SAN FRANCISCO | 77 Beale St | 1,225 FT | ? FLOORS

[SFView]

Originally Posted by BobbyMucho

Subjectively, I'm not interested in architectural amusement park-style amenities. Objectively, there's no doubt that any one of these ideas would be scrutinized into oblivion by the menagerie of city departments, etc.

Certainly, I apologize for my previous misunderstanding. We still possess only a rudimentary approximation of what reality may ultimately entail. Regardless of the outcome, it is hopeful that the findings ultimately serve the best interests of the majority of those affected. Such a study appears to be underway at present by different parties ultimately working together.

[Zapatan]

That observation deck would make so much money

[38 Geary]

This article mentions 77 Beale but provides no updates as to the current status.

S.F.’s next skyscraper push tests a risky bet: Offices can still lead downtown’s comeback
By Laura Waxmann, Staff Writer
April 7, 2026

...

Across the Financial District, a handful of builders are beginning to move in parallel, pushing forward their own visions for new office towers in a consequential race to capture the city’s next growth cycle. Ray Lawler, head of Americas with Hines, said that over the five decades in which the development firm has invested in San Francisco it has seen the market “fluctuate and ultimately recover stronger each cycle.” Last year, Hines pivoted from longstanding plans to transform a corner of the former PG&E headquarters near the Embarcadero, a multi-building campus also known as the Matson Block, into a residential tower at 77 Beale St., proposing instead to construct the West Coast’s tallest office tower at that address.

“The city is showing meaningful signs of recovery: Companies are returning to offices, emerging sectors like AI are fueling leasing momentum and investment activity downtown is strengthening,” Lawler said. At 1,225 feet, Hines’ planned tower requires a height exemption from the city. The project also involves the broader redevelopment of the block, with plans to restore historic buildings, add ground floor retail and convert smaller structures into housing. Hines said it expects to have its entitlements at the end of the year, at which point it will select an architect. But before Hines can start building its massive tower, it must first demolish the existing 30-story, 1970s-era tower on Beale Street — a costly and complicated endeavor that will require navigating tight city streets, strict regulations and high labor costs. The developer purchased the larger project site from PG&E in 2021 for $800 million — a basis that will weigh on the project's viability. Hines did not respond to questions about the status of its conversations with potential tenants.

https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/downtown-office-tower-race-22162316.php

[Zapatan]

Fingers crossed for demo later this year.

[SFView]

Originally Posted by Zapatan

Fingers crossed for demo later this year.

Upon reviewing the data provided by Google AI, it has been determined that the schedule has been delayed by approximately three-quarters of a year, surpassing the previously estimated timeline.Consequently, demolition activities of the existing tower would commence approximately midway through 2027 or later. Furthermore, below-grade demolition, shoring, and excavation work for the new Mission tower would be initiated in 2029. The completion of the project is anticipated to occur by 2034 at the earliest.

Source: Google AI:

Next Steps in the EIR TimelineDraft EIR Preparation

(Ongoing): Environmental consultants and SF Planning staff are compiling and analyzing the feedback received during the scoping period. This step typically takes several months to a year as they study impact categories like wind, shadow, and transit.Draft EIR Publication (Anticipated 2026/2027): Once finalized, the Draft EIR will be released for another public review and comment period, which will include an official public hearing before the Planning Commission.Final EIR & Certification: Following responses to all public comments, a Final EIR will be published and presented to the Planning Commission for certification.Construction (Long-Term): Actual groundbreaking on the Matson Block is not projected until 2029 at the earliest, contingent on successful environmental certification, full planning approvals, and project financing.

[peanut gallery]

Hi SFView! Good to see you are still around.

I could be way off, but I really don't expect to ever see this project happen. When all these more or less ready to go approved projects can't get financed, I don't know how a project that first requires tearing down a 500' building will ever get funded.

[Zapatan]

AI isn't always accurate but that sound more or less correct just from everything we've seen so far, as far as it happening at all AI also seems confident it will (take that with a grain of salt).

Hines gave us the Salesforce Tower so they could also give us this.

Originally Posted by peanut gallery

I could be way off, but I really don't expect to ever see this project happen. When all these more or less ready to go approved projects can't get financed, I don't know how a project that first requires tearing down a 500' building will ever get funded.

The city is not in a cycle right now, and maybe they're trying to emulate NY's 270 Park in terms of tearing down the PGE tower (which is one of the uglier buildings in the city so plz yes).

[SFView]

Originally Posted by peanut gallery

Hi SFView! Good to see you are still around.

I could be way off, but I really don't expect to ever see this project happen. When all these more or less ready to go approved projects can't get financed, I don't know how a project that first requires tearing down a 500' building will ever get funded.

Actually, I never really left. There's just been so much less for me to talk about since COVID hit. I also been busy with a lot of other things. It's good to see you're still around as well!

Given the current economic conditions, this project may face significant challenges. Other substantial projects have been hindered by this situation. However, Hines has the expertise and determination to overcome these obstacles. They wouldn’t pursue this unless they had compelling evidence of its viability. Timely planning and foresight are crucial in such endeavors.

Originally Posted by Zapatan

AI isn't always accurate but that sound more or less correct just from everything we've seen so far, as far as it happening at all AI also seems confident it will (take that with a grain of salt).

Hines gave us the Salesforce Tower so they could also give us this.

The city is not in a cycle right now, and maybe they're trying to emulate NY's 270 Park in terms of tearing down the PGE tower (which is one of the uglier buildings in the city so plz yes).

Google AI is only as accurate as what there is available online. I've been using it much in the past half year or so, and finding it rather helpful. I am only reporting what I find using this tool, plus what I have also found on my own.

The EIR commenced not long after a EIR Notice to Proceed meeting was held January 7, 2026. The EIR may take up to 18 months to complete, after which reviews and approvals would proceed. Once that process is complete, financing is set, and all other key players have agreed, demolition may begin.

https://files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/327649-...HXe7egtI1rhhYbvM43gbhVLgQ74mIaImoF37Czd0

The adjustment in schedule is based on the information presented in my previous post, #169.