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

[northbay]

Wow. Both those buildings sprouted up rather quickly. Did you notice work on the second towers of either project?

one rincon hill wont begin construction of its 2nd tower until the 1st one is completed (as far as i know).

300 spear is building both towers simultaneously. u can see the 2nd (and currently much shorter) tower to the right in the photo with my gf.

[AK47KC]

Wow, soo much has changed since rundown was last updated.

[kenratboy]

I just found this thread - I would love to even see half of it happen - I am optimistic it could be even better that half.

[FourOneFive]

Wow, soo much has changed since rundown was last updated.

i updated the first page of this thread today. most of the projects are where they are supposed to be, but some of the pictures links are still not working. i'll try to update those later...:D

[northbay]

^ yeee. thanx 4 the updates! sometimes when im frustrated its just nice to see that page and say, damn, san francisco is gonna be even sicker (if thats possible?)!

ps, is it just me, or does it seem this page is kinda forgotten sometimes?

[LWR]

Threads only grow "stale" if no one posts. We only have ourselves to blame. (MHO) :wizard:

[Reminiscence]

I actually think this should be one of the busiest threads since theres so much activity in San Francisco right now. Hopefully now that some serious progress is being made, more news becomes available and this thread wont be so stale anymore :) :)

[AK47KC]

Thanks for updating!! :) One thing however, is One Rincon Hill still only 55 stories? Or is it 63?

[Reminiscence]

:previous:

I'm going to say its 63 floors. I am still a little confused about this myself, but people keep saying its 63 and not 55. So, go with what they say I guess.

[kenratboy]

55 + 63 = 118 / 2 = 59

It will be 59 stores. I win!

[Reminiscence]

I think unless someone speaks to the developer face to face, we will never know the true height or number of floors to these projects :dead:

[AK47KC]

Maybe in a few months, when they put up glass on the bowed outward face if the tower, if the grouping has 6 floors rather than the awkward 5 in the current rendering, then that's a sign that it is 63 floors. I think this is mentioned somewhere in the One Rincon thread.

[Reminiscence]

Thats a good idea. In that case, I will wait until the first segment is done and count the number of floors there. I doubt whether they'll change the format as they climb higher.

[AK47KC]

The grouping will probably be nearing completion, I estimate, when you come back to SF in December.

[CardinalStudent]

I was in SF this weekend and took some pictures. Sorry about the low resolution. I walked around for an hour taking pictures and then realized my camera was set on 640x480 :(

San Francisco Federal Building

http://aycu26.webshots.com/image/6385/2002112622918720357_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002112622918720357)

http://aycu23.webshots.com/image/4182/2002168459329722498_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002168459329722498)

SoMa Grand

http://aycu34.webshots.com/image/3673/2003639654189725172_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003639654189725172)

http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/4543/2003634317575723096_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003634317575723096)

InterContinental Hotel

http://aycu28.webshots.com/image/3747/2004290096916462380_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004290096916462380)

http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/6373/2004282681290089114_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004282681290089114)

[CardinalStudent]

Ritz Carlton Residences

http://aycu17.webshots.com/image/6336/2001439681159996183_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001439681159996183)

555 Mission

http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/4629/2001889247109589663_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001889247109589663)

Millennium Tower

http://aycu19.webshots.com/image/6458/2002601627731868893_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002601627731868893)

http://aycu18.webshots.com/image/5137/2002687489796162675_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002687489796162675)

[CardinalStudent]

The Infinity

http://aycu09.webshots.com/image/7328/2002151851894315900_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002151851894315900)

http://aycu22.webshots.com/image/7381/2002168004525901523_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002168004525901523)

http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/4847/2002109863808073191_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002109863808073191)

One Rincon Hill

http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/7549/2002542472426373755_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002542472426373755)

http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/7391/2002516833852283793_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002516833852283793)

http://aycu01.webshots.com/image/4560/2002577543083945858_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002577543083945858)

631 Folsom

http://aycu33.webshots.com/image/3552/2002597213481519364_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002597213481519364)

[colemonkee]

Cladding on One Rincon Hill looks great!! This could be one of those buildings that ends up better than the renders.

[The_Analyst]

^^ I agree. The first few levels of glass on One Rincon look nice. I drove by on Friday. One observation: Whoever moves into the units on the first few floors on the south side will definitely have a close up view of the freeway! Your living room can't be more than about 20 feet from the right lane of the Bay Bridge off ramp. Floor to ceiling glass with 5 lanes of cars racing by a few feet away would be interesting to live with.

[WonderlandPark]

Just drove through the city yesterday from the 80 to the GG bridge, and WOW SF is on a tear, so much going on and so much progress on the towers u/c. Rincon is going to be huge and so impressive. The federal building is close to done. Saw something on Van Ness that looked to be 12-14 stories, what was that (at Turk or something)?

[FourOneFive]

new project:

41 Tehama Street
floors: 20
height: 200'~
architect: Heller Manus Architects

http://63.240.68.122/FirmFiles/25/images/park%20view%20rendering.jpg

http://63.240.68.122/FirmFiles/25/images/opt%2024-L%20sw%20aerial%20view%20rendering.jpg

i'm curious to see how this project relates to 48 tehama. i think they will be built right next to one another.

[ACSF]

300 spear is building both towers simultaneously. u can see the 2nd (and currently much shorter) tower to the right in the photo with my gf.

Thanks for sharing the pics. Actually the rectangular building on the right is the townhouse building, which I don't think will go much higher (8 or 9 floors). The second tower will go in behind the townhouses....and I think it may not start until the first tower is finished.

[FourOneFive]

Thanks for sharing the pics. Actually the rectangular building on the right is the townhouse building, which I don't think will go much higher (8 or 9 floors). The second tower will go in behind the townhouses....and I think it may not start until the first tower is finished.

the second tower is actually under construction now. it's just still underground (they're working on the parking levels now). it should pop out out of the ground by the beginning of December. but then again, they may have topped off the first tower by then. :)

[northbay]

Thanks for sharing the pics. Actually the rectangular building on the right is the townhouse building, which I don't think will go much higher (8 or 9 floors). The second tower will go in behind the townhouses....and I think it may not start until the first tower is finished.

thanx 4 correcting me. looking back at the renderings i see that your right. wow i posted that so long ago!

[CardinalStudent]

I took pictures again this weekend. Not much has changed in the past 2 weeks. I think it's because of the weather maybe? I'll start taking pics every 3 weeks now. Enjoy!

SF Federal Building

http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/5591/2002014316340681019_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002014316340681019)

SoMa Grand

http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/4431/2002060670674492178_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002060670674492178)

http://aycu20.webshots.com/image/8259/2002060858654112093_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002060858654112093)

[CardinalStudent]

InterContinental Hotel

http://aycu28.webshots.com/image/6907/2005144341622325426_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005144341622325426)

http://aycu11.webshots.com/image/5730/2005193454572093572_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005193454572093572)

Ritz Carlton Residences

http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/6127/2005119642540667049_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005119642540667049)

http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/6849/2005153128828581595_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005153128828581595)

[CardinalStudent]

555 Mission

http://aycu09.webshots.com/image/8008/2004350593202735454_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004350593202735454)

Millennium Tower

http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/7646/2004386625050609207_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004386625050609207)

http://aycu02.webshots.com/image/5161/2004385142937093905_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004385142937093905)

[CardinalStudent]

The Infinity

http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/5148/2005756604963679332_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005756604963679332)

http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/8066/2005717855411138658_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005717855411138658)

http://aycu30.webshots.com/image/7349/2005725044121618229_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005725044121618229)

Barclays (Howard & Fremont)

http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/6780/2005701190865727090_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005701190865727090)

http://aycu04.webshots.com/image/6523/2005720594130004912_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005720594130004912)

[CardinalStudent]

One Rincon Hill

http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/7566/2001607380427106083_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001607380427106083)

http://aycu22.webshots.com/image/4541/2001647205157687685_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001647205157687685)

http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/5967/2001680872400929855_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001680872400929855)

631 Folsom

http://aycu11.webshots.com/image/6410/2001644867589938605_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001644867589938605)

[rocketman_95046]

Great update!:tup:

[WonderlandPark]

Thx for the update, Rincon is really moving. Will be up there for Thanksgiving and can't wait to see the progress.

[LWR]

:banana:
It's simple...

Great Photos!

Keep 'em coming.

[fflint]

Man, the Infinity and One Rincon are slick.

[FourOneFive]

Man, the Infinity and One Rincon are slick.

totally. i can't wait to see the glass rise even further on one rincon hill. i also think that the intercontinental will be pretty sleek as well. curved glass is sexy...

thanks for the update!!:tup:

[rocketman_95046]

totally. i can't wait to see the glass rise even further on one rincon hill. i also think that the intercontinental will be pretty sleek as well. curved glass is sexy...

thanks for the update!!:tup:

For some reason i think 301 mission's glass will be the best.

Perhaps because it is more dynamic.

[AK47KC]

The rate of progress at the Millennium Tower makes it look like another St. Regis.

[northbay]

^ yea, but dont the bottom floors take a little longer anyway? i would like it to rise faster - cant complain about one rincon, although i cant wait to see more glass

[kenratboy]

Man, I need to get back to the Bay Area. Might try and make a pre-Christmas trip. School is over soon and I will be able to make it overnight.

[AK47KC]

I will go and take shots of all of San Francisco's highrise projects in the next 5 days.

Driving from west to east....

1. Fillmore Heritage
2. Symphony Towers I
3. Argenta
4. SOMA Grand
5. Federal Building (good job, 18 months late and almost 2007 now)
6. Ritz-Carlton Hotel Vertical Expansion
7. Intercontinential Hotel
8. 555 Mission
9. 301 Mission
10. Barclay's HQ (that building is a highrise stupid Emporis or Errorporis!)
11. 631 Folsom
12. 300 Spear I & II
13. One Rincon Hill
14. Arterra

Suggested Way to take the pics.
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l181/AK47KC/Theway.jpg

[The_Analyst]

I will go and take shots of all of San Francisco's highrise projects in the next 5 days.

Driving from west to east....

1. Fillmore Heritage
2. Symphony Towers I
3. Argenta
4. SOMA Grand
5. Federal Building (good job, 18 months late and almost 2007 now)
6. Ritz-Carlton Hotel Vertical Expansion
7. Intercontinential Hotel
8. 555 Mission
9. 301 Mission
10. Barclay's HQ (that building is a highrise stupid Emporis or Errorporis!)
11. 631 Folsom
12. 300 Spear I & II
13. One Rincon Hill
14. Arterra



What's great about the construction in SF is that so much of the activity is concentrated in the eastern half of SOMA. Even without a car, you could easily take in #6-#13 on the list by foot within a few hours. Much more interesting, IMO, than spending an afternoon at Disneyland!

Also, don't forget the Westfield SF Centre. The Market Street side is unremarkable (since it is the same cleaned up facade thats been there all along) but the Mission Street side is interesting and it's well worth wandering through the inside.

[CardinalStudent]

I've been taking pictures of #4-#13 by foot... It takes about two hours, but it's a very nice walk :)

[BTinSF]

[U]Barclays (Howard & Fremont)



Just for the record, this project is otherwise known as Foundry Square I because it is part of a 4 building project on all 4 corners of 1st and Howard. Two of the other 3 are built and the developer is apparently seeking tenants for the 4th (and will start construction if he finds some).

Also worth noting is that Barclay's Global Investors recently became officially the manager of the largest asset portfolio in the US: $1.6 trillion (with a "T"). Lot a money will be sloshing around that building.

[SprinkMan]

the second tower is actually under construction now. it's just still underground (they're working on the parking levels now). it should pop out out of the ground by the beginning of December. but then again, they may have topped off the first tower by then. :)
The 5 parking levels and first 2 floors all tie together the buildings don't become completely individual buildings until the 3rd floor. The two buildings on spear street will actually apear to be tied together but wll in fact be seperated by a seismic joint. The second tower would only be built if sales went well for the first tower which it has and so the second tower should be built. It is not set when exactly the second phase will begin though. I believe it is in the bid process right now though so it may begin while the first phase is still in progress. I am working on it right now and our prints show nothing after the second floor for the second tower. Hope that shed some light on it all :)

[FourOneFive]

The 5 parking levels and first 2 floors all tie together the buildings don't become completely individual buildings until the 3rd floor. The two buildings on spear street will actually apear to be tied together but wll in fact be seperated by a seismic joint. The second tower would only be built if sales went well for the first tower which it has and so the second tower should be built. It is not set when exactly the second phase will begin though. I believe it is in the bid process right now though so it may begin while the first phase is still in progress. I am working on it right now and our prints show nothing after the second floor for the second tower. Hope that shed some light on it all :)

thanks for clearing that up for us. tishman was wise to begin construction of the buildings facing main street before the buildings facing spear street. i don't think the units in the main street buildings would have sold as quickly as they did if the buyers had realized that a second taller building was rising right in front of them.

same goes for one rincon hill where the taller tower is being built first with marketing seemingly forgetting to put the second shorter tower in the view of the skyline and bay.

[SprinkMan]

yes I am sure that is exactly why they were built in the order that they were LOL. It is not too bad cause they are at a 45 to one another but the better view by far will be from the second tower as well as it will be taller. I think the same mode of thought was in play at rincon as well. We are also working on that one too but most of my time is spent at 300 spear.

[CardinalStudent]

Updates! Is there anything left to do on the exterior of the Federal Building? I haven't been noticing any more changes, so I think I'm going to stop taking pictures of that one.

InterContinental Hotel

http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/6892/2000651139496922938_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000651139496922938)

http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/8634/2000644967003526145_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000644967003526145)

631 Folsom

http://aycu19.webshots.com/image/8218/2000695885769573795_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000695885769573795)

[CardinalStudent]

One Rincon Hill

http://aycu31.webshots.com/image/5150/2000104252736419113_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000104252736419113)

http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/7373/2000131861605330936_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000131861605330936)

http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/4814/2000177382028813678_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000177382028813678)

The Infinity

http://aycu01.webshots.com/image/8720/2000173013112401879_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000173013112401879)

http://aycu05.webshots.com/image/5524/2000171356777062725_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000171356777062725)

[CardinalStudent]

Foundry Square I

http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/8886/2005558141556572477_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005558141556572477)

Millennium Tower

http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/6454/2005525554394555364_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005525554394555364)

http://aycu11.webshots.com/image/7850/2005525074836497110_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005525074836497110)

[CardinalStudent]

555 Mission

http://aycu25.webshots.com/image/8664/2003156051264955598_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003156051264955598)

Ritz-Carlton Residences

http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/8516/2003182531907802328_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003182531907802328)

http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/4894/2003103643666894368_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003103643666894368)

[CardinalStudent]

SoMa Grand

http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/7895/2003983997909103959_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003983997909103959)

http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/7943/2003967937864414530_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003967937864414530)

Argenta

http://aycu03.webshots.com/image/6322/2003915198648412935_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003915198648412935)

[sf_eddo]

Thanks for all the great pics, CardinalStudent!

[Paulopolis]

I saw the Palace Hotel Tower Addition listed on the first page of this thread. Is it a new proposal? Where will it be located?

Thanks for the photo updates. San Francisco is an amazing place.

Paul

[kenratboy]

Looking good!

My god, the city is really growing and filling in!

[SprinkMan]

what time of day do you usually take your pics CardinalStudent? I get a kick out checking them out to see if I know anyone whos in them LOL.

[CardinalStudent]

The most recent were this Monday afternoon. Normally I go on Sunday when there is less activity because I feel weird taking pictures with the construction workers right there...

[Btown]

why is the millenium tower going so slowly exactly?

[CardinalStudent]

Argenta

http://aycu26.webshots.com/image/7505/2003325110126563086_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003325110126563086)

SoMa Grand

http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/6991/2003332774569538444_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003332774569538444)

InterContinental Hotel

http://aycu20.webshots.com/image/8339/2003327608584579674_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003327608584579674)

http://aycu35.webshots.com/image/7274/2003383090077834980_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003383090077834980)

Ritz-Carlton Residences

http://aycu36.webshots.com/image/9155/2003326289164958946_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003326289164958946)

555 Mission

http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/5876/2003317732359433845_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003317732359433845)

Millennium Tower

http://aycu26.webshots.com/image/6625/2003367328898574514_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003367328898574514)

Foundry Square I

http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/8916/2003362962443314188_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003362962443314188)

The Infinity

http://aycu24.webshots.com/image/6623/2003358695922284714_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003358695922284714)

http://aycu32.webshots.com/image/8511/2003343600497380043_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2003343600497380043)

One Rincon Hill

http://aycu16.webshots.com/image/7735/2001440001033462846_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001440001033462846)

http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/8948/2001427805741070427_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001427805741070427)

631 Folsom

http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/5927/2001446073514256735_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2001446073514256735)

[BTinSF]

Thanks a bunch CardinalStudent. I am out of town for the winter and pictures like yours are my main mechanism fro keeping up with my favorite construction projects. A couple of thoghts on viewing your pics:

--I think both The Infinity and One Rincon Hill are shaping up to actually be better looking than their renderings. Probably it's that fantastic reflective glass. I can't wait to see what the top part of the Infinity tower with the balconies looks like.

--Really glad to see actual work happening on the Argenta. When last I was there in late September they were demolishing the small existing structures, but sometimes they do that and then don't actual build anything for quite a long time.

--Next time you're in town with your camera, I'd really be grateful if you could wander up Van Ness to Symphony Towers and the next block (800 block) and let me (us) see what's with those sites. Symphony Towers should be topped out by now and the exterior should be nearing completion. I realize these are pretty plebeian buildings but they are almost across the street from my condo so I'm interested in them.

--People keep complaining here about no progress on The Millenium, but when the time is as long between glimpses as it is for me, it's clear there is progress happening. It's a few stories taller than it was when I last saw it in person and once the tower gets past the height of the midrise section (9 stories I think it is), I'm guessing things start moving a lot faster (because then each floor will be identical and the construction can get into a groove of a floor every few days like at One Rincon Hill).

--I am a real admirer of The Intercontinental design and so far it's looking up to my expectations.

[CardinalStudent]

I'm going out of state for a month, so I probably won't post any more pics until around January 14th(ish).

[tyler82]

This from the latest Chronicle

a host of international architects have been visiting the city in the past 2 weeks to "size up" a new downtown 80 story skyscraper located at the Transbay Terminal.

"The current skyline is very flat, and needs some peaks to create a more distinctive look,'' city Planning Director Dean Macris said.

"Among those showing interest was renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, whose plan for a slender, twisting, 160-story tower in Chicago on the shores of Lake Michigan is undergoing final review."

Read the full story here
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/12/18/BAGI7N1F7D1.DTL

[StevenW]

Awesome updates! :yes: :)

[tyler82]

I wanna take some pix of towers under contstruction on Thursday, which ones should I hit?

PS here is a dancing banana :banana:

[WonderlandPark]

This from the latest Chronicle

"The current skyline is very flat, and needs some peaks to create a more distinctive look,'' city Planning Director Dean Macris said.


Now THAT sounds like good news ^^^.

[snufalufugus]

This from the latest Chronicle

"The current skyline is very flat, and needs some peaks to create a more distinctive look,'' city Planning Director Dean Macris said.



You want peaks...I'll give you peaks!!!!!



Massive new project being proposed for San Francisco
San Francisco Business Times - 3:21 PM PST Thursday
by J.K. Dineen

A development team led by the Solit Interest Group is proposing to build a 1,200-foot tower at First and Mission streets, part of a quartet of astoundingly ambitious buildings being designed by superstar architect Renzo Piano.

The proposed building, which would dwarf any existing buildings on the West Coast, would be part of a 2.9 million-square-foot development that would include 600 condominiums, 470 hotel rooms, and more than 520,000 square feet of office space, according to an application filed Dec. 21 with the city.


The 1,200-foot proposed skyscraper, which would be the third tallest building in the United States, would lag only Chicago's Sears Tower, which is 1,450 feet, and New York's Empire State Building at 1,250 feet. San Francisco's tallest current building is the Transamerica Pyramid, which is 853 feet tall.

The 51,000-square-foot development site on the northwest corner of First and Mission streets was assembled by David Choo, the president of California Mortgage and Realty. Over the past two years, Choo has acquired four buildings on First Street between Mission and Market streets as well as three adjoining vacant parcels on Mission.

Last summer Choo brought on Mark Solit to head up the development team. Solit was a developer for the Hyatt Corp. and was also involved in building Embarcadero West at 275 Battery St.

The buildings -- 50 First St., 62 First St., 76-80 First St., and 88 First St. -- would be demolished under the proposal. They are all small, Class C office buildings with a combined square footage of 250,000.

At current construction costs, the project would cost more than $1 billion to build.

Piano, who designed the rebuild of the California Academy of Sciences now under way in Golden Gate Park, is a highly sought-after international superstar architect. He's behind the expansion of both the Whitney Museum in New York and the High Museum in Atlanta has public and private projects in Sydney, Tokyo and Paris, but recent American commissions have made him a familiar and golden name in the United States.

"He's certainly one of a very short list of preeminent architects in the world that have a significant body of work," said David Meckel, director research and planning and former dean of architecture at California College of the Arts. "He's done a lot of buildings and almost everyone of those building responds to place. No two look alike."

The proposed development would be made possible by a planned upzoning of the Transbay Terminal area that is currently under review. In July, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority agreed to a plan to build a trio of soaring towers that would help fund a new Transbay Terminal as well as a funding and phasing plan for the transit hub.

The zoning changes could bring as much as $250 million in new funding to the terminal project, according to the work of the planners.

[San Frangelino]

Holy moly...what day making, giddy-fying news. Now whats that going to make the signature transbay tower in height????

[San Frangelino]

spoke too soon

San Francisco: 2 1200', 2 900', 1 600' PROPOSED

[NewAtlantisMiami]

spoke too soon

Exciting new buildings you've got planned there in San Francisco!

[craeg]

^ and?

[NewAtlantisMiami]

^ and?

Can't wait to see them!

[eburress]

I may have missed it, but what does that have to do with SF? Did somebody suggest that SF has more highrise activity than Miami or something equally controversial?

[Reminiscence]

Regardless of what anyone said, I do not believe that it is wise to introduce Miami issues in the SF thread. There is a separate Miami thread to discuss Miami related issues.

[NewAtlantisMiami]

Regardless of what anyone said, I do not believe that it is wise to introduce Miami issues in the SF thread. There is a separate Miami thread to discuss Miami related issues.


Understood. Point well taken. You just might find it interesting from an architectural standpoint if you ever come this way for a visit and enjoy the trip more. I believe that this mutual interest is why we are all here, but then you can always look on the Miami thread, as Btown has done or Emporis.com.

http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/sk/li/?id=101321&bt=2&ht=3&sro=1

Looks like I'll have a lot more new and interesting stuff to look at when I visit San Francisco again and would love to see those 1,200 footers go up there! Is there a rendering posted somewhere that I can look at? San Francisco already has one of the greatest skylines in the world with its bridges and setting!:tup:

[kazpmk]

Did foundation work ever begin on 555 Mission Street? It had a groundbreaking ceremony some time ago but it's still listed as approved on emporis.

[Btown]

Hey sf doesnt look too vad eithe. with this nre proposal for the 2 1200 footers and the transbay tower which will supposely bring a new peak to the skyline, so it must be taller than 1200. I cant wait for the day when some of the uglyier buildings in the city are chopped down to make way to iconic structures.

[Reminiscence]

Perhaps for the next upgrade that FourOneFive does to the front page, these 5 new proposed towers can be added to the "proposed" section, with the "renderings" that we have. :)

[Reminiscence]

Did foundation work ever begin on 555 Mission Street? It had a groundbreaking ceremony some time ago but it's still listed as approved on emporis.

From the last time I saw 555 Mission, they appeared to still be in the midst of the excavation process.

[botoxic]

Tishman sees $350M 'green' highrise
S.F. office tower's environmental pedigree to speed approval
San Francisco Business Times - November 3, 2006
by J.K. Dineen

Development giant Tishman Speyer is seeking permission to build a 33-story "green" office tower at Second and Howard streets, a project San Francisco officials are calling a pioneer in a new program giving priority to sustainable developments.

The 700,000-square-foot building, which would cost approximately $350 million based on current construction rates, would be the first office tower in the city built to comply with "gold" standards set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. It would be the largest new office building to receive city approval in nearly a decade, and the first major project to do so since the commercial real estate market started to bounce back in 2004. Office buildings currently under construction, including Tishman Speyer's 555 Mission St. and Equity Office Properties' development at Foundry Square, were approved during the run-up to the technology meltdown of 2000.

"Tishman Speyer is very pleased to be acquiring 222 Second St.," said Tishman Speyer Managing Director Carl Shannon. "We see the site as one of the best remaining development opportunities for a new office building in downtown San Francisco."

Shannon called the project a "very logical next step following our 555 Mission project." The acquisition closed on Oct. 31.

The 24,000-square-foot parcel, currently a surface parking lot, sits on the southwest corner of Second and Howard streets. Two blocks from the Transbay Terminal, it's in an area San Francisco planners envision as the future heart of commerce and transportation in the city.

The seller was a private investment group that used a Menlo Park Post Office box and never participated directly in negotiations, according to various sources. The price was between $30 million and $35 million.

Under the new priority processing system, LEED projects are fast-tracked, automatically going to the top of the pile of projects awaiting evaluation. In the case of 222 Second St., Tishman Speyer was assigned an environmental planner in two weeks, a process that can take six months. In addition, the project is guaranteed an initial review within two weeks of getting a planner, something that frequently takes another six months.

While green construction generally costs 2 percent more than traditional construction, the millions saved in the expedited permitting process more than compensates for the cost.

Senior Planner Craig Nikitas said the Tishman Speyer project is a good one to launch the program, because the company, arguably the largest owner of real estate in the world, has a track record of completing audacious and complex green skyscrapers, including the headquarters for the Hearst Corp. and Goldman Sachs in Manhattan, perhaps the two most important office towers built in post-Sept. 11 New York.

"Tishman Speyer has a track record of doing green buildings in New York," said Nikitas. "It makes a good pilot project for us."

In the application, Tishman Speyer attorney Andrew Junius said that "the Department of the Environment Green Building Group is eager to test pilot the priority permitting process and has encouraged Tishman Speyer to approach the city to collaborate in this high-profile application."

Sources said that the design team was still in flux, with local high-profile architect Heller/Manus expected to be working with a "star architect" to be named later.

Planning Director Dean Macris said the priority application process appears to be working and predicted that other applications for green office buildings would come in.

"I think it's a good move on our part, everybody seems happy with it," said Macris. "We are seeing a renewed interest in office -- I think there is a lot of betting going on."

The only other LEED office building in San Francisco, the federal building under construction on Mission Street, has been beset by delays and cost overruns and is 18 months behind schedule.

Jeffrey Heller, principal at Heller/Manus, called the priority application process for green buildings "a significant incentive." He said that about 50 percent of the new projects his firm has been looking at are proposing some level of LEED certification. He said the developers are motivated by a combination of environmental sensitivity and the economic advantages of quick approvals.

"Timing is the real incentive and there is a growing awareness and sense of volunteer commitment in the real estate and development community to do green building," said Heller.

The last project approved on the site was a 225-foot "wedding cake" style development proposed by Chevron's development arm in 1990. Laura Ingall, commercial green building coordinator for the city's Department of the Environment, said she met with Tishman officials on Oct. 30. She said a "green team" including Ingall, Nikitas, and Chief Building Inspector Lawrence Kornfield would meet with the developers regularly.

"This is really exciting," said Ingall. "If you think about it, this ordinance just got signed three weeks ago and we've already met with our first team."

[kenratboy]

Only 2% more? Not sure I really believe that - they would be like saying:

-No green: $350,000,000
-Green: $357,000,000

How does $7 million buy you anything worthwile for a 700,000 sq. ft. building that costs $350 million?

[fflint]

You don't believe what the veteran developer said about green building costs because you cannot personally account for such costs? That's an odd way of thinking about things.

[kenratboy]

Not odd at all - I am actually thinking and trying to use logic. Nobody gets anywhere without thinking and questioning what they hear and see. Not saying it is wrong, but skeptical that there would be such a small price difference for what seems like a significant amount of difference.

And like everything (especially press releases), there is often more than meets the eye. Of all places, this forum is used to hearing vague or not hearing known information at all from developers, agents, etc. (for example, lots of discussion about what is happening with some of the Sacramento projects, they are keeping a lot of information secret).

Being skeptical is one thing - saying something is outright false is another - I plead guilty to the former.

[coyotetrickster]

Not odd at all - I am actually thinking and trying to use logic. Nobody gets anywhere without thinking and questioning what they hear and see. Not saying it is wrong, but skeptical that there would be such a small price difference for what seems like a significant amount of difference.

And like everything (especially press releases), there is often more than meets the eye. Of all places, this forum is used to hearing vague or not hearing known information at all from developers, agents, etc. (for example, lots of discussion about what is happening with some of the Sacramento projects, they are keeping a lot of information secret).

Being skeptical is one thing - saying something is outright false is another - I plead guilty to the former.

Actually, having spec'd green construction materials/techniques for the Gap's San Bruno project several years ago, there is a consistent 2/3% material cost over standard high-rise construction. All materials have gone up in price with the demand from India and China, and the market for green/certified materials has expanded, so the price difference is fairly constant.

The savings doesn't come in construction, it comes in quick approval for product to get on the market. It's in the middle of the press release, btw... That's Tishman's primary motive for green cert.

[kenratboy]

Thanks for the info.

[CityKid]

Just to give an idea as to how close these sites are to another, I took out my dinosaur camera during my lunch break. These are as of January 11, 2007:

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p61/Tisoy001/SoMa.jpg

In this photo behind the green fence is the site of 555 Mission where they appear to be excavating. Behind it in the distance is the ever growing South Rincon Hill Tower. Off to the Left is the Infinity II close to topping out (if i'm not mistaken).

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p61/Tisoy001/SoMa2.jpg

Taken slightly to the left of the first photo, we still see the Infinity II now towards the right. Off to the left is the site of the Millenium Tower. And I assume the parking lot in the middle will be the site of 535 Mission considering the midrise to its right is 545 Mission and the one story to its left is 525 Mission. (Can anyone correct me if i'm wrong?)

[Reminiscence]

Now that we're in a new year, the front page should be updated with the new proposals to avoid confusion. Many of the projects under construction right now will be finished only to give way to new projects with iminent groundbreaking, perhaps in the next couple of months. Imagine, next year in 08' we may see Transbay in the "under construction" section :) :)

[BTinSF]

I assume the parking lot in the middle will be the site of 535 Mission considering the midrise to its right is 545 Mission and the one story to its left is 525 Mission. (Can anyone correct me if i'm wrong?)

You aren't wrong.

[botoxic]

Just to give an idea as to how close these sites are to another, I took out my dinosaur camera during my lunch break.

I know - there's one intersection, either Howard & Fremont or Howard & Beale, where you are no more than two blocks away from Infinity, One Rincon, and Millenium and have great views of all (except Millenium is slightly blocked by a row of trees, but that won't be for long).

Anyway, here are some miscellaneous shots I've taken over the past few weeks of buildings that don't have a thread of their own:

Ritz-Carlton Residences
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/btgibson/SF%20Buildings%2001-07/S4010053.jpg

Foundry Square
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/btgibson/SF%20Buildings%2012-30/S4010038.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/btgibson/SF%20Buildings%2012-30/S4010039.jpg

[BTinSF]

here are some miscellaneous shots I've taken over the past few weeks of buildings that don't have a thread of their own

As I have occasionally explained, I leave town in the winter to escape the dreary rain (of which there doesn't seem to be so much this year) and flu-packed Muni busses--right now I'm in Tucson having just got back from Florida and New Orleans. But there are a number of smaller and threadless projects I'm interested in: (1) Symphony Towers; (2) the project on the east side of the 800 block of Van Ness (next block to Symphony Towers); (3) the project at Polk & Geary; (4) Fillmore Renaissance; (5) 1 Polk St.("The Argenta"); (6) the project on Gough near Market (starts with an "A"--can't remember the name). None of these are really highrises but all will make a large difference in their neighborhoods which happen to be in or near my neighborhood. If any of you camera-wielding folks happen to be passing by any of these sites, shots would be much appreciated since I crave knowing how things there are progressing between now and when I return around May 1.

Anyway, thanks botoxic for what you've been doing.

[kenratboy]

I have to say the Ritz-Carlton project is a really awesome construction site to see first hand (being built over the old building, the location, etc.)

[Reminiscence]

Ritz-Carlton looks like its reached its maximum height, only the exterior looks are left to develop.

[The_Analyst]

I took advantage of the cold but clear skies yesterday (1/13/07, it was 'only' 45 degrees!) to take a few snapshots so here are a few vantage points I haven't seen lately plus a couple projects on Van Ness for BT.

One Rincon and The Infinity from Treasure Island
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307Infinity2.JPG
The Bay Bridge Skyway portion nearly complete. Now, just 6 more years for the rest of it.
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307BayBridge.JPG
The Infinity from the Bay Bridge
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307Infinity1.JPG
Apologies for the quality of the next 3 of Symphony on Van Ness. I was driving and thought it prudent to avoid crashing while snapping pics through the windshield.
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307Symphony1.JPG
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307Symphony2.JPG
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307Symphony3.JPG
This last one is farther north on Van Ness. I did not see any sign of the name of it. I think the cross street was Greenwich, just a block or two from Lombard.
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307vanness.JPG

[Reminiscence]

The last picture does not look like anything I've heard of. It doesnt look like anything in the Under Construction section, so I'm guessing its not that big of a deal. I could be wrong however.

[San Frangelino]

I always like it when I see 4-7 story buildings going up in the neigborhoods apart from downtown. It helps me imagine a distant future where san francisco boast Parisian densities.

Thanks for the updated pictures.:tup:


This last one is farther north on Van Ness. I did not see any sign of the name of it. I think the cross street was Greenwich, just a block or two from Lombard.
http://www.newcondoinvestor.com/images/011307vanness.JPG

[WonderlandPark]

The Bay Bridge isn't supposed to be done until 2013? wow.

45 is balmy, I was out in 19 degree air this morning shooting around Portland this morning.

[BTinSF]

The last picture does not look like anything I've heard of. It doesnt look like anything in the Under Construction section, so I'm guessing its not that big of a deal. I could be wrong however.

It is what it is. I saw them clearing the site last year and I appreciate the progress photo. You can now get a good idea of the size and configuration of the building. It's not "tall" because Van Ness has a 40' height limit (buildings can go taller with a setback in some areas), but what does it take to make you think something is a "big deal" anyway? I think this is important infill construction for Van Ness Ave. which is an important SF street.

By the way, that "City Homes from the $300,000s" sign on Symphony Towers intrigued me so I looked at the web site: http://www.symphonytowerssf.com/floor_plans.html . For "the $300,000s" I assume you get one of these very small-looking studios (I mean they haver what looks l;ike a love seat in the living area--not evena full-sized sofa).

[BTinSF]

The Bay Bridge isn't supposed to be done until 2013? wow.



No. The skyway portion is essentially done but they are just starting the suspension span and ramps. The politicians spent years fighting over whether to go with the cheapest design (no suspension span at all) or something more elegant (and expensive) and elegant finally won out. If we don't have another quake killing lots of people before it's done, the next generation will eventually be glad we didn't go with cheap.

[WonderlandPark]

No. The skyway portion is essentially done but they are just starting the suspension span and ramps. The politicians spent years fighting over whether to go with the cheapest design (no suspension span at all) or something more elegant (and expensive) and elegant finally won out. If we don't have another quake killing lots of people before it's done, the next generation will eventually be glad we didn't go with cheap.

So, when will it be done then? I know about the suspension vs viaduct issue, has the date been pushed to 2013? I also know the approach is essentially done, but that does not make a complete bridge.

[kenratboy]

I guess all the work for Treasure Island will be a real chore. Obviously they cannot close the old bridge, yet they need to build the new one right to the tunnel - then transition from old to new in phases. Just an amazing amount of work.

[Reminiscence]

It is what it is. I saw them clearing the site last year and I appreciate the progress photo. You can now get a good idea of the size and configuration of the building. It's not "tall" because Van Ness has a 40' height limit (buildings can go taller with a setback in some areas), but what does it take to make you think something is a "big deal" anyway? I think this is important infill construction for Van Ness Ave. which is an important SF street.

Not to impose on this development, by all means no. When I said "big deal" I meant in comparison to more grand scale projects such as Rincon Hill, Infinity, or Millenium Tower. If you block this area out, and only look at Van Ness, then yes, it does become quite significant because of the restrictions and overall building style.

[Reminiscence]

So, when will it be done then? I know about the suspension vs viaduct issue, has the date been pushed to 2013? I also know the approach is essentially done, but that does not make a complete bridge.

From what I know and from what I've read, the date for traffic to begin to flow on the new span is Late 2013. Even after they install the suspension tower, they still need to add the network of cables. Then the Yerba Buena and Treasure Island Transition Links, the Oakland Touchdown, and overall finishing touches on the bridge before they can call it complete. Even after all the political controversies are dealt with, you still have to deal with the fact that they have to do all this within such close proximity to the existing bridge and while not disrupting live traffic, quite the daunting task.

[northbay]

Not to impose on this development, by all means no. When I said "big deal" I meant in comparison to more grand scale projects such as Rincon Hill, Infinity, or Millenium Tower. If you block this area out, and only look at Van Ness, then yes, it does become quite significant because of the restrictions and overall building style.

i cant say too much cuz i havent paid any attn to the development on van ness (i never go on that pain-in-the-ass road), but from the picture it did look significant.

there's more to a development then SIZE, theres the quality of the development and the question as to whether it "benefits" the city. All big developments aren't "good", there's a lot of sucky skyscrapers out there. There is still a very important need in cities for smaller developments, such as the one pictured. I would love to see the corridor improved by the finished product.

Infill, imo, is almost always good. as San Frangelino mentioned, being more like paris is a good thing. ;)