CATEGORY ARCHIVE: Design & Architecture
May 12, 2008
Stem Cell Research Funds New UCSF Building Outside Of Mission Bay
By way of a plugged-in tipster and GlobeSt.com:
The University of California at San Francisco will receive approximately $34.9 million from the [California Institute for Regenerative Medicine]. It will combine the grant it with $100 million from its own coffers to construct a 74,000-sf building off Medical Center Way on its Parnassus campus, which has not seen a new research facility since the mid-1960s. The building is being designed by Rafael Viñoly of New York.
∙ Stem-Cell Grant Will Yield $1.1B in Projects [GlobeSt]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | (email story)
May 9, 2008
Quite Simply, We’re Completely Crushing On This Craftsman On Cole
It's has nothing to do with the alliteration in the listing. Quite simply, we're completely crushing on the design, style and architecture of this Craftsman on Cole.
And in keeping with the day's theme, the upstairs deck. And yes, there's another off the kitchen.
∙ Listing: 1445 Cole Street (3/2) - $1,925,000 [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (22) | (email story)
May 7, 2008
It's Not Often A Listing Can Tout A Private Outdoor Amphitheater
So the pictures aren’t particularly fantastic, but the backyard and private amphitheater do sound quite fantastical. From the listing for 3444 Washington:
A welcoming place to entertain, the garden was recently transformed to a level yard by elevating the ground six feet with new retaining walls. A checkerboard pattern of grass with granite cobble stones, and a gravel border was designed to allow for drainage during the rainy season.
The outdoor amphitheater with seats terraced into the landscape, features a movie screen that hangs between cleverly crafted bronze bamboo poles. The bamboo theme is carried throughout the borders of the yard, up-lit to create a dramatic ambience at night.
No word on whether or not they also bothered to add any open flames.
∙ Listing: 3444 Washington Street (6/6.5) - $17,500,000 [MLS]
∙ From Play House For Youngsters, To Contemporary Oasis With Fire [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | (email story)
May 6, 2008
One Of Only 49 Oakland (The City) Eichlers: 8100 Phaeton Drive
It’s an Oakland (both in terms of the city and Claude) Eichler across the bay. If our tipster is correct, it’s one of only 49 ever built (in terms of the city). And once again, a retractable roof (although this time over the atrium).
∙ Listing: 8100 Phaeton Drive (4/2) - $829,000 (Oakland) [Red Oak]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (13) | (email story)
May 5, 2008
A “Modern” Looking Kitchen (On A Not So “Modern” Budget)
Once again, it’s sure to look too industrial or unfinished to some. And it's not necessarily what we'd expect at this price point (or perhaps even with the rest of the architecture). But we’ve always had a soft spot for Metro shelving.
It’s relatively easy (and inexpensive) way to "modernize" a kitchen for those working within a budget. And we happen to like the look (along with the window).
∙ Listing: 3481 Washington (5/3.5) - $3,995,000 [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (19) | (email story)
May 2, 2008
No Real Story, It Simply Seemed Ever So San Francisco
No real story (and it's not for sale), we simply loved the craftsmanship and style of the gate (731 Buena Vista Avenue). And it somehow seems ever so San Francisco.
UPDATE (5/5): From one plugged-in reader: "[T]hat once was bobby mcferrin's house -- perhaps it is he who came up with the dough for such a fabulous custom gate." And from another: "Any info on who built the gate (artist/craftsman)?" Readers?
UPDATE (5/5): Still no word on the artist, but some additional detail on the original patron of the gates: "Yes, that is Graham Nash's place (long time ago) and i believe it was he who commissioned the gates....After McFarrin moved in he had the gates refurbished. They were taken down and sent somewhere...the neighborhood assumed he removed them and there was a mini uproar."
Posted by socketadmin at 9:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | (email story)
The Power (Or Perhaps To The Power) Of Three: 2000 Washington #A
Three bedrooms, three (and one-half) baths, three parking spaces, and three cheers.
One full floor, one of only seven cooperative units in the Conrad Muessdorffer designed building, and one “if you have to ask” price ($6,250,000) with dues to match ($2,285/mo).
∙ Listing: 2000 Washington Street #A (3/3.5) - $6,250,000 [MLS]
∙ Architect: Conrad Alfred Meussdorffer [sfhistoryencyclopedia.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | (email story)
April 24, 2008
Past Post And Property Update: Listing For 270 Castenada Withdrawn
The listing for 270 Castenada was withdrawn from the MLS yesterday. Perhaps it wasn’t only “too beautiful to describe,” but “too beautiful to price” (or with which to part) as well.
∙ A Peek Inside 270 Castenada (And Now About Those Drawings...) [SocketSite]
∙ Too Beautiful To Describe (Except By The Architect): 270 Castenada [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | (email story)
“Plans” But No Permits (Or Even Approvals As Best We Can Tell)
As best we can tell they’re simply “plans” (i.e., no approvals or permits) to develop the lot.
And as such, these 16 units aren’t part of our pipeline.
But the potential (for) development is on our radar along with the rest of the ‘hood.
∙ Listing: 616 20th Street - $2,000,000 [MLS]
∙ SocketSite’s Complete Inventory Index (Cii): Q1 2008 (San Francisco) [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | (email story)
April 22, 2008
From JustQuotes To JustPhotos: The Aforementioned Bridge House
∙ Bridge House: Stanley Saitowitz [Slow Home]
∙ JustQuotes: American Institute of Architects Honor Awards: SF Style [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (20) | (email story)
JustQuotes: American Institute of Architects Honor Awards: SF Style
“One of four honor awards for excellence in architecture handed out by the [American Institute of Architects] San Francisco chapter went to 185 Post St., a six-story box from 1955 that's been turned from nondescript to knockout by Brand + Allen Architects. The firm's design kept the masonry shell but wrapped it in a layer of fritted glass. From afar, the glass is an opaque screen; up close, it's a skin-tight, see-through blouse.”
“[H]onor awards also went to the San Francisco Federal Building, by Morphosis with SmithGroup (maybe our next president will finally follow through on promises to make the upper-floor terrace open to the public), and two residential buildings: Tehama Grasshopper, a warehouse conversion, by Fougeron Architecture, topped by a chic glass penthouse; and Bridge House, by Stanley Saitowitz/Natoma Architects.”
∙ Place: 185 Post St. among winning buildings [SFGate]
∙ The Modern Makeover And Façade Of 185 Post [SocketSite]
∙ Just Quotes: Let's Hear It For (Or Against) The Feds [SocketSite]
∙ San Francisco Living: Home Tours (A Chance To Comment In General) [SocketSite]
∙ From JustQuotes To JustPhotos: The Aforementioned Bridge House [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (18) | (email story)
April 21, 2008
More Precise Floor Plans And A Few Built-in Bonus Photos: 153 Avila
A plugged-in tipster feels your pain and not only offers up more precise floor plans for 153 Avila but a few photos of the built-in cabinet (“panel behind the TV...is removable so the TV can be pivoted to be viewed from either room”) that was added to divide the Master Bedroom from the Den as well.
∙ We Provide The Photo, Address And Floor Plan, You Provide The 'Teur [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | (email story)
April 18, 2008
We Provide The Photo, Address And Floor Plan, You Provide The 'Teur
From the listing: “Literally a restaurateur's kitchen.” And so now we have to ask, who knows which one? And as such we have to wonder, isn't that stove a tad far from the sink? You know, the nine-foot triangle and all.
UPDATE: Damn you're good. The restaurant(s) would be Isa (of which we're fans) and Domo (at which we've never eaten). And the ‘teur, Luke Sung.
UPDATE: Unfortunately the floor plans attached to the listing are a bit distorted (note the half-bath). And as a plugged-in reader notes, "the lower floor extends out to the edge of the terrace above."
UPDATE (4/21): And fortunately, a plugged-in tipster forwards more precise floor plans for the readers to peruse.
∙ Listing: 153 Avila (3/2.5) - $2,695,000 [153avila.com] [MLS]
∙ The Kitchen Work Triangle [merillat.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | (email story)
April 17, 2008
And After the Power Outage And Subsequent Storm…A Pool!
How many homes can boast “electric retractable sunroofs?” As far as we’re concerned, not nearly enough (global warming and all). In fact, off the top of our heads we can only think of one other. And that one was a bit more modern modern (and to our tastes).
∙ Listing: 2245 9th Ave (3/2.5) - $1,395,000 [MLS]
∙ Mo' Modern, Mo' Modern, Mo' Modern (But No Nelly) Over In Noe [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | (email story)
April 16, 2008
Arterra (300 Berry) Sheds A Little More (In More Ways Than One)
The latest Arterra incentive: 4.875% 5-year fixed rate (i.e., 5/1 ARM) financing plus a $20,000 flex incentive on two-bedroom units. And a bit of the fine print: "Based on loan amount of $417,000 and $700,000 purchase price."
∙ Arterra (300 Berry) Selectively Starts To Shed Its Bovis Blue Wrapper [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (48) | (email story)
The Circle Of Life: From One To Five And Back Again (615 Buena Vista)
615 Buena Vista Avenue was born a single-family home in 1906; was chopped up into a five unit building (and sold as such for $3,500,000 in 2006); and is now back to being billed as a single-family residence (plus "legal" one-bedroom on the lower level).
We’re big fans of the Arts and Crafts exterior, and equally so of the beautifully modern Haus Martin right next door (a fantastic juxtaposition which we wish more would embrace).
As far as the “approved plans and permits…[to] add a two car side-by-side garage,” don’t ask us. And as far as the listing photo(s), we'll just assume the wide-angle lens somehow got stuck on the photographer's camera that day.
∙ Listing: 615 Buena Vista Ave (5/3.5) - $3,895,000 [McGuire] [MLS]
∙ Haus Martin And Cass Calder Smith Architecture [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (24) | (email story)
April 14, 2008
Barely In The Shadow Of A Baron/Magnate’s Manse: 1407 Golden Gate
Designed by William Armitage, 1407 Golden Gate was constructed in 1892 along with three adjacent buildings (including The Chateau Tivoli) for a lumber baron/shipping magnate.
This TIC unit features high ceilings, a double parlor, a fair amount of original detailing, and monthly HOA dues of only one hundred dollars a month. No mention, however, of when to expect that special assessment to keep this lady in the paint to which she's become accustomed.
∙ Listing: 1407 Golden Gate Avenue (3/1.5) - $749,000 (TIC) [Coldwell Banker] [MLS]
∙ The Chateau Tivoli (1057 Steiner Street) [chateautivoli.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (55) | (email story)
April 11, 2008
Holy Hotness, History, And Home: Engine Company No. 44 Returns
Built by the McSheehy Brothers in 1909, 3816 22nd Street served as home to San Francisco’s Engine Company No. 44 (and their horses) for fifty years.
In 1959 the firehouse was sold to Mark and Beth Adams who maintained the firehouse in relatively original condition but employed the space as a private residence and artists’ studio for the next forty.
Purchased in February of 2006 for $2,100,000 (while listed for $2,695,000), the firehouse will soon return to the market after a multi-year renovation and expansion (think new second floor) of what was roughly 3,700 square feet of living space (original floor plans).
We have yet to see the new interior, but it promises to be a “clever mix of modern and original details" including a glass and reclaimed lumber staircase; original spiral staircase, copper and zinc doors; gourmet “loft” kitchen; and observatory tower with 360 degree views. Pricing? It's currently “upon request," but according to a plugged-in tipster:
I spoke to the developer…probably 10 months ago and he said it could possibly set a record price for a SFH in Noe Valley (who knows what has transpired [since] then, but for what it's worth).
And yes, we're fired up (ba-dump-bump) with fingers crossed to see what they've done with the space.
∙ Engine House 44 [New Website] [Last Listing] [Original Detail] [Original Floor Plan]
Posted by socketadmin at 2:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (11) | (email story)
Additional Details To Go With The Glassy Design: 680/690 Folsom
Additional details on the redevelopment and redesign of 680/690 Folsom we showcased in February:
Two floors are being added to the 12-story structure and the floorplates will be expanded as well, pushing the edge of the building toward Folsom Street. The glass, steel and granite lobby will have 30-foot ceilings with floor-to-ceiling glass and a floating staircase.
All told, the rehab will increase the building from 400,000 square feet to 505,000 square feet, with 440,000 square feet of office and 10,000 square feet of retail at 680 Folsom St. (formerly called 666 Folsom) and 55,000 square feet of offices at the abutting 50 Hawthorne St.
The ground floor will have a restaurant and TMG is in early talks with the Museum of Performance & Design -- formerly the San Francisco Performing Arts Library & Museum -- which is interested in moving from the Veterans Building in the Civic Center.
∙ Reinvention under way at Third and Folsom [Business Times]
∙ Wet Weekend Special (And Scoop): The Designs For 680/690 Folsom [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 6:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (10) | (email story)
April 8, 2008
We’re Not Sold On The Pool (But We Do Love The Walls Of Doors)
It’s not on the MLS, but it is online. And it is looking a bit more LA (or perhaps Peninsula) than SF. But we’re not complaining. And we do love walls of doors.
∙ Listing: 695 Arkansas - $3,000,000 [Byzantium]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (47) | (email story)
April 4, 2008
Nationally Recognized (Just Not A Landmark): 2355 Washington
One source pegs its beginnings to around 1870, while another about 1882. Regardless, both agree that 2355 Washington (aka the Dallam-Merritt or Augustus Starr house) is indeed on the National Register of Historic Places. (But it's not a Historic Landmark.)
Having last changed hands ten years ago for $2,750,000, the interior has since been remodeled. And the leopard print carpeting on the stairs? Probably not period.
∙ Listing: 2355 Washington Street (6/5.5) - $6,950,000 [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (11) | (email story)
We Can See The New Spin Now: "Luxury Death-Defying Floors!”
Yes, it’s in New York. But it's Friday. A tipster thought you might find it interesting. And it seems like more of a San Francisco story than not (at least the San Francisco of yore).
Plus, you should probably be aware of some potential new agent-speak: Those floors aren’t sloped (or the foundation settling). No, those are "Luxury Death-Defying Floors!”
UPDATE: An early front-runner for comment of the day: "If this house is going to help avoid death (live forever) why do I need to sign a waiver to go inside."
∙ A Death-Defying House: Audio Slide Show [The New York Times]
Posted by socketadmin at 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | (email story)
April 1, 2008
Details, Details, Details On An 1880’s San Francisco Stick Victorian
True to heart (and design), the website for 545 Sanchez shows off small rooms but beautifully restored Victorian style and details.
And it's open this Sunday (4/6) for interested parties (and Victorian enthusiasts alike).
∙ Listing: 545 Sanchez (3/1.25) - $1,795,000 [545sanchez.com] [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (31) | (email story)
From Play House For Youngsters, To Contemporary Oasis With Fire
A plugged-in “Tipster” correctly identified the listing to be based on a single view shot from the balcony, and now it’s officially here. From before to after, 2848 Union Street has been “extensively remodeled” in conjunction with Werner Design Associates inside and Topher Delaney out back.
And while we do like what they’ve done throughout, we have to admit it’s the garden area that immediately caught our attention as what was once described as a “charming Green House or ideal Play House for the youngsters in the family” has been replaced with “an exquisite contemporary oasis with fire and sculpture elements.”
And no, this isn’t any April Fool’s.
∙ Listing: 2848 Union Street (3/3.5) - $5,000,000 [SF Properties] [Previous Sale]
∙ Coming Soon In Cow Hollow (But We Want To Know Now) [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (25) | (email story)
March 27, 2008
A Couple Of Acronyms, But Lots Of Character/Space: 1392 McAllister
We’ll skip right over the fact that it’s a TIC, parking is leased and half a block away, and it was subject to an owner move in eviction (OMI) in 2002. And instead, we’ll simply focus on the architecture (can you say quintessential?), condition (pride of ownership comes to mind), and character/square footage (lots of both).
∙ Listing: 1392 McAllister (3/2) 2,600 sqft - $998,000 (TIC) [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (36) | (email story)
March 25, 2008
You Know You’ve Always Wondered (And Here’s Your Chance To See)
It’s one of those little buildings that you’ve probably driven by a thousand times and always wondered what’s inside (at the corner of 5th and Folsom). And now here’s your chance to see.
Built in 1998 and designed by AXIS Architecture + Design, we're quite enamored with the urban patio and courtyard. Not to mention having a separate home office (896 Folsom) an olympic hop, skip and a jump away.
∙ Listing: 299 5th Street (2/2.5) - $2,149,000 [MLS] [Virtual Tour]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | (email story)
March 24, 2008
JustQuotes: The People (And Politics) Behind Buildings And Design
The Quote:
ADCO is proposing a 38-story, elliptical-shaped glass building with five levels of underground parking. Market-rate condominiums would be built on top of the tennis courts and next door to a residence for seniors. The street that gently slopes downward to the Japantown malls would also undergo major reconstruction, including new condominiums by owner 3D Investments.
At the current height, the 1481 Post Street project would be the tallest building in the neighborhood, an issue of concern to neighborhood residents. “The height of your building will set the tone for the rest of Post Street going west,” said Sandy Mori, president of the Japantown Task Force, referring to proposals by 3D Investments. “Right now [3D Investments’] highest building is as tall as Hotel Kabuki, which is reasonable in my personal opinion.”
[ADCO Group representative Linda Corso] indicated a willingness to modify the design of the building and reduce the height to move the project forward, perhaps due to public pressure. “We’re going to take all the input from tonight back to our design team and get back to you hopefully in a month or so,” Corso said.
The housing nonprofit that owns and operates the 26-story high-rise next door to the proposed ADCO project has hired a political consultant and sent out a mailing opposing the glass building. They received 600 responses by mail out of 7,000 pieces delivered.
And our reader's response (with which we quite agree):
Please let this SOM building rise up; it's not going to work as a short cylinder. This is a perfectly-scaled building.
∙ J-Town Concerned About High-Rise Plans [AsianWeek]
∙ The Official Cathedral Hill Tower (1481 Post Street) Website [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (36) | (email story)
March 20, 2008
The Original Designs (And A Few Additional Details) For 325 Fremont
We might be a little slow this morning afternoon, but luckily the plugged-in readers aren't.
As a reader noted, the Baum Thornley Architects design for 325 Fremont (a.k.a. Lots 12, 13 & 14) calls for a 20-floor/200-foot high tower with seventy (70) residential units (mostly two-bedrooms) and parking. What we still don't know is if (or how) the design has changed. Once again, tipsters?
And yes, that little tower with a flag on top is now One Rincon Hill (but let's focus on 325).
∙ The Lots Have Been Cleared For The Californian And More On Fremont [SocketSite]
∙ One Rincon Hill: A Remembrance Of Its Clock Tower Past [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | (email story)
March 18, 2008
Hardcore East Bay Property Porn (And Then Some): 737 2nd St. #405
First and foremost, the property is across the bay in Oakland. We repeat, this is across the bay in Oakland. That being said, we’re in love. (And then some.)
Wood burning pizza oven, industrial pantry doors, 1000+ bottle temperature controlled wine cellar, and limestone floors in the kitchen.
And eleven and one-half foot ceilings on the main floor with a spiral staircase leading up to the Tom Eliot Fisch designed penthouse, roof deck and private garden. Yes, yes, yes.
∙ Listing: 737 2nd St. #405 (3/2) 5,361 sqft – $2,200,000 (OAK) [Phoenix405] [Caldecott]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (37) | (email story)
March 12, 2008
Holy Architecture And Full-Floor Condominiums In Oakland Batman!
It’s across the bay, but we do love the building. Built in 1913 and designed by Benjamin Geer McDougall, the 14-story Oakland Federal Building is a shining example of the Gothic Revival movement.
Renamed the Cathedral Building in 1969, the building is now going condo with the first six floors commercial and the top eight full-floor residences with prices ranging from $895,000 for the 1,476 square foot 11th floor to $1,300,000 for the 2,016 square foot 14th.
And while the finishes are just okay, and there isn’t any parking, we're suckers for the skin deep beauty and bones. Now if only the ceilings we just a little bit higher...
∙ The Cathedral Building, 1615 Broadway, Oakland [cathedral-building.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | (email story)
March 10, 2008
San Francisco’s Transbay Terminal: Website And Community Meeting
The Pelli Clarke Pelli website dedicated to their proposed Transbay Terminal, Tower and City Park has added a number renderings, charts, and animation since the last time we looked.
And according to a plugged-in reader (and NBC11), a community meeting and update on the terminal by the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) is scheduled for 6PM tonight (3/10/08) at the Calvary Presbyterian Church (2515 Fillmore Street).
∙ Transbay Transit Center And Tower: Pelli Clarke Pelli [pcparch.com]
∙ SF To Hold Meeting On Tallest Skyscraper On West Coast [NBC11]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | (email story)
March 7, 2008
A Truly Unique San Francisco Space And Penthouse: 601 4th St PH1
We’ve got a thing for truly unique spaces, natural light, and penthouses. And although some of styling might not be to our tastes, this one fits the bill. More please.
∙ Listing: 601 4th Street #PH1 (3/2) - $1,959,000 [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | (email story)
It’s Really Not Often We Get To Write…Reduced Seven Million Dollars
If you missed last year’s Decorator Showcase, we just noticed that the listing for 2901 Broadway now features the newly decorated shots (and the virtual tour before and afters).
And there’s good news if you’ve been thinking, “fifty-five is ludicrous, but maybe at forty-eight.” After 322 days on the market, the list price has just been reduced $7,000,000.
Perhaps countering those four offers at fifty-five wasn’t the way to go. Live and learn.
UPDATE: From a plugged-in reader's comment: "I spoke to a contractor about this property who estimated the substructure and engineering work alone on this house could cost 10 million."
∙ Listing: 2901 Broadway (7/7.5) - $48,000,000 [MLS] [Virtual Tour]
∙ Your Chance To Slip Inside 2901 Broadway [SocketSite]
∙ Rumor Has It: Four Offers On The 2007 Decorator Showcase Home? [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (18) | (email story)
March 3, 2008
No Real Story (But We Simply Couldn’t Resist): 2728-2730 21st Street
While Edwardians and Victorians represent one era of San Francisco's past, this definitely represents another.
∙ Listing: 2728-2730 21st Street (Mixed Use) - $1,150,000 [MLS] [Zephyr]
Posted by socketadmin at 2:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (7) | (email story)
February 27, 2008
San Francisco’s Seawall Lot 337 Design Proposals: In Summary
Four teams, four overviews, and four proposals (in their entirety). One place (or rather two) to compare, contrast and summarize your thoughts (and perhaps lobby a bit as well).
And for those who crave even more information (or a chance to grill interact with the development teams), we'll remind you of the all-day public workshop (including team presentations and Q&A) this Saturday (3/1/08) at Jelly’s Café (295 Terry Francois Blvd).
∙ Four Teams Submit Development Proposals For Seawall Lot 337 [SocketSite]
∙ The Rendering And Additional Details For The Giants SWL 337 Proposal [SocketSite]
∙ The SocketSite Scoop: The Build Inc. Proposal For Seawall Lot 337 [SocketSite]
∙ The Federal Development Proposal For SWL 337: Details And Design [SocketSite]
∙ The Kenwood Proposal For Seawall Lot 337: Details And Design [SocketSite]
∙ Development Concepts for China Basin SWL 337 [Port of San Francisco]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (21) | (email story)
The Kenwood Proposal For Seawall Lot 337: Details And Design
Kenwood’s proposal for San Francisco’s Seawall Lot 337 includes “approximately 1,100 new rental homes (20% of which will be affordable), great open spaces [5 acres including semi-public courtyards, street plazas and a park between Piers 48 and 50], restaurants, galleries, retail spaces, community performance and artists’ spaces, and offices [400,000 square feet plus parking for 1,500 cars]."
"The homes will be stacked flats at a density of approximately 90-110 homes per acre, some low [6-story] some high [30-story], wrapped around hidden parking structures [for 1,100 cars].”
“Two office towers are currently being proposed (although more could be considered), each at a height, mass and bulk (approximately 11 stories tall) that works within the neighborhood setting. Active retail uses are spread throughout the district ensuring that the residents of the south of channel area will have access to vital retail services to sustain this new neighborhood.”
And under Kenwood's proposal, the sheds on Pier 48 would become working artists’ studios with the alley that runs between an outdoor art gallery (designed in collaboration with The Black Rock Arts Foundation).
∙ SWL 337 Proposal: Kenwood/Boston Properties/Wilson Meany Sullivan (pdf) [Port of SF]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | (email story)
The Federal Development Proposal For SWL 337: Details And Design
“The Federal Development Project Concept [for San Francisco's Seawall 337] calls for integrating revenue producing new land uses within a matrix of substantial open space. The new uses include a 170-room Four Star Hotel, two office buildings [432,000 sqft in total], a 450-unit residential building and a 2,500 seat theater facility."
"The open space will be created primarily at the podium (top) level of a 4-story parking facility [with 2,745 spaces] that will cover most of the site and serve the parking needs of the new uses as well as providing replacement parking for the AT&T Ballpark.”
“At the key intersections of Third Street and Terry Francois Boulevard, and at the corner of Third and Mission Rock Street, meandering and gracious upwardly sloping walkways, lined with retail shops and restaurants, will invite visitors onto the site to enjoy the views and to access the podium level attractions. A major expanse of podium level open space at the site’s northeast corner will accommodate and be made available for active sporting events including soccer, football or baseball or could be the temporary (but long-term) home for Cirque de Soleil. Retail space with 30’ deep modules will front along the 3rd street frontage.”
“In the near term, uses for Pier 48 would include maritime related activities as permitted under the Burton Act and consistent with the BCDC Seaport Plan. These might include exhibition events and leasing of raw shed space (as is) to conventional maritime-related businesses such as boat rental and storage, ship chandlery stores and the like. In the longer term, Federal Development will seek approvals to permit private offices for maritime related businesses, restaurants, retail, and visitor entertainment space.”
∙ SWL 337 Proposal: Federal/Lehman/Construction Management (pdf) [Port of SF]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | (email story)
February 26, 2008
A Few Renderings Of The Buildings Rising Up In South Mission Bay
UPDATE (2/28): Sorry folks, but the renderings for 1450 Owens Street (Parcel 7), 1500 Owens Street (Parcel 5) and Parcel 26 in Mission Bay have been removed at the request of Alexandria Real Estate Equities (although a few will return in the not too distant future). If you didn’t see them, let this serve as a lesson to plug in early (and often). And if you did, let this once again serve as a lesson to not post “confidential” materials to a public facing website where a plugged-in tipster might find them.
∙ Alexandria accelerates Mission Bay [Business Times]
∙ An Overview Of Mission Bay [SocketSite]
∙ 1501 Greenwich: A Plugged-In Reader Finds The Floor Plans [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (16) | (email story)
A Peek Inside 270 Castenada (And Now About Those Drawings...)
For those who missed it in person last weekend, or haven't recently browsed the MLS, we'll note that a few interior shots of 270 Castenada have been added to the listing. And yes, we'd love to see a few of Maybeck's drawings as well. Tipsters?
∙ Too Beautiful To Describe (Except By The Architect): 270 Castenada [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 11:56 AM | Permalink | (email story)
February 25, 2008
From Rendering To Reality (And The MLS): 1446 Jackson Street
Previously known as “Unit 1” at 1440 Jackson, 1446 Jackson has officially hit the MLS.
The fixtures and finish are high-end (Bulthaup, Miele, Subzero, Dornbracht, Lefroy Brooks, WET, Bonelli); we’re fans of the flow, end grain wood flooring, and overall design (although we will note a lack of non-kitchen/bedroom storage); and the pictures really don’t do the space justice (the ceiling height of the “breakfast nook” is just over 6’).
As previously noted, the other three units in the building have already sold. As not previously noted (nor known to most), the selling prices for those three: Unit 2 (1440 Jackson) 2,274 sqft - $2.5M; unit 3 (1438 Jackson) 1,227 sqft - $1.5 million; and unit 4 (1442 Jackson) 1,457 sqft - $1.7M.
∙ Listing: 1446 Jackson (1/1) 683 sqft - $699,000 [MLS]
∙ Coming Soon Three Quarters In Contract: 1440 Jackson Street [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (29) | (email story)
A Few More Renderings For Seawall Lot 337 As Seen By The Giants
A plugged-in tipster directs us to a few more renderings for the Giants/Farallon/Cordish proposal for Seawall Lot 337 (and Pier 48).
∙ Projects: Mission Rock District [SMWM]
∙ The Rendering And Additional Details For The Giants SWL 337 Proposal [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 5:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | (email story)
February 23, 2008
Wet Weekend Special (And Scoop): The Designs For 680/690 Folsom
A plugged-in tipster brightens our weekend (and hopefully yours) with a current shot of 680/690 Folsom (above) and the scoop on what’s to come via a redesign (below).
As out tipster notes, “this is the two-story old Pac Bell service garage on the 3rd & Folsom corner and the office building next to that,” and it's the “greener view in the works for some at BLU” (and Museum Parc) that we pointed out last year.
Credit goes to TMG partners for the (re)development vision, and SOM for the (re)design.
∙ A Greener View In The Works For Some At BLŪ (And Others) [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (13) | (email story)
February 22, 2008
Some Hints At What’s In The Design Works For 555 Washington
We still in need of a rendering miracle (tipsters?), but some hints at what’s in the works for the proposed 38-story residential tower at 555 Washington adjacent to the Transamerica Pyramid and by way of a tipster (and neighborhood circular):
A slender and distinctive cylindrical structure that respects the Pyramid and blends into the backdrop of taller, existing towers as seen from North Beach and Telegraph Hill.
A variety of transportation options including proximity to public transit, 75 bicycle spaces, and new underground parking to avoid burdening neighborhood parking resources.
Upwards of 250 quality new homes, including approximately 115 family units with two or more bedrooms.
∙ 248 Condos (and 38 Stories) In The Shadow Of The Pyramid [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 2:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | (email story)
February 21, 2008
The Community Delivers Once Again: 1536 Pacific Drawings/Details
The community good karma continues to flow as illustrations and additional details for what’s rising at 1536 Pacific promptly arrive via our tip line (tips@socketsite.com):
Six more or less identical units (around 1600 sf) with the top two set back six feet along Pacific.
65' height limit, 40' building, around 3500 sq ft street level commercial, [basement garage with parking for seven cars]. Construction underway.
Design by Stephen Antonaros. And as always, thanks for the tips (and for plugging in).
∙ The Proposed Design For 1355 Pacific (And Request For That Of 1536) [SocketSite]
∙ Stephen Antonaros, Architect [antonaros.com]
Posted by socketadmin at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | (email story)
The Proposed Design For 1355 Pacific (And Request For That Of 1536)
Currently a two-story industrial building (and former home to LeeMAH Electronics), developers have their sights set on razing and rebuilding 1355 Pacific as a four-story, 23 unit building with 24 parking spaces. Design by Sternberg Benjamin Architects and once again brought to us via a plugged-in reader who has most excellently mapped all of the aforementioned developments along Pacific (and 1650 Broadway).
And then there’s 1536 Pacific, another car shop that’s slated to be been demolished and will be reborn as a four-story, six-unit mixed-use building. “No photo available” according to our reader’s map, but perhaps a plugged-in tipster can keep the community karma flowing by passing along a rendering (or at the very least a lead on the architects). You know we’d do the same for you.
∙ A Reader Asks (And We Can’t Answer): Corner Of Pacific And Polk [SocketSite]
∙ Now And (The Future) Then: 50 Condos Coming Soon At 1645 Pacific [SocketSite]
∙ The Designs (And Declaration) For 34 New Condos At 1650 Broadway [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (3) | (email story)
Too Beautiful To Describe (Except By The Architect): 270 Castenada
While the listing for 270 Castenada (a.k.a. 1916 Erlanger house) notes “Too beautiful to describe!” (and as of this morning, apparently “too beautiful to photograph”), that didn’t stop architect Bernard Maybeck (think Palace of Fine Arts) from offering these words:
The house is our attempt to suggest the idea of an English character in California. Although this house would never happen in England, it yet has an English feeling. The lower wing is a chapel form living room greatly used in an early period, the ceiling of this room is very similar to one in Sainesbury Hill Lancashire. The second story windows are of iron like their English prototypes. The building and its setting among the trees loudly proclaims the good taste of Mrs. and Mr. Erlanger from whom the suggestions came.
Or a few others from offering these:
“The owners had selected as a prototype an English medieval manor, Samlesbury Hall, in Lancashire, but Maybeck's creative interpretation of English Gothic dissolved into details and proportions peculiar to him. In his design, Maybeck piles room on room in casual abandon to form three stories burgeoning with polygonal bays, protruding dormers, and open decks. It is a large, shingled house with steep, gabled roofs. While its overall form discourages classification, its articulated living room pavilion, tall, trussed and raftered, echoes Maybeck's Gothic designs.”
“Maybeck complied with the Erlangers' wishes for an English effect by giving their house a Tudorish exterior and a "chapel form living room" that occupies a wing by itself on the north side (plate 147). The low eaves of the living-room roof create a horizontal emphasis along the street side of the house. The rest of the rooms pile up on the south side in a gable-roofed block set perpendicular to the living-room wing. A bank of dormer windows across the northern slope of the roof lights the third-floor bedroom, which has a view over the living-room roof.
On the southeastern corner is a polygonal sleeping porch (plate 146) that has the best exposure and a panoramic view. Where the porch projects over the brick walls of the entrance below, Maybeck has given it a tiered base of boldly scaled moldings that cuts into the walls and swells out above. The fanfare of the base suggests that a weighty element like a tower is bearing down on this important corner of the house, yet the transparency of the porch above contradicts this suggestion. The resulting composition is a trope on the whole idea of a castle keep.”
“In the Erlanger house a heavy beam on ornate consoles forms a secondary entrance arch over a short flight of steps that mount from the front door to the stair hall (plate 148). On the right side of the hall the stairway continues to the second floor; on the left is the living room, a step lower than the hall. The changing levels of this warm redwood entry contribute to the drama of the entrance sequence. So does the window behind a balustrade on the left wall just inside the door, which offers a preview of the grand hall that will come into full view around the corner.
The Erlangers' living room is as theatrical as the Rooses' but composed in a different key. A great medieval barn is suggested by the exposed structural system of curved laminated arches set against horizontal, vertical, and diagonal boards woven together in a wooden brocade. Its effect recalls the sentiment Ruskin expressed in his 1853 "Lectures on Architecture" that the expression "beneath my roof" was more descriptive of the idea of hospitable shelter than its counterpart "within my walls." At the northern end of the room is a loft occupied by the master bedroom, from which casement windows open to permit a close view of the ceiling, as well as the room below (plate 149). Underneath it is the dining room in a low-ceilinged alcove. At the other end of the living room is a twelve-foot-tall bay into which sunlight streams through three tiers of windows on its three sides (plate 150). The space within the bay, large enough for two chairs and an occasional table, provides a place for intimate conversation or for contemplation of the garden. Like the Rooses' living room, the Erlangers' balances intimacy with grandeur by incorporating the elements--the monumental hearth, the high-peaked ceiling, and the bay--that Ruskin and his followers, particularly Richard Norman Shaw, considered sacred to the house.”
It's open this Sunday (2/24) from 2-4 PM. Don't forget the camera.
∙ Listing: 270 Castenada (4/3.5) - $3,890,000 [MLS]
∙ Bernard Maybeck: California Architect [harvardsquarelibrary.org]
∙ Vernacular Language North: S. Erlanger house [VLN]
Posted by socketadmin at 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (18) | (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)
Now And (The Future) Then: 50 Condos Coming Soon At 1645 Pacific
As a plugged-in tipster notes, it’s not just the corner of Polk that’s being developed up on Pacific. Next up, a sketch of the 50 condos that will replace the Willy's auto repair shop half a block away at 1645 Pacific (design by BAR Architects):
∙ A Reader Asks (And We Can’t Answer): Corner Of Pacific And Polk [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | (email story)
February 15, 2008
Another Plugged-In Reader Responds With A Rendering For 1299 Bush
The plugged-in readers are on fire today as Luba (of Luba’s San Francisco Real Estate Blog) comes through with the rendering of what’s rising up at 1299 Bush Street.
That's it people, take the weekend (and monday) off. You deserve it. And once again, you're the best and thank you for plugging in.
∙ A Reader Asks, We Respond, You Embellish (Hopefully): 1299 Bush [SocketSite]
∙ A Reader Asks (And We Can’t Answer): Corner Of Pacific And Polk [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 6:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (18) | (email story)
February 14, 2008
The Rendering And Additional Details For The Giants SWL 337 Proposal
The Chronicle scoops up the rendering and a few more details for the San Francisco Giants’ proposal for development of Seawall Lot 337.
The Giants' preliminary development proposal includes 875 homes, many of which will be in a 300-foot high-rise, 800,000 square feet of office space and a parking garage. The plan also features a 5,000-seat music hall, an entertainment district with restaurants, bowling and nightclubs, a 5-acre park and a refurbished pier available for staging trade shows and private events. Total development costs are estimated at more than $1 billion.
And while we’re all for the development, and would consider this an infinite improvement over what’s currently there, we have to admit we’re not getting that inspired by “Millennium Park” vibe (nor does it feel particularly bold).
At least two other design proposals are expected to be submitted. One from Darius Anderson, Boston Properties and Wilson, Meany, Sullivan which “would include 1,700 housing units and office space, but would also offer submarket rents for gallery space.” And one from Build Inc. and Urban Green Development which “features a green technology business incubator, offices and 1,600 homes” along with “artist studios, an art exhibition center, a wholesale market and parks.”
And to answer at least one reader's question, regardless of which proposal is selected and approved, “construction would probably not begin for three or four years."
∙ Giants among bidders to develop S.F. Port land [SFGate]
∙ Could This Be Curtains For Cirque Du Soleil In The City? [SocketSite]
∙ Seawall Lot 337 Proposal: Inspired By Chicago's Millennium Park [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (30) | (email story)
February 11, 2008
It’s All About The Holly Hulburd Design. And Views. And Dog.
It’s not a staircase in this Holly Hulburd redesigned Telegraph Hill TIC that caught our attention, but rather the stone, wood and small touches. For example, while the kitchen cabinet cutout might seem superfluous from the living room, notice how it frames the Bay Bridge view from the dining room table.
No parking, but that’s what happens when you live on the side of a hill with big bay views. And we simply couldn't resist running the photo of the hallway (and dog).
∙ Listing: 333 Greenwich Street #3 (2/2) - $1,650,000 [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 5:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (25) | (email story)
February 8, 2008
Seawall Lot 337 Proposal: Inspired By Chicago's Millennium Park
The proposal deadline for the re-development of Seawall Lot 337 is next week (2/14), and we’re liking the direction the frontrunners appear to be headed.
While the concept is in the early stages, the Giants-Cordish proposal will likely include a 4,000- or 5,000-seat theater, which could provide a home for Cirque Du Soleil, which currently sets up its tents on the site every other year. While the package may include housing, its biggest inspiration is Chicago's 25-acre, $500 million Millennium Park [pictured above], said Larry Baer, chief operating officer for the Giants. Millennium Park has a skating rink, a theater for music and dance, and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a band shell designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry with 4,000 fixed seats plus lawn seating for 7,000.
Build it bold and we will come.
∙ Giants lead in fight for premier port site [Business Times]
∙ Request For Proposals For San Francisco’s Seawall Lot 337 [SocketSite]
∙ Could This Be Curtains For Cirque Du Soleil In The City? [SocketSite]
∙ Millennium Park (Chicago, IL) [millenniumpark.org]
Posted by socketadmin at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (52) | (email story)
February 7, 2008
JustQuotes: We’ve Been Wondering About Window Coverings Too
"On a somewhat related note, why do no new buildings in SF include window coverings? If you think [insert choice of buildings here] is odd looking now, wait till people move in and there's a patchwork of shades/roman blinds/drapes/screens, etc. In Vancouver window coverings are standard on all new buildings and having a consistent look through the building makes it look much better."
Posted by socketadmin at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | (email story)
February 4, 2008
Elegant Edwardian Curb Appeal With A Modern Master Suite Above
We quite like the elegant Edwardian façade and interior detailing of 857 Ashbury. We absolutely love the modern master suite with marble bath that's been added in the attic.
∙ Listing: 857 Ashbury Street (4/2.5) - $2,950,000 [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 9:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | (email story)
Forget Bagdad By The Bay, This Is More Like Babylon (By The Bay)
John King has the design scoop on 110 The Embarcadero, a proposed glass and vine covered office building by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects (design) and Hines (developer):
"The proposed 10-story building would rise from a sliver of land next to the Audiffred Building, a three-story brick landmark from 1889 that houses Boulevard Restaurant. Unlike the Audiffred - a French-flavored confection and downtown's oldest waterfront structure - the look next door would be all clear glass and straight lines."
"Planters contained by a trellis-like mesh would be attached between each floor, and each planter would hold a mix of vines so something is in bloom each month of the year. The vines would be trained to snake around cables that would form a sort of taut net around the glass box, with vertical cables spaced every 5 feet and horizontal ones stretched waist-high across each floor."
Assuming Planning Commission approval this spring, the building could be up, open and growing leaves by the end of 2009.
∙ A beautiful green building for Embarcadero [SFGate]
Posted by socketadmin at 6:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (23) | (email story)
February 1, 2008
It’s Always Nice To Know They Eat Their Own Dog Food: 2062-64 Pine
So here’s the regular scoop on 2062-2064 Pine: it’s a two unit TIC building without parking (other than a leased spot elsewhere); both units are owner occupied and on the market; and as far as we know, offers are being accepted next Tuesday (2/5).
And here’s the inside scoop: the condo conversion ball is already rolling with tentative approval of the condo map in hand (legal counsel is definitely in order with regard to the impact of any transfers in title); and if the lower unit looks staged, it should as it’s the soon to be ex-home of the principals of the San Francisco staging company responsible for bringing "chopped" pillows to the San Francisco staging scene (or so we've been told).
∙ Listing: 2062 Pine Street (2/2.5) - $999,000 [MLS]
∙ Listing: 2064 Pine Street (2/1) - $749,000 [MLS]
Posted by socketadmin at 5:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (22) | (email story)
One Hawthorne: The Design (And Some Details) Of What’s On The Way
So here’s the scoop (via the San Francisco Business Times) on the development of One Hawthorne (currently 645 Howard): 24 stories, 165 units and a $150 million development budget; pricing expected to range from $500,000 for a 550 square foot junior one-bedroom to $3 million for a 2,200 square foot penthouse; and development by Jackson Pacific/MacFarlane Partners with design by Ezra Mersey and EHDD.
Ezra Mersey, the former Tishman Speyer managing director who founded Jackson Pacific in 2003, said any hesitancy to jump into the treacherous housing market is outweighed by the project's prime south financial district location near the corner of Howard and Second streets.
"We’re looking beyond the present cycle and creating a unique project with the best location, exceptional contemporary design and very strong sponsorship," said Mersey.
Looking beyond "the present cycle?"
∙ New S.F. condo project will be a rarity in 2008 [Business Times]
∙ Barriers Going Up, Building Coming Down, 165 Condos Coming Soon [SocketSite]
Posted by socketadmin at 3:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (24) | (email story)
January 30, 2008
The 98 “Sophisticated/Stylish” Studio Apartments Of 766 Harrison
The ninety-eight (98) “sophisticated” (also referred to as “stylish”) studio apartments that compose