CATEGORY ARCHIVE: Being Green
March 26, 2008
We’re All In Favor (But Wondering If It Will Actually Work)
District 11 Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval’s legislation empowering Planning Department inspectors to issue citations for having an illegally paved-over front yard (or other planning code violations) has received initial approval by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
The motivation is usually to gain an extra parking space, but Sandoval said the violation reduces the beauty of the neighborhood. Also, he said, when the rain has no place to go, it will flow into The City’s storm drains, putting the area at risk to flooding.
The questions remain, will the inspectors start citing and will property owners actually respond without a bigger stick (the maximum fine of $500 is peanuts relative to the value of a parking space in the city).
∙ Forget About The In-Law, What If The Parking Is (Was) Unwarranted? [SocketSite]
∙ Supes approve fine for paving over front yard [Examiner]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (44) | (email story)
March 20, 2008
JustQuotes: More Green For Greener Building Codes In San Francisco
“San Francisco moved a step closer Wednesday to imposing the country's most stringent green building codes, regulations that would require new large commercial buildings and residential high-rises to contain such environmentally friendly features as solar power, nontoxic paints and plumbing fixtures that decrease water usage."
"New residential high-rises taller than 75 feet, new commercial buildings larger than 5,000 square feet and renovations on buildings larger than 25,000 square feet would have to comply with the environmentally friendly building standards known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED."
"All new residential construction would have to comply with another nationally accepted standard, known as GreenPoint Rated, which requires home builders to use such features as paint made from recycled materials and solar-powered water-heating systems."
∙ S.F. moves to greenest building codes in U.S. [SFGate]
∙ JustQuotes: Standards Are One Thing, Actual Certification Another [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | (email story)
March 19, 2008
Arterra (300 Berry) Selectively Starts To Shed Its Bovis Blue Wrapper
As a number of plugged-in readers have noted, Arterra has selectively started to shed its Bovis blue wrapper (which we really think should have been green). And while they were aiming for a spring opening last July, at this point we have more than just a feeling that summer might be the new new target.
∙ Arterra (300 Berry) Tops Off At 16 And Aims For A Spring '08 Opening [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | (email story)
February 19, 2008
The SocketSite Scoop: The Build Inc. Proposal For Seawall Lot 337
Thanks to a seriously plugged-in tipster, we have the sketch (larger size) and additional details for Build Inc.’s proposal for the development of San Francisco’s Seawall Lot 337 (SWL 337):
This is a sketch of Build Inc.'s proposal [for Seawall lot 337] - essentially an open porous mixed use project of Green Tech office (the round building), 900 for sale homes, 700 for lease homes (mix of affordable, affordable by design (unsubsidized), mid level, and high level), extensive artist studio/ gallery space, flower mart, contemporary arts exhibition space, approx. 7 acres of outdoor open space, sustainable energy/utility towers/gardens, (including geothermal, wind, solar, fuel cell, etc).
We’re digging the “affordable by design” line (as well as emphasis on the arts). And that's two down, two to go. Tipsters?
∙ Four Teams Submit Development Proposals For Seawall Lot 337 [SocketSite]
∙ The Rendering And Additional Details For The Giants SWL 337 Proposal [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | (email story)
January 10, 2008
Model For Turning Treasure Island Into A "Green City Of The Future"
At first there was a rendering and master plan for the future of Treasure Island. Now there’s a model and more geeky details (which we happen to love) emerging.
According to Popular Mechanics, "[a]fter ground is broken in 2009, Treasure Island will become a testbed for the newest ideas in energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management and low-impact living." But as a plugged-in reader notes, "[s]eems like [Treasure Island] is keeping a low profile if we're breaking ground in but a year."
Oh, and to which our reader also alludes, think 13,500 people who will either be living or working within what might be considered walking distance of a Treasure Island ferry terminal.
∙ Why Treasure Island Is the Super-Green City of the Future [Popular Mechanics]
∙ The (SOM) Master Plan For San Francisco’s Treasure Island [SocketSite]
∙ And Of Course, How Might It Affect Property Values Around The Bay? [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | (email story)
December 21, 2007
Planning For 5,700 New Homes In San Francisco’s Parkmerced
From J.K. Dineen at the San Francisco Business Times: “Parkmerced's owners want to add 5,700 housing units to San Francisco's largest apartment complex in a dramatic redesign that would cost billions of dollars and nearly triple the west side community to 9,000 units.
Stellar Management and Rockpoint Group's aggressive plan calls for the construction of between 200 and 300 units a year over the next 15 to 20 years. The owners plan to file an application for environmental review with the city before the end of the year, according to spokesman P.J. Johnston.
The proposal, as envisioned by architects Skidmore Owings Merrill, would reinvent the automobile-centric World War II-era community as a denser, more pedestrian-oriented neighborhood with a new transit stop, parks, and grocery shopping. Ten of the 11 existing 13-story towers would be preserved. Approximately 70 percent of the 5,700 new units would be in townhouses of three or four stories. Others would be in new towers up to 13 stories. The housing will include a mixture of rental apartments and for-sale condos.”
“The heart of the future Parkmerced would be a new Muni station. The developers are proposing to bankroll moving the San Francisco State University Muni station from 19th Ave. and Holloway, considered one of the city's most dangerous intersections, onto the Parkmerced property. The new station would be built on Crespi Drive and would be integrated into a Parkmerced village center with a grocery store, farmers' market, cafe, and other small shops. The owners are also considering adding one or two more Muni stops on the 110-acre property.”
"The Stellar/Rockpoint scheme calls for a number of extreme green measures. Some, like narrower streets with bike and walking paths, are commonplace. Others are more unusual, like a plan to remove the entire property off the city's power grid and instead generate electricity through wind turbines and microturbines that operate on a variety of gaseous or liquid fuels and emit very low emissions. Skidmore's design partner for the project, Craig Hartman, said cleantech advances can reduce energy consumption by 62 percent per household. A highly-efficient plumbing system and a new water recycling plant could reduce water and sewer consumption by 43 percent per home, he said."
∙ Huge housing plan to add 5,700 units [Business Times]
∙ Parkmerced [parkmerced.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) | (email story)
December 18, 2007
San Francisco Idea House Update: Open Into January And A Reduction
As a plugged-in reader noted last week, Sunset’s San Francisco Idea House webpage has been updated to read:
The San Francisco Idea House will be open from 11/30/2007 through 1/27/2008 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9am-4pm. PLEASE NOTE THE HOUSE WILL BE CLOSED THE WEEKEND OF 12/21 and 12/28 due to the holidays. After the holidays we will resume our open schedule the weekend of 1/4/2008.
And if you were interested in 1303 Alabama but didn't think it was worth more than a million, we’ll note that it was just reduced $94,000 (or 8.6%) and is now listed (along with some new interior photos) at $995,000.
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House Officially Opens Its Doors [SocketSite]
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: A Few Facts [SocketSite]
∙ Listing: 1303 Alabama (2/2.5) -$995,000 (TIC) [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | (email story)
December 13, 2007
JustQuotes: Standards Are One Thing, Actual Certification Another
“[Mayor] Newsom [has] proposed a new green building ordinance that would apply to new commercial and residential development as well as renovations to existing buildings.
The green building proposal would impose stringent environmental standards on new construction and renovation to current buildings, according to Newsom. The standards would increase every year through 2012, when The City hopes to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent of 1990 levels, according to a press release from his office.”
“If the Board of Supervisors passes the ordinance in January — as the mayor said he expects — new commercial buildings of more than 5,000 square feet, residential buildings more than 75 feet tall, and renovations on buildings more than 25,000 square feet must be certified by standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED.
LEED standards go up to platinum — The City’s new Academy of Sciences building in Golden Gate Park is LEED Platinum with its living roof — and by 2012, most large buildings in The City must meet LEED Gold or Silver standards, according to the proposed ordinance.
New commercial buildings smaller than 25,000 square feet and shorter than 75 feet, as well as small residential buildings will also have standards placed upon them.”
∙ Newsom envisions green City by the Bay [Examiner]
∙ Mayor Newsom Proposes Ground-Breaking Green Building Ordinance [SFGov]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | (email story)
November 30, 2007
Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House Officially Opens Its Doors
As a plugged-in tipster notes, Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House officially opened its doors to the public today and will be open from 11/30 to 12/16 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (9am-4pm). And yes, it looks like its ten week run has been reduced to two.
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: A Few Facts [SocketSite]
∙ 2007 San Francisco Idea House [Sunset]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | (email story)
October 19, 2007
RandomRumors: The Other Half Of Sunset's Idea House Coming Soon?
According to a non-exclusive tipster (apparently monogamy isn't everyone’s cup of tea), rumor has it that:
"...the larger portion of [the Sunset Idea House] will not finish for 2 more months (final sign off from bldg. dept) but will go on the market any day now for $4mil and that the owner will never get to live in it...The tour will still happen in late November and possession of the house by the new buyer can not happen until 12 weeks after the Sunset first open date."
And yes, at this point it's unconfirmed (see UPDATE below).
UPDATE: Not only is this rumor unconfirmed, but it looks as though it has actually been busted by a plugged-in reader: "This information is completely inaccurate. Sunset tours scheduled to start shortly. house is not on the market and owner will occupy. Your tipster, as usual, is off the mark." And yes, we should have known better.
Editor's Note: Confirmed or not, props to the listing agent for 1303 Alabama for his caption to the listing photo we poached above: "2 unit project...one for sale (1st 2 floors facing)...car in mint condition but not included...."
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: A Few Facts [SocketSite]
∙ The SocketSite Scoop: Half Of The Sunset Idea House Hits The Market [SocketSite]
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: 3027 25th Street [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | (email story)
October 17, 2007
JustQuotes: But Do They Have To Be Mutually Exclusive?
"The green guys, their moralism and do-gooderness - phew. Horrible. There has to be joy in architecture." (Sustainability and aesthetics in one building?)
Posted by socketadmin at 2:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | (email story)
October 8, 2007
Just In Time For The Holidays 338 Holladay Returns (For Even Less)
And speaking of Holidays, 338 Holladay is back on the market. As you might recall, this modern Green home first hit the market in July of 2006 for $1,279,000 and was systematically reduced down to $994,000 before being withdrawn. It was an outcome that caused the owner/developer to decree that people "couldn't care less” about being green.
And while we don’t (and didn’t) agree (that people could care less), we continue to believe that very few people are willing to go green at the expense of design or location. And while neither of those two things have changed for this property, we will note that the price once again has (now asking $899,000 or 30% below the original list).
And yes, it's now officially four days on the market and a new new "original list" price of $899,000 (at least in the eyes of the MLS and their reported statistics).
∙ Listing: 338 Holladay (3/3) - $899,000 [Zephyr]
∙ Not Our Cup Of Tea [SocketSite]
∙ RealRecentReduction: Previously Featured Edition [SocketSite]
∙ A Tale Of Two Green Houses [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (32) | (email story)
October 1, 2007
Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: A Few Facts
While it’s true that one-half (as in one of two units) of the Sunset Idea House hit the market last week, it’s not true that the developer and Sunset have parted ways. Expect all 4,800 square feet (1,200 at 1303 Alabama and 3,600 at 3027 25th) to be on tour for ten weekends starting in November. And according to a tipster, expect the buyer of 1303 Alabama to wait until the end of January to take occupancy (or negotiate an alternative arrangement with Sunset).
And while we’re not going to get in the middle of the neighborhood notification, permitting and design debate, we will note that “a provisional permit was issued [for the wind turbine] and the system will be monitored to ensure it meets expectations for low noise levels and bird safety.” And that the devlelopment does incorporate a number of eco-friendly features (think grey water catchment, recycled/salvaged materials, and landscaping) beyond the turbine and solar panels.
∙ The SocketSite Scoop: Half Of The Sunset Idea House Hits The Market [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | (email story)
September 28, 2007
The SocketSite Scoop: Half Of The Sunset Idea House Hits The Market
A plugged-in tipster forwards an email exchange between two incredulous San Francisco real estate watchers. The basic gist:
A: Half of that “freaky-eco project” on Alabama and 25th just hit the market. Open this weekend. For free!
M: $900/sqft for a TIC in this part of the Mission? And after selling tickets to see it this past Sunday? That’s so wrong.
A: No, that’s some funny sh&*! [And destined for SocketSite]
That’s right, 1303 Alabama (half of Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House) will be open this Sunday (9/30). No ticket (or donation) necessary. Although tips (email tips@socketsite.com) are always appreciated.
And no, we can't imagine Sunset is all too pleased.
∙ Listing: 1303 Alabama (2/2.5) -$1,089,000 (TIC) [MLS]
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: 3027 25th Street [SocketSite]
∙ Lotus House Rising (And A Plug For SF’s Build It Green Home Tour) [SocketSite]
∙ An Early Peek Inside “La Casa Verde” (a.k.a. The Future Idea House) [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (31) | (email story)
September 18, 2007
Lotus House Rising (And A Plug For SF’s Build It Green Home Tour)
One plugged-in tipster directs our attention to the fabulous mkLotus modular home (i.e., prefab) that’s sprouted up in the plaza across from San Francisco’s City Hall (and marks the near-arrival of this weekend’s West Coast Green conference and expo). While another seeks a plug for this Sunday’s (9/23) Build It Green Home Tour (co-sponsored by SF Environment) and teases us with the possibility that the Idea House might participate.
∙ Build It Green: San Francisco Home Tour (9/23/07) [builditgreen.org]
∙ West Coast Green Conference + Expo [westcoastgreen.com]
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: 3027 25th Street [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | (email story)
September 5, 2007
Modern Architecture Hits The Market Up On Mullen (306 Mullen)
The approval process to build at 306 Mullen can be measured in years (and tears), but it has finally paid off. And as a tipster notes, it's now on the market with a four car garage (albeit in “tandem”); three stop elevator; two kilowatt solar panel system; and one sweet master suite. And as always, let's not forget those invitations to the housewarming.
∙ Listing: 306 Mullen (4/4) - $2,295,000 [306mullen.com] [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (61) | (email story)
August 27, 2007
An Early Peek Inside “La Casa Verde” (a.k.a. The Future Idea House)
A reader notes that one “Chicken John” will be holding a political fundraiser this evening at “La Casa Verde.” And if the location (corner of 25th and Alabama) and design (a showcase for green tech) sound strangely familiar, well…they should (at least if you're plugged-in).
[Editor’s Note: This should not be construed as any type of political endorsement. But comments are encouraged (about the house, not Chicken John) should you attend.]
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: 3027 25th Street [SocketSite]
∙ La Casa Verde, the showcase house for green tech [voteforchicken.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | (email story)
A Greener View In The Works For Some At BLŪ (And Others)
TMG Partners has engaged Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) to bring a completely new skin (likely glass and stone), public plaza (at third and Folsom), and green overhaul (targeting LEED silver) to the ex-AT&T compound at 680 Folsom. And while it might not seem like a typical SocketSite story, think of it in terms of the (positive) impact on BLŪ and others residences right down the block (or in the neighborhood).
∙ TMG to rehab SoMa buildings as offices [SF Business Times]
∙ 631 Folsom: Recently Christened “SF BLŪ” (And Down To 108 Units) [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | (email story)
August 15, 2007
Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: Opening Delayed
As a tipster notes, “The San Francisco Idea Home open house has been delayed.” No word on the anticipated opening ("Please check back often for updates"). And of course we have to ask, any plugged-in tipsters have the inside scoop?
∙ Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: 3027 25th Street [SocketSite]
∙ JustQuotes: Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | (email story)
July 30, 2007
JustQuotes: The Green Building Exchange In Redwood City
“[Michael] Schaeffer, a longtime California home builder who started using more-efficient methods before "eco-friendly" was a catchphrase, has started the Green Building Exchange in Redwood City, a kind of year-round trade show, education center and retail shop designed to steer builders away from natural resources and low-efficiency items and toward cabinets made from reclaimed sorghum straw and non-electrical glow-in-the-dark "exit" signs.” (Getting Green Under One Roof)
∙ The Green Building Exchange [Redwood City]
Posted by socketadmin at 2:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | (email story)
July 27, 2007
Going Green In The Mission (3280 22nd St.): Prices/Additional Details
A few weeks ago we let you know they were coming (and a reader nailed the tentative pricing). And today, we offer a few more details (Halila limestone, Zuma soaking tubs, and Duravit sinks in the bathrooms; Alpi & Teak cabinetry; hardwood floors made from reclaimed mine timbers), an exact address (3280 22nd Street), and "official" pricing:
∙ 3280 22nd Street #B (2/2) - $899,000
∙ 3280 22nd Street #C (2/2) - $849,000
∙ 3280 22nd Street #D (3/2) - $1,399,000
∙ Going Green (And Modern) In The Mission: 22nd And Valencia [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 2:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (6) | (email story)
July 12, 2007
Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House: 3027 25th Street
Walter gets it right. The 2007 San Francisco Idea House looks to be located at the corner of 25th and Alabama (3027 25th Street to be exact). And if PropertyShark is as accurate as Walter, the lot size is 2,238 square feet (and it’s zoned RH2).
∙ JustQuotes: Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (26) | (email story)
July 11, 2007
JustQuotes: Sunset’s 2007 San Francisco Idea House
“Sunset, in a joint venture with Meridian Builders & Developers, Inc., will create a 2007 Idea House in San Francisco that will take the magazine's Idea House Program into a dense urban area for the first time, and demonstrate how to maximize construction on a compact site. Opening in August 2007, the Mission District home will be one of the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified residential remodeled homes in the nation."
UPDATE: We now have the actual address (and a photo of the work in progress).
∙ 2007 San Francisco Idea House: Dates And Details [Sunset]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (36) | (email story)
July 6, 2007
Going Green (And Modern) In The Mission: 22nd And Valencia
Another “Green” building by LORAX Development (and design by John Maniscalco) is about to hit the market. This time it’s the long awaited condo development at 22nd and Valencia. Two of our favorite green features: a “living roof” and “siding from reclaimed olive oil barrels.” And yes, pricing and photos when we have them.
∙ New Development: 22nd And Valencia [Lorax Development]
∙ The Greenest Home In San Francisco [SocketSite]
∙ A Week Of Atonement [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | (email story)
June 19, 2007
The (SOM) Master Plan For San Francisco’s Treasure Island
A plugged-in tipster directs us to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s Master Plan for Treasure Island and an overview from NewcitySkyline:
The Treasure Island Plan involves a unique, 21st century San Francisco community that is socially and economically diverse and supported by close-knit neighborhoods, unprecedented open space, resource-conserving technology and a robust network of transportation choices. Envisioned as both a great place to live and a regional destination, the plan proposes three compact neighborhoods centered around an energizing, mixed-use hub and ferry terminal set within a richly faceted 275-acre Great Park.
The new development would take up only a quarter of the island’s area and will be built in phases. In the residential phase, there will be approximately 5,900 residential units built, of which 30 percent will be affordable. The residential area will accommodate around 13,500 residents, and will be divided by high-density, low-to-midrise blocks of townhouses, flats clustered around neighborhood open spaces, and residential towers approximately 14 stories high.
With preliminary approval from the Board of Supervisors in hand, residents could begin moving by as early as 2013 (with overall completion of the development around 2022).
∙ Treasure Island Master Plan [SOM]
∙ Reawakening Treasure Island [NewcitySkyline]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (76) | (email story)
May 25, 2007
The “Marina Green Showcase” Hits The Market (1771 North Point)
1771 North Point is a down to the studs total overhaul (remodel doesn’t do it justice) and the showcase home for the Pacific Coast Builders Conference. By the numbers: One elevator, two powder rooms, three floors, four full bathrooms, five car garage, six bedrooms, five thousand square feet (approximately), and five million dollars (asking).
And it’s not just another pretty facade. Proceeds from public tours ($20 from June 2nd to June 10th) and a Gala Auction on June 9th (“Everything in the house will be auctioned off!”) will benefit the Northern California Cancer Center. Oh, and it's also “eco-friendly” and a “shining example of how to build responsibly and address the needs of today’s families.” (Although at 5,000 square feet...)
∙ Listing: 1771 North Point (6/6) - $4,995,000 [McGuire] [Photos] [MLS]
∙ 1771 North Point: Marina Green Showcase [1771northpoint.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 6:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | (email story)
April 18, 2007
Inside The LEED Certified Folsom Dore Apartments
The Folsom Dore Apartments houses a mix of low-income and formerly homeless residents in 98 well designed, and LEED certified, units. And if you’ve ever wanted to get a closer look at this innovative green building, tomorrow’s your chance.
WHAT:Citizens Housing Corporation invites you to join them as they install the LEED Silver plaque at Folsom/Dore Apartments. WHEN: Thursday, April 19th, 2007, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. WHERE: Folsom Street + Dore Alley (between 9th & 10th streets). WHY: LEED certification is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. And site tours will be available.
∙ Citizens Housing Corporation – Folsom / Dore Apartments [citizenshousing.org]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | (email story)
February 26, 2007
Just Quotes: Let's Hear It For (Or Against) The Feds
“If they'd had a choice, city planners wouldn't have allowed either the slab or the imposing design, because the complex sits across Seventh Street from the U.S. Court of Appeals building, a Beaux-Arts landmark from 1905. But city zoning doesn't apply to federal projects.” (TOWERING EXPECTATIONS)
∙ TOWERING EXPECTATIONS: S.F.'s new federal building [SFGate]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (41) | (email story)
January 3, 2007
Worth The Wait: 900 Minnesota (An Update)
An update on the redevelopment of 900 Minnesota (the former Esprit campus) from an insider: “[T]he project is now expected to deliver finished homes this fall (2007) in the adapted/ renovated brick buildings. The second phase will follow over the subsequent 10 months. Recycling pre-existing materials has taken longer than expected, but worth it.”
∙ 900 Minnesota: Now And Then [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | (email story)
November 30, 2006
QuickLinks: Don’t Get Bamboozled
∙ Bamboo leads green revolution [SFGate]
“Prices for bamboo flooring range from about $1.99 to $8 per square foot...[and] you get what you pay for. Bamboo can be as soft as fir or harder than maple, depending on when it is harvested. If it is harvested too early, say after three years instead of the preferable five or six, the bamboo will produce an inferior floor...[so] ask the manufacturer for data on the hardness of the wood.”
Posted by socketadmin at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | (email story)
November 27, 2006
“The Epitome Of Gracious Green Living” (Oakland)
Okay, so it might be across the bay (Oakland Hills), but we’ve always had a thing for the integration of garage doors and living space. And we can’t help but feature a property that’s (self) described as “the epitome of gracious green living.” (Designed by Sallie Lang of Bliss Building and developed by Green Lane Development.)
∙ Listing: 7257 Skyline, Oakland Hills (3/5) – $2,600,000 [residentphotography]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) | (email story)
November 15, 2006
900 Minnesota: Now And Then
The former Esprit de Corp. headquarters in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood (900 Minnesota) is being “deconstructed” and its lumber recycled (a practice that’s both “environmentally sound as well as lucrative”).
In its place, Build Inc. is developing 142 new condominiums, “a commercial component, a café, 168 inside parking spaces and significant open space." Prices on the individual condos (one and two bedrooms) have not been set, but back in February they were expected to range from $600,000 to $1,000,000.
And according to a tipster over at Potrero Hill, San Francisco, the condos are “scheduled for delivery [sales] around Spring of 2007 (about 3 months behind right now),” the development is “spread over several buildings (both new and renovated ones),” and units will range from ~800 to 1,700+ square feet.
∙ SAN FRANCISCO: OLD TIMBERS GET NEW LIFE [SFGate]
∙ McGuire gets nod to market Esprit condos [bizjournals]
∙ 900 Minnesota Update [PotreroHillSF]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | (email story)
October 10, 2006
Arterra Update: 19% Pre-Sold?
According to a tipster, around 50 of 269 condos have been pre-sold at Arterra over the past ten days. No breakdown on what percentage of the 50 were pre-pre-sold to friends and family (or inside sales), or what percentage have been reserved versus receiving non-refundable deposits.
Occupancy is slated for “early 2008” and we’re still looking for more detailed information on pricing. And based on the recent great valet debate, we thought you’d like to know that it’s deeded, not assigned, parking in the building.
∙ Arterra and The Hayes: Sales Centers [SocketSite]
∙ Arterra First Release: September 30 [SocketSite]
∙ The Arterra: “Clean Design, Pure Living” At 300 Berry Street [SocketSite]
∙ V Is For Valet (And Ventless) [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | (email story)
September 6, 2006
Raising The Bar On Green Building
It’s a bit south (Santa Monica), but the house is still worth noting for two reasons: 1. it’s the first home in the country to be “given ‘platinum’ status in the U.S. Green Building Council's influential LEED rating system (for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design),” and 2. it’s the prototype for LivingHomes, a builder of prefabricated homes. (In fact, the “bulk of the house was built at a factory in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., and assembled in one day.”)
According to LivingHomes founder, "We're targeting consumers who buy organic food, do yoga, and shop at Design Within Reach." We’re guessing there just might be some of those folks around here. And despite what some might think, we’re guessing they’ll actually pay a premium to live in a well designed (and located) green house.
∙ LivingHomes [LivingHomes.us]
∙ The Greenest House On The Planet [BusinessWeek]
∙ A Tale Of Two Green Houses [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | (email story)
August 22, 2006
A Tale Of Two Green Houses
One Green house sells within days for nearly two million dollars (520 Clipper). The other Green house languishes on the market, is reduced twice, and is still available for about a million (338 Holladay).
The owner/builder of the second house draws the conclusion that people could “care less” about being green (despite the success of the first). But we suggest that it might be the design, location, and fact that based on the marketing materials (above) and positioning, we didn’t have a clue that this was supposed to be a “Green” house (unlike the first).
We believe that most people in San Francisco want to be "Green." But that very few are willing to do so at the expense of good design, quality, or utility location. And we really can’t blame them.
∙ Yet Another Reason To Plug In To SocketSite [SocketSite]
∙ Not Our Cup Of Tea [SocketSite]
∙ Letters to the Editor: A 'green' house nobody wants [SFGate]
∙ 338 Holladay Property Statement (pdf) [Zephyr]
∙ The Greenest Home In San Francisco [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | (email story)
July 13, 2006
Plant Some Trees Or Landscape Some Sidewalk
The SFHomeBlog makes a great discovery that well deserves to be passed around:
The Department of Public Works - Bureau of Urban Forestry is now accepting [applications] for sidewalk landscaping [permits]. In addition to planting trees, this permit allows property owners to convert a portion of the sidewalk in front of their property into an attractive landscaped area. It looks great, provides habitat, reduces flooding, and is good for property values!
If you’re into trees you might want to check out Friends of the Urban Forest. If not, you might want to consider some permeable landscaping (“which allows water and air to penetrate the soil”), as championed by Plant*SF (responsible for the “before/after” above). Either way, get out there and plant/landscape.
∙ Sidewalk Landscaping Permits [SFHomeBlog]
∙ Sidewalk Landscaping Permits [SFGov.org]
∙ Friends of the Urban Forest [fuf.net]
∙ What Is Permeable Landscaping? [PlantSF.org]
∙ Plant*SF [PlantSF.org]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | (email story)
June 13, 2006
Salvaging An Office
It’s no ScrapHouse, but then again, it’s permanent. The Chronicle profiles the "recycled" new office of Intero Real Estate in Walnut Creek (designed by Holey Associates of San Francisco and built by Doug Allinger):
High design it ain't. But this conversion of a drive-through bank offers something that today is all too rare: tactile delight. In a world where office towers are clad in wafer-thin granite and shopping centers wear columns of stucco-covered Styrofoam, it's great to see the arrival of a downtown building that wants to make an enduring mark on the landscape.And the fact that 1700 North Main is a triumph of recycling makes the show better still.
"Except for the windows and doors, I'd say close to 95 percent of what you see was salvaged," guesses Primo Facchini, 42, the easygoing construction manager. "I'm not an environmentalist by any means. But I hate to see good materials being discarded. Nobody makes stuff like this anymore."
Actually, we’re guessing that they do. And we’re hoping that our tipsters might send us proof.
∙ San Francisco ScrapHouse Nearly Complete [SocketSite]
∙ A commercial space that's fit for a fantasy [SFGate]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | (email story)
May 25, 2006
Build It Green
Build It Green is a “professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy and resource-efficient buildings in California.” The organization offers workshops, green home tours (next tour on June 4th), and general information about green building.
∙ Build It Green: Workshops for Homeowners [builditgreen.org]
∙ Build It Green: Green Home Tours [builditgreen.org]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | (email story)
May 1, 2006
Commercial Green Building Tour: May 2nd
The San Francisco Department of the Environment is sponsoring a tour of Swinerton Headquarters (260 Townsend), a LEED (Gold) certified building.
The building is equipped with fully digital building management system, advanced lighting system, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, and a cool roof. Materials throughout the building were selected to maximize recycled content with a minimum amount of volatile organic compounds.
The tour will be held from noon to 1pm on May 2nd, $10.98 per person and pre-registration is required (online). More information by calling (415) 355-3718.
∙ San Francisco Department of the Environment [SF Environment]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | (email story)
April 26, 2006
The Arterra: “Clean Design, Pure Living” At 300 Berry Street
The Arterra, a 268-unit ‘Green’ condo development, has broken ground at 300 Berry Street. Developed by Intracorp San Francisco (also developing The Hayes) and architected by Kwan Henmi, the Arterra is marketed as “clean design, pure living,” and billed as a "pioneering green building of sophisticated design."
The three-level complex will be the first San Francisco building clad in Trespa, smooth and colorful panels produced with recycled materials. It will have natural coastal grass-covered roofs on parts of the fourth, sixth, and tenth floors, a high thermal insulation glazing system with operable windows and a water-efficient landscape design. Interiors will be built with rapid renewal materials, like bamboo and cork, and energy-efficient appliances.
And if good design and environmental consciousness aren’t strong enough selling points for you, there’s always the pure sex appeal (sultry female pic, sultry male pic). You had us at hello green.
Update: The Arterra website has been updated. Gone are the sultry pictures. In their place, actual details.
∙ The Arterra [300 Berry Street]
∙ New Condos Starting In The $400,000s? [SocketSite]
∙ Condo project painted 'green' [bizjournal]
∙ First Green Condo Project Breaks Ground in San Francisco [Green Key]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | (email story)
April 22, 2006
Yet Another Reason To Plug In To SocketSite
Almost six weeks since we brought the “Greenest Home In San Francisco” to your attention, the Chronicle publishes a great overview of the house (520 Clipper). If you were plugged in to SocketSite, you actually had a chance to tour (or purchase) the pad. If not, you’ll just have to settle for all the pretty pictures…
∙ Green pioneers [SFGate]
∙ The Greenest Home In San Francisco [SocketSite]
∙ A Week Of Atonement [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | (email story)
March 17, 2006
A Week Of Atonement
So we mange to wax poetic (“stunning - from the design, to the finishes, to the views”) about the new “Green” house at 520 Clipper. We give accolades to the builder (Lorax Development) and even point out the broker (Brown & Co.). The only person we forget to mention? Uhh, that would be the actual architect…
John Maniscalco, of John Maniscalco / Architecture, designed 520 Clipper from “top to bottom, including cabinets, finishes, etc.”, and is also the architect for the new Lorax development at 22nd and Valencia. John’s studio focuses on two principles, “creating livable, modern spaces and engaging the clients in the design process.” It shows. (And we’re fans.)
∙ John Maniscalco / Architecture [M-Architecture]
∙ The Greenest Home In San Francisco [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | (email story)
March 13, 2006
The Greenest Home In San Francisco
Advertising the “very first City-approved installation of a rainwater catchment system”, recycled blue jean denim insulation, reclaimed hardwood flooring, and solar heating (along with numerous other "Green" features) , Brown & Co. and Lorax Development have dubbed 520 Clipper “The Greenest Home in San Francisco”. We just might have to agree.
And although we have yet to see it in person, it sounds/looks spectacular. And Lorax Development? Love it.
[Update: This place is stunning - from the design, to the finishes, to the views. Granted, some will be bothered by the loft-like openness, and we’re not so sure about that “wine cellar”, but we’re still in awe. We officially bow down to Lorax.]
∙ Listing: 520 Clipper - $1,899,000 [MLS]
∙ Lorax Development: Building Green in San Francisco [loraxdevelopment.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | (email story)
October 11, 2005
Flexcar Comes To San Francisco
As of today, City Carshare and Zipcar have some competition in the San Francisco car-share arena. Two important things to note: 1. up to 75% of Flexcar’s fleet will by hybrid vehicles, and 2. if you join and drive by the end of the year, Flexcar will waive both the application and first years membership fees (details).
We only mention it because we’ve added Flexcar to our “Getting Around” section of “Resources & Links”. If you didn’t even realize that we had a Resources & Links section, perhaps now would be a good time to check it out...
∙ Flexcar Introductory Promotion: San Francisco [Flexcar]
∙ New car-share program comes to San Francisco [Examiner]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:46 PM | Permalink | (email story)
August 26, 2005
Salvation Through Salvage
(Image from Rejuvenation Online)
Carol Lloyd jumps on the salvage bandwagon with insight on six Bay Area sources for salvaged building supplies (supplementing our previous list of two). She also sheds light on a new source of bargain building materials: “pre-demolition sales”. The six local sources:
Building REsources (San Francisco) "Part old-fashioned junkyard/part art installation, Building REsources has a lot of stuff at great prices amid the rubble."Caldwell's Building Salvage (San Francisco)
"Mostly lumber and doors -- with a great affordable door shop to build frames for old doors. Some windows, hardwood, the occasional claw-foot tub -- there's a showroom with new flooring, bathrooms, etc."Ohmega Salvage (Berkeley)
"Restoration materials and furniture from older (pre-1950) buildings."Urban Ore (Berkeley)
"Everything and lots of it. Also a showcase for sustainable building materials and design features."The ReUse People (Alameda)
"This nonprofit does whole-house deconstruction and maintains an extensive warehouse of used building supplies."Whole House Building Supply (East Palo Alto)
"Sign up for predemolition sale e-mails or call the hotline at 650-328-8732. Lots of wood, doors and windows; some tubs, cabinets, mantles, sinks and appliances."
· Salvage Heaven [Chronicle]
· Mining Urban Ore [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 2:44 PM | Permalink | (email story)
July 19, 2005
Green Clean: The Book
Now that you own/rent it, keep it clean. Finally, a “Green” cleaning book that doesn’t look like something mimeographed in the basement by a couple of hippies (not that we've got anything against hippies). From Amazon:
GREEN CLEAN is the definitive, step-by-step guide to cleaning better while using natural, safe products.
Room by room and stain by stain, GREEN CLEAN offers non-carcinogenic strategies for cleaning deeply and more efficiently.
Spot illustrations enliven each chapter, showing time-saving techniques, products, and equipment.
Also included are recipes for safe, simple, and economic cleaning solutions and the lowdown on the best eco-friendly cleaning products on the market today.
· GREEN CLEAN – Product Link [Amazon]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:00 AM | Permalink | (email story)
July 13, 2005
QuickLinks: Green Building
Links to a list of America's top 10 Green Cities (we made the list), two green building projects (one urban and one suburban), and one green building product (roof blocks) are all on tap for today. And we’d love to profile some green homes in San Francisco proper, so tipsters, keep your eyes and ears open, and drop us a note, picture, or lead.
· America's Top 10 Green Cities [Green Guide]
· A Green Building Custom-Made For Two Families [NYT]
· Soft landing: After years in the air, pilot retires to a straw nest [Chronicle]
· Green Roof Blocks [Product Website]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:12 AM | Permalink | (email story)
June 24, 2005
True Curb Appeal
If you visited ScrapHouse, you might also have stumbled upon the TRASHed art exhibit (as did we).
The TRASHed campaign is a year long trash education program developed by Fashion Peace that redefines the way people and businesses view recycling and trash collection. TRASHed develops programs that fit seamlessly within the surrounding environment and provide creative options in the way people approach waste management.
One such program was a challenge to design the coolest Recycling Bin in the land. Probably not street legal, but these bins would definitely make the curbs of San Francisco that much more appealing.
· Gallery of 100 Recycle Bins [TRASHed]
· TRASHed:: the art of recycling [Fashion Peace]
Posted by socketadmin at 7:30 AM | Permalink | (email story)
