

Icon - 18 units, 14 parking spaces

The Century - 22 units, unknown parking

2175 Market - 85 units, 45 below-grade parking spaces

Venn on Market (1844 Market) - 113 units, unknown parking

1125 Market (proposed) - 150 units, 16 parking spaces

5th and Folsom - 900 Folsom - 282 units, 217 subterranean stalls
5th and Folsom - 260 Fifth - 181 units, 97 subterranean stalls

[WonderlandPark]

Just a question because the renderings are particularly crappy, is the Botta building at SFMOMA a goner? There is no view which I have see that has the original building in it, just the white slab building. If its gone, than I am sorry I missed the closing...that was a great lobby.

[BushMan]

Just a question because the renderings are particularly crappy, is the Botta building at SFMOMA a goner? There is no view which I have see that has the original building in it, just the white slab building. If its gone, than I am sorry I missed the closing...that was a great lobby.

I believe the original Botta building is remaining but I remember reading somewhere that the lobby would be altered somewhat.

I'm sure others will know more...

[viewguysf]

I believe the original Botta building is remaining but I remember reading somewhere that the lobby would be altered somewhat.

I'm sure others will know more...

I'm very sorry that Mario Botta's great staircase and other features are going to be gutted out of the existing building, but it will otherwise remain. It needs to be opened out through the back to connect with the new structure. There are actually numerous renderings that show how both buildings will look from the exterior, but I haven't seen any that show how the original building will look inside.

[Neosoul]

I haven't posted in years and moved cities since the last time I posted. I've been in the Bay Area only about 6 months so I'm still learning the area and the projects going on. I keep hearing about the development going on in the mid Market area, so yesterday I walked from my office in Civic Center to Westfield's Mall.

There is a lot going up in the area and I was surprised to see a crane at the site of the new mall going up on Market. But I still couldn't help but notice how many homeless people and drug addicts are in the area. There are also a lot of adult clubs, reminding me of Times Square in the 1980's. And then it's almost like once you cross about 5th street everything changes to high end fashion.

I guess my question is how is mid Market attracting so many businesses and retail (like the new mall) if the area continues to be so unsightly. Are there any plans to address this?

(and I'm in no way bashing the homeless or drug addicted and fully support social programs to assist those in need).

[fimiak]

I haven't posted in years and moved cities since the last time I posted. I've been in the Bay Area only about 6 months so I'm still learning the area and the projects going on. I keep hearing about the development going on in the mid Market area, so yesterday I walked from my office in Civic Center to Westfield's Mall.

There is a lot going up in the area and I was surprised to see a crane at the site of the new mall going up on Market. But I still couldn't help but notice how many homeless people and drug addicts are in the area. There are also a lot of adult clubs, reminding me of Times Square in the 1980's. And then it's almost like once you cross about 5th street everything changes to high end fashion.

I guess my question is how is mid Market attracting so many businesses and retail (like the new mall) if the area continues to be so unsightly. Are there any plans to address this?

(and I'm in no way bashing the homeless or drug addicted and fully support social programs to assist those in need).


There are over 4,500 new residential units going up in mid-market, but while everything is under construction, the streets are going to be empty. A lot of the people you are talking about are going to be pushed out by the influx of new residents on the streets. Not to mention the businesses that are flooding the area, including Square, Twitter, Zendesk, Dolby, and Spotify. Mid-market is 1-3 years away from a renaissance. There are several plans that you probably are not aware of that are renovations or new projects that have yet to begin.

Here's a good article about it. http://www.sfchronicle.com/restaurants/article/Restaurateurs-leap-into-Mid-Market-4448875.php

[hruski]

I guess my question is how is mid Market attracting so many businesses and retail (like the new mall) if the area continues to be so unsightly. Are there any plans to address this?

(and I'm in no way bashing the homeless or drug addicted and fully support social programs to assist those in need).

It's extremely well-located real estate next to lots of public transportation. It's also very cheap relative to its location (because of all the homeless). The area was poised for rapid growth for a long time; all it took was the first domino to drop. That first domino was Twitter signing a lease there about a year ago.

Now the area is about to explode.

[Neosoul]

Thanks for the info. I couldn't access the article because I'm not a subscriber to the Chronicle. However, I think "blighted" is definitely a good adjective to describe the area. It will be interesting to see how it transforms.

[NOPA]

Most the mid-market activity starts around 9th and goes into the Castro. There are still a good couple blighted blocks on mid-market that probably wont gentrify any time soon.

[simms3_redux]

The block between 5th and 6th is happening now, and is benefiting from groups like Carlyle backing large-scale development and the 5th and Folsom apartments, the new Hilton (or Hampton Inn), Spotify's new digs under renovation now at the Warfield building at 6th and Market, etc. The blocks between 6th and 8th is still a different story (Trinity's last phase going on at 8th and Market).

[BushMan]

Most the mid-market activity starts around 9th and goes into the Castro. There are still a good couple blighted blocks on mid-market that probably wont gentrify any time soon.

Wow, I would have to disagree with that statement, there is PLENTY of exciting activity going on between 5th and 9th.

First and foremost you've got the massive Market Street Place shopping area going in right at the epicenter of blight between 5th and 6th. Almost directly across the street you've got the Warfield Building being refurbished, with tenants like Benchmark Capital and Spotify already signed on.

Then you've got the huge Trinity Place apartment complex already half complete at 8th street.

Maybe just as significant are many smaller projects that will make a huge difference, such as the CVS store replacing the check-cashing place in the Odd Fellows building at 7th and Market and the Strand Theater renovation by A.C.T next door to that. Also the Wilson Building renovation at 6th and Market, which will house condos with retail on the ground floor.

This list is far from complete.

Time will tell!

[Neosoul]

First and foremost you've got the massive Market Street Place shopping area going in right at the epicenter of blight between 5th and 6th. Almost directly across the street you've got the Warfield Building being refurbished, with tenants like Benchmark Capital and Spotify already signed on.

Time will tell!

I guess that's what I'm wondering. Market Street Place has no tenants signed, right? Why would any decent stores want to go in there if the area is still so blighted.

[BushMan]

I guess that's what I'm wondering. Market Street Place has no tenants signed, right? Why would any decent stores want to go in there if the area is still so blighted.

The thing is, even though it's replacing three blighted, boarded-up buildings it's literally just a few steps from the Cable Car turnaround and Westfield Mall. The walk from those places to Market Street Place will probably not have that scary feeling of "running the gauntlet" through a sketchy area.

Maybe I'm just wishful thinking here but I really think this area will really be transformed in the near future. Probably the only thing that could derail it all would be a major crash in the tech sector.

[fimiak]

Its a chicken and the egg situation. Nobody will move to a blighted area if they think it is going to remain blighted, and no blighted area will revitalize if it cannot attract new business/residents.

Thankfully some brave investors stepped forward and now we can all enjoy some tasty omelette.

Also, check out my signature. SF is having a huge growth spurt and will grow by 150,000 residents in the next ~20 years. Thats a full 20% more people than today. It also is not counting the greater number of commuters from the bay region into new office space in SF. The city and Market St in particular is going to keep growing for decades.

[timbad]

this is probably out of date already, but as of June 29, they were watering the soil in preparation for laying down the lawn on the Brannan St Wharf along the Embarcadero...

update: lawn is in, and we should soon be able to enjoy another little piece of green along the bayfront! :tup: I think either Curbed or socketsite had a blurb recently that mentioned the opening date

looking east across the southern end:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/9287410806_0c24ef6b4d_b.jpg

and looking roughly from north end to south:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/9287418442_55ca9a9011_b.jpg

[timbad]

they were taking down the crane at 3rd and Folsom, and from a distance it looked like the new surface was complete. looking east down Folsom:

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/9284628257_f3b016ce02_b.jpg

[simms3_redux]

I just checked out ORH North, 45 Lansing, Foundry III, 535 Mission, 350 Mission, and I can see Lumina from my office - nothing new to report at all this week, but I suspect crane will come down for Foundry III within a week or two as well.

[Jerry of San Fran]

Here is a view of Nema at 10th & Market Streets from Hickory & Gough Streets. It has reached it highest point now.

I am greatly disappointed in the architecture of this building. For such a high profile building I'm astonished that it does not have more character. I've seen tombstones in the cemetery with black granite that looked better. Mercifully I will not have to look at it from my window unless I lean over my balcony. I have yet to find anyone who lives across the street from it that likes it. I wonder if the architect is happy with the result of the black glass. Every day when I leave my apartment across the street I hope something will happen to make it acceptable, but I have given up hope that it will improve somehow, like maybe the shrink wrap will be taken off of the windows.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/9292276709_97e2d8f9b4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9292276709/)
Skyscraper at 10th and Market Streets (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9292276709/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[SFTransplant]

I couldn't disagree more about NEMA. I live one block away and am more impressed it with each day. The dark bold colors and plethora of class are spectacularly refreshing considering the current trend architecturally in the neighbourhood (e.g., Trinity Plaza, 55 9th st. etc).

[Jerry of San Fran]

Some amazing pipes going into the building. I trust the plumber was sober when he installed them!

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/9296602056_d8cc2507d7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9296602056/)
NEMA - 10th & Market Sts. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9296602056/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[timbad]

they were taking down the crane at 3rd and Folsom, and from a distance it looked like the new surface was complete. ...

socketsite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/07/680_folsoms_new_skin_tenants_and_future_plaza.html#comments) also says the skin is about complete.

I do like it better than before, but for me the real value in this project will be the transformation of the 3rd and Folsom corner when that low-rise building gives way to open public space. will make such a difference to the pedestrian experience (and I am secretly hoping will put pressure on to get rid of the parking garage next door too).

[viewguysf]

I couldn't disagree more about NEMA. I live one block away and am more impressed it with each day. The dark bold colors and plethora of class are spectacularly refreshing considering the current trend architecturally in the neighbourhood (e.g., Trinity Plaza, 55 9th st. etc).

I agree--the more NEMA is completed, the more I like it! It looks dramatic from the south and the freeway too.

[peanut gallery]

socketsite (http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/07/680_folsoms_new_skin_tenants_and_future_plaza.html#comments) also says the skin is about complete.

I do like it better than before, but for me the real value in this project will be the transformation of the 3rd and Folsom corner when that low-rise building gives way to open public space. will make such a difference to the pedestrian experience (and I am secretly hoping will put pressure on to get rid of the parking garage next door too).

I'm with you all the way around. It looks much better than before and will be even better once they redo the corner. It's an insanely tight squeeze today.

[Jerry of San Fran]

How to take off the concrete skin from a highrise:
1) Drill holes in the sections
2) Affix steel cables
3) Cut the supporting bolts and lower

These views are from the 24th floor of the Essex Fox Plaza that I too in a friend's apartment.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/9311260294_76fbc3c9c9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9311260294/)
100 Van Ness (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9311260294/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/9311273518_b1c410edf7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9311273518/)
100 Vaness (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9311273518/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/9308465163_d814d38f37_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9308465163/)
100 Van Ness (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9308465163/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[timbad]

:previous: neat!

[fimiak]

Wow that process looks rather quick. When is the tower supposed to be finished with the de-clad? This will be ready for its new cladding before the end of the year, if I am putting forward a guess.

[Jerry of San Fran]

100 Van Ness Avenue

If I heard correct the developer said 6 months for the skin and 6 months for the interior. I think that the work is more time consuming than anticipated. Drilling holes in the concrete is not fast. As you can see the worker is lowered in a bucket and that takes a lot of time. Maybe after they do it a few times it will move fast.

[Jerry of San Fran]

The last couple of days the building has been getting it's decorative "fins" installed. The structure has now reached it's maximum height. It has been scary watching the guys put it together. The view is from the Essex Fox Plaza, 27th Floor.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9317317075_6770bb3988_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9317317075/)
Crescent Heights Development - 10th and Market (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9317317075/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[Jerry of San Fran]

The AVA building has now reached it's maximum height (as well as it's neighbor one block away Crescent Heights Development). Very large mechanical equipment was installed in the last week and now a roof and walls are being built to enclose it. I can now see some of the new windows from my apartment.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/9317351743_1d613e4a3a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9317351743/)
AVA - 55 9th Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9317351743/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[minesweeper]

The trees have been cleared from Parcel P in Hayes Valley for an eventual 182 apartments (http://www.pyatok.com/portfolio/hayes.html) from AvalonBay.

Photos available at Hayeswire (http://hayeswire.com/2013/07/a-treeless-hayes-valley-farm.html)

[Jerry of San Fran]

The trees have been cleared from Parcel P in Hayes Valley for an eventual 182 apartments (http://www.pyatok.com/portfolio/hayes.html) from AvalonBay.

Photos available at Hayeswire (http://hayeswire.com/2013/07/a-treeless-hayes-valley-farm.html)

minesweeper - thanks for the update. A couple of days ago I was a block away visiting a new bakery at Fell and Gough and was curious as to what was happening there. Now I knowT It has taken a very long time for the former freeway corridor to get developed.

[Jerry of San Fran]

I believe that Market Street deserved much better at the street level for this busy corner of Fell, Polk, Market and 9th streets. The facade is flat, dark, grim, uninviting and boring. When I leave the Essex Fox Plaza this is the view I see when I walk to Market Street from Polk Street. I can see behind the sign board at street level and it does not get any better. The architects missed a great opportunity here. This facade reminds me of what has happened on King Street in Mission Bay.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3671/9322704813_01132902ae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9322704813/)
Crescent Heights Development - 10th & Market Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9322704813/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[Jerry of San Fran]

I love the colors and pattern on the lower level of this building. I think one more floor will get this treatment, the floors above getting a lightly tinted gray glass. This is street level done well - cheery, inviting. To my eye the architects showed great restraint with the pattern and colors - they are just right in my opinion. If the proportions of color and width had been a little bit different it could have been too much. It will be interesting to see if the art work above the entrance will be installed as proposed (wire framed giraffe like animals). This has long been a less than desirable stretch & AVA will add some color. It is unfortunate that the redwood trees and garden were ripped out between the new building and the now Dolby building (which I see almost every night has one or more floors with lights on at night - work is proceeding on the interior remodel.)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/9325473456_af01e945b8_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9325473456/)
AVA - 55 10th Street (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/9325473456/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[edwards]

NEMA - I didn't like it from the moment they started putting up the cardboard-looking facade.