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

[Jerry of San Fran]

100 Van Ness - I think the remodel will make 100 Van Ness the best looking building in the neighborhood (except of course City Hall). I have spoken to one person on the west side of the Fox Plaza and he has already noted the glare from the glass reflected onto the Hayes Valley neighborhood.

[Jerry of San Fran]

jbm - thanks for the tip - I had no realized that the building at 1321 Mission was gone & I live one block away. Amazing as to how fast they are demolished. With the start of this 11 story building there are now 3 buildings within one block going up at the same time. A view at Mission/9th and Mission/Washburn.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/11825716716_151b74d8bb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/11825716716/)


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/11824998033_fce6c34a89_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/11824998033/)

[a very long weekend]

thx for the photo. i'm still in a state of disbelief that those two lots at 10th and mission are going up. like, i've walked past those every wednesday for years en route to wednesday street hockey in the mish, it's wild to imagine 3 corners built out, like, just makes the heart leap, can't wait for the inevitable traffic calming measures too. feel almost giddy!

[fimiak]

The final crane on NeMa will be coming down on Friday. Opening of the main lobby is supposed to be Feb 1. Over 300 units are already occupied.

[Jerry of San Fran]

The final crane on NeMa will be coming down on Friday. Opening of the main lobby is supposed to be Feb 1. Over 300 units are already occupied.

Thanks for the update. I will be glad to see the sidewalk free of the barriers! I did notice today that the scaffolding was being taken down.

I'm not surprised at the number of rentals. I read in the SF Chronicle last week that a large number of apartments are being rented by corporations. Twitter will find it handy for their interns and other visitors.

One block away AVA at 55 Ninth St. now has solar panels on the roof and the mechanical room is now clad. Walked by today - really looks good at street level if I ignore the piano sculptures!

[simms3_redux]

I went on a walk tonight.

Transbay Tower - they have some SERIOUS equipment on-site now (for excavation) that I haven't seen before. They are really pulling out all the stops on this one. Anyone interested in machines needs to go check the site out now. Also - new solid barricade wall instead of chain link.

181 Fremont - I actually requested they move to officially under construction. They were putting steel into the ground as I walked by and I managed to snap a picture of it. Pic below:

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/181FremontUCnow_zps5cbd73c1.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/181FremontUCnow_zps5cbd73c1.jpg.html)


535 Mission - topped off.

222 Second - They have finished digging there and it looks like they are ready for "next steps".

350 Mission - the below grade work appears to be done and horizontal rebar has reached the street I believe

[JWS]

That is a pretty exciting walk!

[simms3_redux]

This from BuildGroup's Twitter page (they are building 45 Lansing):

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/Buildgrouptweet_zps7981a232.jpg

What's going up on Pine Street? Could it be this? Addresses match

http://www.socketsite.com/1634-1690%20Pine%20Rendering.jpg
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/11/public_hearing_for_twin_towers_on_pine_street_this_afte.html

[Jerry of San Fran]

Here is the most current example of a highrise built over a smaller building. I assume the air rights were bought for this project.

I walked by Linea today & saw the porta-potties being taken away - a good sign that the construction is coming to an end!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/11846610174_564cfca9e5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/11846610174/)

[a very long weekend]

walked past last night, and interior demolition of some sort seems to be occurring at 150 van ness, the other aaa building. nothing posted though on site. i noticed similar pre-construction at 100 van ness a good month before demo was announced/permitted.

also, no photo, but the mission theater project on mission st between 22nd and 21st is already 2 floors above ground! yay!

[hruski]

Can someone briefly explain why Lumina excavation was so much faster than that of the Transbay Tower? The sites look about equal in size.

[tech12]

Can someone briefly explain why Lumina excavation was so much faster than that of the Transbay Tower? The sites look about equal in size.

Well excavation for Lumina did take around half a year. They just started excavating a couple months ago for the Transbay Tower .

[Jerry of San Fran]

A view today from 45 Lansing Street of the construction for the 400' residential, and Rincon Tower II across the street. This view from Lansing Street will soon disappear from this spot! This is an interesting one block street with a few old wood frame residential buildings.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5480/11880017006_425bb992e1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/11880017006/)

[lz131313]

Wow ORH looks huge ! imagine if it was closer to downtown!? I think its location is perfect though the neighborhood should be done between 3-5 years.

[JRinSoCal]

The first page of this thread hasn't been updated in over 5 years! There's way too much activity in SF to leave that page unattended. Where is FourOneFive???

[FourOneFive]

The first page of this thread hasn't been updated in over 5 years! There's way too much activity in SF to leave that page unattended. Where is FourOneFive???

Sorry guys. I've lived in New York the past 8 years, so I haven't had the chance to update the first page. Maybe a new thread should be started?

[BushMan]

From SF Gate this morning:

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Giants-pulled-into-fray-over-waterfront-projects-5135721.php

Wow, of course I knew these idiots were gunning for the Warriors arena but this is the first I've heard of them going after the Giants development as well.:hell:

[mt_climber13]

From SF Gate this morning:

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Giants-pulled-into-fray-over-waterfront-projects-5135721.php

Wow, of course I knew these idiots were gunning for the Warriors arena but this is the first I've heard of them going after the Giants development as well.:hell:

Of course it will pass, but the Warriors arena will also pass.

Comeuppance for the Giants? I think they had financed some of the initial lawsuits or initiatives to try to block the Warriors arena, and now it is coming to bite them in the foot, as this proposal would likely kill their plans for development near China Basin.

[simms3_redux]

Crazy people.

The 2nd tower crane for Lumina went up, and it is much taller than the first.

Curbed had some great photo updates of 45 Lansing, Lumina, and 100 Van Ness.

http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2014/01/10/skyscraper_checkup_lumina_45_lansing_100_van_ness.php

45 Lansing looks like it may have a crane jump coming up soon? Also, 100 Van Ness looks great!

[jbm]

Of course it will pass, but the Warriors arena will also pass.

Comeuppance for the Giants? I think they had financed some of the initial lawsuits or initiatives to try to block the Warriors arena, and now it is coming to bite them in the foot, as this proposal would likely kill their plans for development near China Basin.

I found it interesting that the Sierra Club was sponsoring the initiative, which I feel is a stretch to call this an environmental issue. I, in fact, sent an email to the director of the local chapter to express my disappointment (civilly of course).

[Reminiscence]

... and a direct link to Boston Properties' nice little Transbay Tower presentation! :)

82790616

[JWS]

"Vertical campus", huh? Hmm wonder which rumored tenant they are angling for... ;)

Nothing too earth shattering, but progress on the 27 unit Trumark Properties development ("Amero") at the corner of Filbert and Van Ness:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/11934163033_1f5059f55c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/11934163033/)
Amero/Trumark 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/11934163033/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

[biggerhigherfaster]

"Vertical campus", huh? Hmm wonder which rumored tenant they are angling for... ;)

Nothing too earth shattering, but progress on the 27 unit Trumark Properties development ("Amero") at the corner of Filbert and Van Ness:


There are actually a dozen plus empty/abandoned parcels in Marina and Cow Hollow that are like the one where this is being put up; hoping they get built up like this one. 5-10 story developments are appropriate in these areas

[JWS]

There are actually a dozen plus empty/abandoned parcels in Marina and Cow Hollow that are like the one where this is being put up; hoping they get built up like this one. 5-10 story developments are appropriate in these areas

I agree...I live in the Marina, and I can count several prime parcels:

* This one
* The one directly across the street
* An abandoned gas station at the corner of Union/Van Ness
* Several vacant parcels dotting Lombard

While up-zoning beyond 4 stories on Lombard seems to be impossible due to the money right up the hill, Van Ness around this area has/can support 8 story buildings it seems, some with views, and is insanely close to both the Union Street and Polk Street corridors. Even at four stories, Lombard is strategically placed as well, being right between Union Street and Chestnut Street corridors.

[Reminiscence]

Not sure if any info has been posted regarding 525 Harrison in recent times, but Socketsite has a scoop on it:

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2014/01/hines_preparing_application_to_build_16story_rincon_hil.html#more

What's there now:

http://www.socketsite.com/525%20Harrison%20Street%20Site.jpg

And what will replace it:

http://www.socketsite.com/525%20Harrison%20Street%20Rendering%20Small.gif

[Jerry of San Fran]

Rincon Hill - Has anyone been to Rincon Hill during the rush hour? What a horrendous traffic mess with cars backed-up getting on the San Francisco Bay Bridge. If you are not in the correct lane and are trying to get to Rincon I, you will soon find yourself on the Bay Bridge on the way to Oakland instead. I wonder what it will be like when all of those highrise buildings are built and occupied? It will be interesting to see.

I also find it disturbing that the Sierra Club is getting involved in urban politics.

[fflint]

Never mind

[timbad]

a few forumers have posted in-progress pics of this, and now curbedsf reports that the tower at SFO has topped out (http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2014/01/14/twisting_and_torchlike_sfo_control_tower_topping_out_today.php)

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/52d56942f92ea13327008a64/Exterior_Rendering.jpg

[Jerry of San Fran]

a few forumers have posted in-progress pics of this, and now curbedsf reports that the tower at SFO has topped out (http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2014/01/14/twisting_and_torchlike_sfo_control_tower_topping_out_today.php)

http://cdn.cstatic.net/images/gridfs/52d56942f92ea13327008a64/Exterior_Rendering.jpg

timbad - thanks for the update. A preview of the terminal will be held on 01/25/2014. Free but tickets required. See: http://www.flysfo.com/t3e-opening

[c33f]

Rincon Hill - Has anyone been to Rincon Hill during the rush hour? What a horrendous traffic mess with cars backed-up getting on the San Francisco Bay Bridge. If you are not in the correct lane and are trying to get to Rincon I, you will soon find yourself on the Bay Bridge on the way to Oakland instead. I wonder what it will be like when all of those highrise buildings are built and occupied? It will be interesting to see.

I also find it disturbing that the Sierra Club is getting involved in urban politics.

Yup, but on foot. My friend and I crossed the rush hour river at 1st & Harrison. As you expect here, many vehicles stop in the crosswalks and sometimes, motorists use the 1st Street lane for left turns to Harrison (or thru to One Rincon Hill) to get ahead of and cut off other-Bay Bridge bound vehicles. {Honk} There goes the battle for right-of-way in that I-80 onramp traffic merge + a few close calls. {Honk} Also, sometimes, motorists who want to turn right onto Harrison just rat-run through the 76 gas station.

1st Street
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/cykwan1/DSC_3968_zps9c3d73a6.jpg (http://s848.photobucket.com/user/cykwan1/media/DSC_3968_zps9c3d73a6.jpg.html)


Essex Street
http://i848.photobucket.com/albums/ab47/cykwan1/DSC_3976_zps7b4adee6.jpg (http://s848.photobucket.com/user/cykwan1/media/DSC_3976_zps7b4adee6.jpg.html)

[a very long weekend]

the obvious solution to a problem like that is traffic cameras and severe fines, get that going and it'd take like a week or less for people to begin to conduct their motor vehicles responsibly. a nice thing about increased residential density in the area is that residents will push for precisely the sorts of traffic/pedestrian improvements that decrease the stress (though possibly lengthen the times, until they adapt) that non-sf drivers feel when they enter or leave our city for their work or leisure.

[fflint]

Never mind

[1977]

http://www.sfhog.com/types/development/

I stumbled upon this new this new SF development and culture site. I thought you guys would like it. It has some photos and info about current projects like the one below:

Lumina mat pour from early Jan -
http://www.sfhog.com/wp-content/gallery/201folsomlumina20140104/dsc00835.jpg

[Jerry of San Fran]

The crane is being removed this weekend. The work stopped with one segment hanging over 10th Street. Assume the take down will commence tonight or in the morning. Lots of grinding noise alerted me to the work being done.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/12004505344_bd3bb82181_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12004505344/)

[biggerhigherfaster]

So Mayor Ed Lee pushed a series of policies to alleviate the "housing crisis"

http://www.sfexaminer.com/sanfrancisco/state-of-the-city-expected-to-put-focus-on-sf-housing-crisis/Content?oid=2679585

"Mayor Ed Lee is promising to add 30,000 more housing units to the market within the next six years with at least half accessible to those earning middle incomes or less, as San Francisco’s rents continue to soar and force many to flee to less expensive pastures."

"Seven-point plan

Mayor Ed Lee’s proposal to address San Francisco’s housing crisis:

1. Protect residents from eviction and displacement, including Ellis Act reform

2. Stabilize and protect at-risk rent-controlled units

3. Revitalize and rebuild public housing

4. Double down-payment loans and use publicly owned land for housing for middle-income earners

5. Speed up approval process of below-market-rate housing projects

6. Continue to build market-rate units, especially rental units

7. Make construction of new housing easier"

[BushMan]

^^^^^

#6 and #7 sound great, everything else is utter bullshit IMO.

1-5 will do absolutely nothing to "solve" anything, as usual they will simply enable many people who have no business living in SF to stay here because the all-powerful "City" has deemed they are sacred cows.

Of course everyone else will pay more as a result but who cares as long as the mayor and BOS can pat themselves on the back over how "compassionate" they are.

[JWS]

^^^^^

#6 and #7 sound great, everything else is utter bullshit IMO.

1-5 will do absolutely nothing to "solve" anything, as usual they will simply enable many people who have no business living in SF to stay here because the all-powerful "City" has deemed they are sacred cows.

Of course everyone else will pay more as a result but who cares as long as the mayor and BOS can pat themselves on the back over how "compassionate" they are.

#6 and #7 are the real solution (they also mentioned adding 30,000 units by 2020, which would be roughly 5,000 a year), I agree. I hope that this is a case of wrapping the pill in bacon to feed to the dog...#6 and #7 (and the general focus on adding 5,000 or so a year) have been needed in this city forever, but the city is not going to go for these measures alone. The way they listed them in the speech is not necessarily the priority for enforcement.

I am just giddy we have high-level politicians in San Francisco saying build 30,000 units in six years, remove obstacles to development to make building easier, and a focus on continuing to add market rate homes. This is great news! :cheers:

[mt_climber13]

Where does the mayor plan to add all of these units? It seems like big development space is dwindling down now that eastern soma and Transbay are mostly entitled and under construction. Mission Bay is also becoming scare in land opportunity, but has height restrictions as well, limiting density. The western soma plan is limited in height by something stupid like 4 stories. Good luck putting anything above 4 stories in the western part of the city. I just can't see it happening without severely gutting the appeals process.

[theskythelimit]

Where does the mayor plan to add all of these units? It seems like big development space is dwindling down now that eastern soma and Transbay are mostly entitled and under construction. Mission Bay is also becoming scare in land opportunity, but has height restrictions as well, limiting density. The western soma plan is limited in height by something stupid like 4 stories. Good luck putting anything above 4 stories in the western part of the city. I just can't see it happening without severely gutting the appeals process.

He is including Treasure Island and Bay-view/Hunters Point in his total. Every where you see an empty gas station or under utilized City property.

[biggerhigherfaster]

^^^^^

#6 and #7 sound great, everything else is utter bullshit IMO.

1-5 will do absolutely nothing to "solve" anything, as usual they will simply enable many people who have no business living in SF to stay here because the all-powerful "City" has deemed they are sacred cows.

Of course everyone else will pay more as a result but who cares as long as the mayor and BOS can pat themselves on the back over how "compassionate" they are.

6 and 7 are obviously the most important and Lee has put a number on it -- 30k units by 2020.

But the devil is in the details for 6 and 7. He (or the SF city gov't) has to actually rezone large areas of land and speed up the approval/permitting process

[biggerhigherfaster]

Where does the mayor plan to add all of these units? It seems like big development space is dwindling down now that eastern soma and Transbay are mostly entitled and under construction. Mission Bay is also becoming scare in land opportunity, but has height restrictions as well, limiting density. The western soma plan is limited in height by something stupid like 4 stories. Good luck putting anything above 4 stories in the western part of the city. I just can't see it happening without severely gutting the appeals process.

SOMA and Mission Bay still have lots of empty lots or abandoned or underdeveloped areas. Nearly the whole eastern coast of the city -- from Mission Bay to Candlestick -- is empty, blighted, landfill or abandoned industrial/port areas

the older more established western parts of the city could use some improvement, but building there is hard

[fimiak]

This just happened less than 5 minutes ago...the taking down of the NeMa crane!


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


It was a total of about sixty seconds...luckily I had my phone next to me!

[pseudolus]

"Mayor Ed Lee is promising to add 30,000 more housing units to the market within the next six years with at least half accessible to those earning middle incomes or less, as San Francisco’s rents continue to soar and force many to flee to less expensive pastures."


The pipeline already has 50,000 units, as reported just a month ago:

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/12/san_franciscos_housing_pipeline_breaks_the_50000_unit_m.html

[biggerhigherfaster]

The pipeline already has 50,000 units, as reported just a month ago:

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/12/san_franciscos_housing_pipeline_breaks_the_50000_unit_m.html

The pipeline just refers to early-stage plans or approvals, not actual projects in the works. Much of the pipeline would take until 2040-50 to build out; Lee's plan is to accelerate that so more of it is built out by 2020

[Jerry of San Fran]

fimiak - nice view from your apartment of the crane being taken down.

Another perspective from my point of view. The 3 guys were standing on the arm of the crane for hours. Scary, dangerous work!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/12019743583_9a3d470eff_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12019743583/)

[theskythelimit]

fimiak - nice view from your apartment of the crane being taken down.

Another perspective from my point of view. The 3 guys were standing on the arm of the crane for hours. Scary, dangerous work!

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/12019743583_9a3d470eff_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12019743583/)

That does take a lot of steel nerves. On a side note, traffic in the area is a mess, traffic is being diverted onto Market Street.

[mt_climber13]

SOMA and Mission Bay still have lots of empty lots or abandoned or underdeveloped areas. Nearly the whole eastern coast of the city -- from Mission Bay to Candlestick -- is empty, blighted, landfill or abandoned industrial/port areas

the older more established western parts of the city could use some improvement, but building there is hard

Potrero Hill NIMBYs have already made it very clear through lawsuits that they don't want density and height along the eastern waterfront, along Mission Bay and Dogpatch.

The huge One Rincon Hill complex, probably the largest residential project in the city, is 700 units. But I don't see any plans for project nearly that size in the works. But that is what is going to take to reach those goals. So with all of the NIMBYism in SF, I don't see how any of this is possible.

[fimiak]

Potrero Hill NIMBYs have already made it very clear through lawsuits that they don't want density and height along the eastern waterfront, along Mission Bay and Dogpatch.

The huge One Rincon Hill complex, probably the largest residential project in the city, is 700 units. But I don't see any plans for project nearly that size in the works. But that is what is going to take to reach those goals. So with all of the NIMBYism in SF, I don't see how any of this is possible.

Ava 9th is 400 units, Mission&1st 500 units, NeMa is 750 units, Lumina is 725 units, Transbay Block 6 is 550 units. The Van Ness/Market/Mission intersections alone are probably going to see another 1500 residents from projects on each of the corners, at least five projects so far. I think the city is set to hit 5k easily for the next three-four years. What do they do after the easy spots are filled in, though? There will be more fighting over density in the years to come.

There was someone actively campaigning against growth on the waterfront at Trader Joes today. We need pro-development foot soldiers.

[mt_climber13]

Ava 9th is 400 units, Mission&1st 500 units, NeMa is 750 units, Lumina is 725 units, Transbay Block 6 is 550 units. The Van Ness/Market/Mission intersections alone are probably going to see another 1500 residents from projects on each of the corners, at least five projects so far. I think the city is set to hit 5k easily for the next three-four years. What do they do after the easy spots are filled in, though? There will be more fighting over density in the years to come.

There was someone actively campaigning against growth on the waterfront at Trader Joes today. We need pro-development foot soldiers.

I was referring to plans of development that are not u/c or entitled.

The entire Soma plans needs to be reworked, and towers of 40-50 stories should be the norm. ESPECIALLY 4th st., where a subway is being built!

[JWS]

iPhone quality (ie: not that great) photos for some Hayes Valley and Franklin Corridor projects I saw today. I've included a quick reference link for most of them, since the infill projects are less distinctive and memorable than the larger Transbay/Mid-Market projects.

300 IVY

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/08/nine_new_hayes_valley_condos_for_under_360k_a_piece.html

I was walking along Ivy Street, the small one-way street parallel to Grove and Hayes, and for the first time saw the nearing completion townhouse component of the large 300 Ivy condo development, which is at the corner of Hayes and Grove. Thought they were very well done, and attractively scaled for the alleyway.

In rough order, an overview, parking entrance, and pedestrian experience detail.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2820/12058669786_218870d99c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058669786/)
300 Ivy Alley View (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058669786/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/12058191094_23d5f029f9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058191094/)
300 Ivy Garage (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058191094/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/12058667926_45bb5b1394.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058667926/)
300 Ivy Details (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058667926/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

450 HAYES AND 350 LINDEN

http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2013/07/09/contemporary_condos_planned_for_heart_of_hayes_valley.php
http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2013/08/20/350_linden_off_the_ground_in_hayes_valley.php

Took a faraway picture of 350 Linden rising off of Ivy, viewed through the future site of 450 Hayes. If the back of 450 Hayes is pleasant on Ivy Street, 300 Grove and 450 Hayes will make this alley exceptionally attractive, alongside the highly regarded and intimate new wine bar, Fig and Thistle.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/12058093343_f5fba53993.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058093343/)
Hayes St Condo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058093343/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

400 GROVE/PARCEL H

http://sf.curbed.com/tags/400-grove

Some early work on this former parking lot, which is one of my favorite infill designs of any SF neighborhood. Very excited to watch this one closer.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/12057797955_d9fbeed69e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12057797955/)
400 Grove (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12057797955/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/12057796655_3d79278e03.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12057796655/)
400 Grove (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12057796655/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

CATHEDRAL HILL HOTEL DEMOLITION

Taken from a car, the rarely seen Franklin Street view of the demolition.

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2879/12058662096_0794d508f0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058662096/)
Cathedral Hill Demolition (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058662096/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

1450 FRANKLIN

http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2013/07/take_two_for_1450_franklin_13_stories_and_69_condos_on.html

Could not see the progress here, but at the least it seems to be fully demolished and signage is present.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5483/12058660726_7025bd4545.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058660726/)
IMG_0781 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/114302265@N05/12058660726/) by jamessteele3 (http://www.flickr.com/people/114302265@N05/), on Flickr

[tech12]

^^^^^

#6 and #7 sound great, everything else is utter bullshit IMO.

1-5 will do absolutely nothing to "solve" anything, as usual they will simply enable many people who have no business living in SF to stay here because the all-powerful "City" has deemed they are sacred cows.

Of course everyone else will pay more as a result but who cares as long as the mayor and BOS can pat themselves on the back over how "compassionate" they are.

First off, who are you to say who has business living here or not? I'm a pretty poor person, and could potentially benefit benefit from 15,000 new affordable units, protections from evictions and protections on rent control, as could hundreds of thousands of other SF residents. Yet according to you, I don't belong here, in the city I was born and raised in, just because I don't have enough money to pay rent in a market-rate unit with these current ridiculous housing prices. Those people who you say have no business being here (the middle and lower classes, which is what 1-5 are aimed at) make up most of SF's population, and contribute greatly to one of the big things that most people love about SF: diversity. Who wants an economically homogeneous SF? Who wants an SF where most non-wealthy people have been priced out, where artists have been priced out, where most immigrants have been priced out? Not many people I've encountered. I realize this is a capitalist economy, but is it really a good thing to advocate pushing out an entire population and alter the face of a city just because a bunch of transplants are capable of paying--and willing to pay--ridiculously high rents?

Of course just building affordable housing and protecting rent control would not solve anything (and rent control does screw with the market, so maybe it could be modified so that only those who actually need it get it?), and building a ton of market-rate housing and removing restrictions on development is the real thing that will help meet demand and maybe bring prices down for everyone...and most of the 50,000 or so units in the pipeline/the 30,000 Ed Lee is talking about will be market-rate. But it's not like helping the disadvantaged out at the same time is a useless or bad thing to do. In fact, I think it's a very important thing to make it clear that the city is worried about the future of the city's poor and middle class (AKA most of its residents), if we want to be able to allow sufficient market-rate development in the future.

When selling this plan to the people of SF, I think it's definitely smart to give extra attention to anything related to affordable housing, as the key to getting the city's widespread support for increased development at the required scale (increased height limits, a lot more highrises) is to show the non-wealthy majority of this city that they're not being ignored. A lot of residents see the large amount of highly expensive market rate stuff going up currently, and think "where's the stuff I can afford?" They think prices like that are how it might be forever with increased development, because they don't realize how supply and demand works. So we build a lot of affordable stuff, and even more market rate stuff, and everyone is happy. If we neglect to build sufficient affordable stuff and protect rent-controlled units (which house a huge amount of SF residents who could not afford the city otherwise) along with building tons of market rate stuff, It also gives the wealthy NIMBY commanders of SF more propaganda to throw at un-informed people: "nothing is affordable! Stop all new development now! Save SF!" ...which is a tactic that's has been proven to work, as 8 Washington showed us.

The people worried about views and traffic and such will always complain, but we can at least get a lot of those NIMBYs simply worried about affordability to get on board the development train if we prove that things are getting built for the poor/middle class as well as the wealthy. And of course, once enough market rate stuff goes up, market rate rents will drop. SF will still be relatively expensive, as it always has and will be, but will be more affordable for all.

So I see all the affordability-related stuff in that plan as not just important for poor residents of SF, but also as an important political move on the city's part, that could possibly kill some NIMBYism and end up benefiting all residents in the city, rich, poor, and middle class alike, by opening up the door for more housing development, taller height limits which leads to more units per development, etc. We should probably clamp down on all the air BnB style tourist rentals too, which have apparently taken thousands of units off the market.

[BushMan]

@tech12:

Neither you nor I have a "right" to say who can live here or not, which is why the only fair system is to let the free market decide, not an activist BOS with a "progressive" agenda and a ridiculous lottery for a handful of under-priced units.

I bought property here at a MARKET rate through hard work, sacrifice and wise life choices.

You, on the other hand, seem to think the rest of the world owes you a subsidy because you want to live in SF. You are the one who posted a lengthy tirade in which you essentially play God and dictate to the rest of us how The City According To Tech12 ought to be, including everything from your own personally biased vision of diversity to "clamping down" on air BnB!

Wow, entitled much?

[simms3_redux]

@ Tech12:

Amen sista'! I'm one of the "richies" that moved here just over 12 months ago and pay market rate for an apartment, but I agree with you. I don't want to have to afford $2400/mo AVG rent for a studio in this city. That is absolutely ridiculous, especially for what you get for that. As long as we're at least trying to keep up with demand, i.e. building more, then I'll carry on not complaining about my own rent. However, in order to build in SF, one needs to make sure that everyone is appeased. View NIMBY's (though I'd love to see the city stick it to the Four Seasons residents and approve a 600'+ tower for Millennium there). Poor/middle class. Hippies. And political activists of other denominations.

If everyone is happy or at least "content" with all the building going on, then there will be less complaining and more getting built.

When I first moved here, obviously knowing what I was paying and what it was I was paying for in a RENT-CONTROLLED apt no less, I found a 36th Fl junior 1 BR in the Trump Tower Chicago (~700-750 SF) for rent for less. OK?!?!?!

[DIESELPOLO]

What is the glass building going up behind (that is, south) el Twitter?

[simms3_redux]

^^^More Twitter. LoL

Twitter is rumored to be committing to nearly the entire office portion of the building, or roughly 321,000 additional SF. I've heard several figures thrown around, but all-in, they will be well north of 600,000 SF between the two adjacent buildings, which total to 1,075,000 RSF of office space.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-02/twitter-said-to-be-in-talks-for-san-francisco-office.html

The whole complex is marketed as Market Square, though the glass building is technically 1 Tenth St and the olf furniture mart is technically 1355 Market.

http://marketsquaresf.com/specs.html

[Jerry of San Fran]

When I left Whole Foods ($91 for 1 bag of groceries - and no wine - I don't think Safeway will be affected much by the new market across the street) at Market & Dolores Sts. I was surprised as how much of the skyline 2175 Market St. dominates. Being up a hill makes a big impression!

(Picture of building at Socket Site: http://socketsite.com/archives/2012/05/from_76_station_to_88_apartments_at_2175_market_street.html)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/12079345823_cda3b587d6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12079345823/)

[fflint]

Never mind

[1977]

Thanks for the pictures Jerry of San Fran and JWS!

JWS - Here is a new rendering of the project you captured at 1450 Franklin:
http://www.cross2dg.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/1450-Franklin-Street.jpg
www.cross2dg.com

[a very long weekend]

@tech12:

Neither you nor I have a "right" to say who can live here or not, which is why the only fair system is to let the free market decide, not an activist BOS with a "progressive" agenda and a ridiculous lottery for a handful of under-priced units.

I bought property here at a MARKET rate through hard work, sacrifice and wise life choices.

You, on the other hand, seem to think the rest of the world owes you a subsidy because you want to live in SF. You are the one who posted a lengthy tirade in which you essentially play God and dictate to the rest of us how The City According To Tech12 ought to be, including everything from your own personally biased vision of diversity to "clamping down" on air BnB!

Wow, entitled much?

this is inconsistent with the values of san francisco, one of the first of which is that the incumbent city dwellers have always determined the type of city in which they wish to live. this "the market decides" has never been how it has worked in san francisco.

[biggerhigherfaster]

this is inconsistent with the values of san francisco, one of the first of which is that the incumbent city dwellers have always determined the type of city in which they wish to live. this "the market decides" has never been how it has worked in san francisco.

so SF values = allowing ppl who are 40+ who have lived in SF for over a decade to build up wealth and buy property while paying 1k/month on a 2bd apt while shutting out (younger) newcomers by forcing them to pay 3k for a studio...gotcha

[Jerry of San Fran]

I like the aluminum or steel frames on the building. The photo does not show how nice the frame are because of the sun's angle. There will be a series that go to the top of the structure. It will be a very handsome building! So far I have found no fault to it at all. But I am still mystified as to why most of the new buildings have those narrow push out windows that open at the bottom. How is one to vent smoke & hot air when cooking? They both go to the ceiling & not to the floor. Another problem I see is broken windows. A window that flips out is subject to being broken by an object falling from above.

I was glad to see King talk about the new black in San Francisco in his column in the San Francisco Chronicle. I think he was being too kind when he reserved his comments till the building is clean. Yes, it does look better as the windows are cleaned, but no, I still don't like the black monolith.

1977 - thanks for the pic of the Franklin St. condo. I was surprised that the garage was the one that was torn down for this condo project. A nice area, though I would not want to live on a congested highway.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/12092040116_cf548e0305_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12092040116/)

[fflint]

Never mind

[greystonesfo]

I love the new skin and the way the horizontal bands break it up. It's nice to see these buildings get a refreshing facelift.

[viewguysf]

I love the new skin and the way the horizontal bands break it up. It's nice to see these buildings get a refreshing facelift.

I agree with you and Jerry--I was over there again today and this building is looking hot! Photos don't do it justice yet.

[fimiak]

I have a fast/slow vent over my oven so I don't have to worry about steam or smoke when cooking. The windows opening on the bottom is fairly easy to do and you get a decent amount of circulation from it. It isn't the best, but could be much worse.

1415 Mission - Getting its first pour today! Not sure why though, seems excavation isn't complete
http://i.imgur.com/7UDrwdI.jpg

1400 Mission - Excavation complete - concrete probably next week
http://i.imgur.com/GKKtOIt.jpg

Twitter people eating lunch
http://i.imgur.com/AMKPnDB.jpg

1321 Mission (at 9th) - Excavation underway
http://i.imgur.com/22wqnwA.jpg

[JWS]

Wow, fimiak, had no idea all three of those were under construction! You know this city is on fire when you can't even follow 12-15 story buildings anymore.

In other news, Socketsite just posted this a couple hours ago:
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2014/01/market_street_site_zoned_for_400foot_tower_in_play.html

So, what's still in play here? I'm counting:
- Honda Dealership looking to sell
- Goodwill looking to sell
- 1 Van Ness moving through planning

All three could be very large projects. For the veterans out there, realistically how far out do you think we are from seeing construction on these sites? 5 years? 10?

[Reminiscence]

Given that its been years since they first proposed it in 2007, I could imagine some leaning more towards 10 years, if ever. But given the revitalizing efforts in the area of late, it might be sooner rather than later. I know for a fact I'll be glad to see it go up, even if it sits in the back of the lot and not the front along Market like I'd prefer, that area needs its quite badly. Hopefully it comes up as nicely as NEMA did. I'm crossing my fingers that its 5 years or less.

[hruski]

My wishful thinking says that 1 Van Ness will start construction by the end of 2015.

[fimiak]

Wow, fimiak, had no idea all three of those were under construction! You know this city is on fire when you can't even follow 12-15 story buildings anymore.

In other news, Socketsite just posted this a couple hours ago:
http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2014/01/market_street_site_zoned_for_400foot_tower_in_play.html

So, what's still in play here? I'm counting:
- Honda Dealership looking to sell
- Goodwill looking to sell
- 1 Van Ness moving through planning

All three could be very large projects. For the veterans out there, realistically how far out do you think we are from seeing construction on these sites? 5 years? 10?

Don't forget that Walgreens is potentially up for sale by the city for a zoned 400ft tower. Also there will be a new shorter but still big project next to 100 Van Ness, 150 Van Ness another 429 units (link http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=108925319). Also the plumbers union (2 buildings +parking lot) that is up market beyond the honda dealership.

[simms3_redux]

^^^Yes, lots of potential, but let's see what the land prices come out to first. I've definitely seen a dip in local rental rates, and I would know - I just moved!

I added photos to the following threads in case anyone is interested:

222 Second (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=178017&page=4)
299 Fremont (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=203437&page=2)
45 Lansing (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=115515&page=16)
340 Fremont (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=118914&page=4)
375 Fremont (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=118916&page=13)
350 Mission (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=125819&page=13)
535 Mission (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=118924&page=21)
Lumina/201 Folsom (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=197560&page=5)
TranBay Tower (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=199946&page=22)
TransBay Center (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=136300&page=136)

Now, more pictures.

SFMOMA - there are 2 luffing cranes now, you saw it here first!

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA1_zps778f2082.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA1_zps778f2082.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA2_zpse68402df.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA2_zpse68402df.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA3_zpsc2cf7e8f.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA3_zpsc2cf7e8f.jpg.html)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA4_zpsb5d79d11.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFMOMA4_zpsb5d79d11.jpg.html)


All these buses on Fremont! tsk tsk won't be very enjoyable for current or new residents.

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction012_zps7f584adc.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction012_zps7f584adc.jpg.html)


Twins, except one is taller :)

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction017_zps1dea2d01.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction017_zps1dea2d01.jpg.html)


Signs of the times:

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction022_zpsa99e0240.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction022_zpsa99e0240.jpg.html)


The number of cranes in this picture really only tells half the story of these blocks:

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad1/jsimms3/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction042_zps674f75d4.jpg (http://s916.photobucket.com/user/jsimms3/media/SF%20Construction/SF%20Construction%20Jan%2023%202014/SFJanuary2014Construction042_zps674f75d4.jpg.html)

[Jerry of San Fran]

fimiak - thanks for the info about windows/vents - I was wondering how it was at NEMA. Since there has been no strong storms this winter the building and neighborhood has not been tested yet to see what the new wind patterns will be like.

I had not noticed today that there was a pour at 1415 Mission. I head a lot of loud scraping & looked at the site earlier with my binoculars - a bucket crane was scraping dirt from the perimeter & brushing against the i-beams. I suspect that the pour is for the pad to support the construction crane.

Also noticed the grading at 1400 Mission a couple of days ago. Soon rebar will be put in.

[simms3_redux]

^^^And that remains quite an exciting intersection! So is the rendering for 1400 Mission the one that's going to be built? It looked kind of conceptual, but I definitely prefer that design over the latest Architectonica crap at 1415 Mission.

Also, what's the retail going to be like in these developments? Another bla bank is opening up at the new retail bay in 50 Fremont (on the Mission side across from where the TB Tower will eventually rise/front).

[cwilly]

I'm not sure at this point if the site just south of 333 Fremont is called 375 or 399, but I went by this morning and heavy excavation is in full swing.

[mt_climber13]

Simms, you are awesome, now more than ever we need a new SF rundown thread, and you would be the perfect one for the job!

[JWS]

Also, what's the retail going to be like in these developments? Another bla bank is opening up at the new retail bay in 50 Fremont (on the Mission side across from where the TB Tower will eventually rise/front).

This continues to worry me as a general phenomenon. Mission Bay, Rincon Hill, and Mid-Market will all need to attract choice tenants (wine bars, trendy coffee stores, dining comparable to Valencia, artisan shops) to really attract the young urbanities away from the traditional neighborhoods. King Street in SOMA really missed the mark, and even the few restaurants (Amici's, Umami Burger, Tsunami Sushi, etc) can be found in other neighborhoods.

Even look at what is leased at Twitter's Market Square. Bon Marche, which will be great for the neighborhood, but then it's just drug stores and First Republic Bank. At least they provided a few very small spaces that will be able to host small coffee stores, bakeries, and boutiques, and I'm sure those will get snapped up later on.

Mid-Market, at least, will be close to Hayes, Mission, and SoMa, so there are options even if the retail is rough. Rincon Hill and Mission Bay worry me the most, because they are not really close to established retail corridors, and from what people have said, the retail footprints are wide and large...not accessible for the type of retail people want.

[fimiak]

This continues to worry me as a general phenomenon. Mission Bay, Rincon Hill, and Mid-Market will all need to attract choice tenants (wine bars, trendy coffee stores, dining comparable to Valencia, artisan shops) to really attract the young urbanities away from the traditional neighborhoods. King Street in SOMA really missed the mark, and even the few restaurants (Amici's, Umami Burger, Tsunami Sushi, etc) can be found in other neighborhoods.

Even look at what is leased at Twitter's Market Square. Bon Marche, which will be great for the neighborhood, but then it's just drug stores and First Republic Bank. At least they provided a few very small spaces that will be able to host small coffee stores, bakeries, and boutiques, and I'm sure those will get snapped up later on.

Mid-Market, at least, will be close to Hayes, Mission, and SoMa, so there are options even if the retail is rough. Rincon Hill and Mission Bay worry me the most, because they are not really close to established retail corridors, and from what people have said, the retail footprints are wide and large...not accessible for the type of retail people want.

Market Sq is getting a Fitness SF, a 'food emporium' called the Market, and also a restaurant called the Cadillac Bar & Grill. Nema is getting a really modern indian restaurant by a top chef masters competitor. Alta is open across the street. I completely agree about Mission Bay and Rincon Hill, however, those neighborhoods may have high density but they allowed too many non-street level retail towers and buildings to be built.

[JWS]

Market Sq is getting a Fitness SF, a 'food emporium' called the Market, and also a restaurant called the Cadillac Bar & Grill. Nema is getting a really modern indian restaurant by a top chef masters competitor. Alta is open across the street. I completely agree about Mission Bay and Rincon Hill, however, those neighborhoods may have high density but they allowed too many non-street level retail towers and buildings to be built.

Excellent, I didn't know about the gym or Cadillac Bar & Grill. Modern Indian food sounds like a perfect fit for that area as well. Sounds like a phenomenal start to that area, and those restaurants, if successful, should make the retail for the rest of the buildings attractive to restauranteurs and bar owners.

Mission Bay and Rincon Hill, I think, are much more likely to disappoint than to be successful, especially after the talk about Folsom and 4th being new commercial corridors. What's in the Infinity retail space, a dentist? I actually think the Giants' Mission Rock development, if it ever gets built, may liven up Mission Bay as it seems to be very much geared toward an entertainment/bar/restaurant angle, but that still seems very far away and uncertain.

[Jerry of San Fran]

I was at the Hall of Justice today for juror selections and got his image from the jury assembly room on the 3rd floor. The picture does not show how NEMA dominates the skyline as it does as seen in person. I was surprised.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/12125839125_8450a26bbb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12125839125/)
NEMA_01-24-2014 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12125839125/) by Apollo's Light (http://www.flickr.com/people/antinous/), on Flickr

[Jerry of San Fran]

JWS - interesting observation you make about services in the neighborhood. As they say, if you build it they will come. I think there are things that will happen in the next two years that will surprise all of us in the "Mid-Market" area.

The Fox Plaza used to be a little mini shopping mall when I moved in 42 years ago. We had an J Magnin (small dept. store) florist, bank, candy store, dry laundry, deli (dry goods), deli with fresh food, Raffles Restaurant (was never good unfortunately though it lasted many years), drug store, jewelry store, shoe store, gift shop and more - not all at the same time. Unfortunately it was ahead of it's time. I doubt it will every come back unless a new building is build on the corner (which is grandfathered in for a 12 story build). The big thing about the Civic Center is the opera, symphony, ballet, jazz hall, conference hall, ACT coming soon, the New Conservatory, the Orpheum and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (which has many free concerts when the school is in session), all within 1-4 blocks of NEMA, Trinity Place, and more to come. I'm sure I've left out some venues! I think it will only get better.

And next to Alta CA (I was very disappointed on my fist visit there with the food) is Judy's Bar, a dive. I notice that the two story front of the space has been taken down & is being remodeled. Being that there are bar stools stacked on the bar I assume that it will still be Judy's. I would guess the hard core old drinking crowed will be displaced by a different demographic soon. The neighborhood is in for some exciting and startling changes!

[jbm]

Jerry - that boarded up bar has been called Hotspot as long as I've lived in the area (almost 3 years). Eater had some coverage last week, and it is just a remodel and will reopen as Hotspot in February supposedly. There's also some slightly more established retail in the area, like Mah-velous wine/coffee bar, and that brunch/burger spot next to it. It will be interesting to see how the available retail just west of Van Ness fills in, e.g., ground floor of 1600 Market, where Buck Tavern used to be, and where the furniture restoration/upholstery place was.

[minesweeper]

I'm not sure at this point if the site just south of 333 Fremont is called 375 or 399, but I went by this morning and heavy excavation is in full swing.

UDR, the developer, is calling it 399 Fremont (http://news.theregistrysf.com/udr-and-metlife-to-develop-luxury-high-rise-in-san-francisco/). It's great to see that one finally get going.

Speaking of 333 Fremont, they've launched a website with a bunch of different floor plans, but no prices yet: http://www.333fremont.com/

[Jerry of San Fran]

JBM - thanks for the update. I have only been in the bar once in 42 years & had not realized that the name had changed! :>) It has had a very unattractive front as long as I can remember, so any remodel will be an improvement. The new highrises are having a ripple effect in the area.

[Jerry of San Fran]

I love the yellow cover that has appeared in the foundation. fimiak, a good photo opt from your NEMA perch.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/12140093924_c6b486a3e0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12140093924/)

[simms3_redux]

The latest buildings to Rise:

350 Mission (now above street level and working on lobby area)
45 Lansing (now ~floor 3 and about to shoot up like ORH North)
222 Second (one step ahead of 1400 Mission whereby the first pour is done and some rebar is going in)

1400 Mission (about to do first pour and ready to rise)
1415 Mission (excavating...about to make a pour?)
1321 Mission (excavating)

And let's not forget about the Hampton Inn on Mission (15 floors) that is rising right now.

[pseudolus]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/12140093924_c6b486a3e0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/antinous/12140093924/)

Construction question: why do all the foundations have these square holes/indentations in them? Thanks

[Jerry of San Fran]

pseudolus - "square holes in the foundation"- a friend in construction tells me that the low area is for the sump pump.

[jbm]

a few random shots from my trip to whole foods today:

100 Van Ness from a couple blocks south and west - I think the glass is up to floor 6 or 7.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/12143039075_5904b526bf.jpg

8 Octavia - first time I've seen glass up.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/12143699286_465e5bb588.jpg

Dolores and Market, don't know the address.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/12143039265_33a473eed4.jpg

[WCArch]

Awesome to see all this new development in SF. Some of the buildings going up are pretty cool. I find it interesting how the two Rincon Hill towers are affecting the skyline. I thought the one made it look unbalanced but the two together actually look pretty good, at least from Oakland. Also, I saw some interesting renderings on the new Air Traffic Control Tower at San Francisco International. Heres the site:

http://westcoastarch.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-air-traffic-control-tower-at-sfo.html?view=classic

West Coast Architecture is a really neat site too. Brand new but gonna be a hit, covers a lot of stuff on the West Coast. :cool:

[simms3_redux]

Awesome to see all this new development in SF. Some of the buildings going up are pretty cool. I find it interesting how the two Rincon Hill towers are affecting the skyline. I thought the one made it look unbalanced but the two together actually look pretty good, at least from Oakland. Also, I saw some interesting renderings on the new Air Traffic Control Tower at San Francisco International. Heres the site:

http://westcoastarch.blogspot.com/2014/01/new-air-traffic-control-tower-at-sfo.html?view=classic

West Coast Architecture is a really neat site too. Brand new but gonna be a hit, covers a lot of stuff on the West Coast. :cool:

Thanks, checked out the blog and it is very informative and has lots of renderings! Congrats on getting into SLO. :)

[WCArch]

Thanks, checked out the blog and it is very informative and has lots of renderings! Congrats on getting into SLO. :)

Thanks! I hope to post frequently! and I appreciate it very much! :D cant wait for SLO!:D

[timbad]

another shot of the 100 Van Ness re-clad:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/12168796053_3e56e55d92_b.jpg

[aerogt3]

^^^^^

#6 and #7 sound great, everything else is utter bullshit IMO.

1-5 will do absolutely nothing to "solve" anything, as usual they will simply enable many people who have no business living in SF to stay here because the all-powerful "City" has deemed they are sacred cows.

Of course everyone else will pay more as a result but who cares as long as the mayor and BOS can pat themselves on the back over how "compassionate" they are.

EXACTLY.

Why is there nothing to address lack of density in that plan? Most of SF is zoned for 4 sq ft of living space for each sq. ft of land area. Perhaps increasing that could increase supply?

Rent control is a complete joke. Keeping a small group of people who shouldn't be in the city there at absurdly low prices, at the expense of a huge swatch of middle class people who's prices are drastically inflated. A simple look at price distribution of rentals for cities with and without rent control, you can EASILY see that the policy is benefit for the few at the expense of many.

EDIT: Here is some old data for San Francisco:
http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/images/pa-27415.gif

[tech12]

EXACTLY.

Why is there nothing to address lack of density in that plan? Most of SF is zoned for 4 sq ft of living space for each sq. ft of land area. Perhaps increasing that could increase supply?

Rent control is a complete joke. Keeping a small group of people who shouldn't be in the city there at absurdly low prices, at the expense of a huge swatch of middle class people who's prices are drastically inflated. A simple look at price distribution of rentals for cities with and without rent control, you can EASILY see that the policy is benefit for the few at the expense of many.

EDIT: Here is some old data for San Francisco:
http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/images/pa-27415.gif

Rent control is not a complete joke, and it benefits SF's middle class too. 170,000 of SF's units--about half of them--are rent controlled. That's a lot of residents that you seem to think "shouldn't be in the city", including a lot of people who were born and raised here. Of course rent control does screw with the market, and there are people who could afford market rate rents who have rent control, who probably shouldn't have rent control....so maybe the rules can be modified somehow so that only those who need it get it. But rent control isn't even the main factor causing un-affordability in SF, It's the lack of housing supply that's doing that, and a lot of people with rent control can't afford the city otherwise. And they're an important part of SF: the middle class, working class, immigrants, artists etc. Like I said in a previous post, the last thing most people want is for those parts of SF's population to be priced out, and for SF to become nothing but a rich person amusement park...which is what would happen for the most part if rent control were abolished today. Prices wouldn't just immediately drop across the board. Before you see any price drop, you'd see most landlords with rent controlled buildings jump at the opportunity to finally raise their rents to the crazy market-rate levels, and there would be a ton of evictions, particularly in SF's lower and middle class areas, where people are less able to deal with much higher rents.

I think the only way abolishing rent control wouldn't have that affect is if we first build enough housing units to meet demand, or at least get close to it. The 50,000 (mostly market rate) units in the pipeline right now is a good start.

[tall/awkward]

Not to get off topic, but I agree with tech12. SF is finally starting to embrace the idea of dense/highrise housing, especially in close proximity to public transportation, as a more sustainable way of life. But what sense would it make if the people who build and maintain all our nice new housing can't afford to live in the area, and have to commute long distances to get here? And don't forget all the local retail businesses, and the lower income people who work for them. In order for this system to work, they need to be able to live nearby as well.

100 Van Ness lookin' good! Would love to see the Meier Tower join it and Nema some day...

[fflint]

Never mind

[a very long weekend]

yeah, can it with the discussion of rent control - which, at any rate, isn't going anywhere so it's pointless even to think about.

if this holds, it'd be a major breaththrough: http://www.socketsite.com/archives/2014/01/downsizing_of_valencia_street_development_could_be_agai_2.html

[tech12]

Sorry for starting the rent control argument again, it just gets on my nerves when people act like it's only the wealthy who "belong" in SF.

[fflint]

Never mind

[biggerhigherfaster]

Curbed is reporting plans for a 400-room hotel next to SFO. Let's see if the NIMBYs can find good reason to stop this project.

http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2014/01/30/a_sneak_peek_at_sfos_upcoming_400_room_luxury_hotel.php

[theskythelimit]

Curbed is reporting plans for a 400-room hotel next to SFO. Let's see if the NIMBYs can find good reason to stop this project.

http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2014/01/30/a_sneak_peek_at_sfos_upcoming_400_room_luxury_hotel.php

I don't think there will be too much protest against it. There was a Hotel at SFO, Hilton, before the International Terminal was built. Plus, it on airport property with a major freeway between the proposed Hotel and Millbrae.