February saw significant shifts in major development projects across the Bay Area, from towering residential proposals in Berkeley and San Francisco to large-scale redevelopments of shopping malls. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to address housing needs, repurpose existing structures, and modernize urban landscapes.
Key Takeaways
- Berkeley's 2115 Kittredge Street project aims for increased height, potentially becoming the city's second-tallest residential tower.
- San Francisco's 988 Market Street is shifting from residential to a cultural hub, Warfield Commons.
- The Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo faces a potential redevelopment, replacing much of its retail space with nearly 1,400 housing units.
- Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island continue their transformation with new residential buildings opening.
Berkeley Tower Plans Grow Taller
In Downtown Berkeley, modified plans for a 23-story tower at 2115 Kittredge Street are moving through the planning commission. The developer, Gilbane Development, seeks to increase the building's residential capacity. New documents indicate the tower could reach nearly 300 feet above street level.
This proposed height would make it the second-tallest residential structure in Berkeley. The project highlights the city's ongoing discussions about urban density and vertical growth to accommodate more residents.
Quick Fact
The proposed 2115 Kittredge Street tower could become Berkeley's second-tallest residential building, aiming for nearly 300 feet in height.
Half Moon Bay Approves New Hotel
Further south, the Half Moon Bay City Council has given its approval for a new hotel development at 1200 Main Street. This project will bring over 100 hotel rooms to a site that was once an auto dealership. The approval follows nearly a decade of review, underscoring the thorough process for new developments in the area.
Greg Jamison of RGJC South LLC is sponsoring the project. The new hotel is expected to boost local tourism and provide additional accommodation options for visitors to Half Moon Bay.
San Francisco's Warfield Building Embraces Culture
San Francisco's Mid-Market neighborhood is seeing a significant shift for the nine-story Warfield Building at 988 Market Street. Previous plans to convert the building into residential units are now changing. The Community Arts Stabilization Trust and KALW Public Media have jointly announced new plans.
The historic building will become Warfield Commons, a hub dedicated to arts and journalism. This cultural conversion marks a new chapter for the iconic structure, moving away from housing to support the city's vibrant arts and media scene.
"Repurposing historic buildings for cultural institutions helps preserve the city's heritage while fostering new creative endeavors."
Hillsdale Mall Redevelopment Eyed in San Mateo
San Mateo's Hillsdale Mall is the subject of preliminary redevelopment plans. These plans, published recently, suggest a major overhaul for the indoor shopping center. Initial details indicate that nearly three-quarters of the existing facilities could be demolished.
The remaining North Block would stay, while the rest of the site would transform into a mixed-use development. This transformation could include almost 1,400 units of housing, new retail spaces, and multi-level parking garages. Sares Regis Group is responsible for this application, which could significantly change the landscape of the area.
Context
Mall redevelopments are becoming a national trend as retail landscapes evolve. Many older shopping centers are being repurposed into mixed-use communities to better serve modern urban needs.
Redwood City Senior Housing Tower on Hold
In Redwood City, a proposed 30-story senior housing tower at 1800 Broadway and 910 Marshall Street has been put on hold. The developer, R&M Properties, has withdrawn its planning application for the project. The company has stated intentions to file a new project later in the year.
Details about future plans for the site remain undisclosed. This pause reflects the dynamic nature of large-scale urban developments, which often undergo revisions and strategic delays before proceeding.
Permits Advance for 2700 Sloat Boulevard
San Francisco's Sunset District is seeing progress on the proposed 22-story tower at 2700 Sloat Boulevard. New preliminary permits have been filed for the project. This filing comes a few months after the initial planning application for the 22-story design was submitted.
The current 22-story plan follows the withdrawal of a much taller, 50-story skyscraper proposal earlier this year. Housing America Partner and San Francisco Housing Development Corporation are jointly managing this project, aiming to bring more residential units to the district.
Formal Application for 1965 Market Street
A formal permit application has been submitted for a 23-story residential proposal at 1965 Market Street in San Francisco. The application includes a slight increase in the number of units planned for the building. This project is invoking Senate Bill 423 to ensure a streamlined approval process.
Keller Grove Properties owns the property. The use of SB 423 highlights efforts to accelerate housing development in California by utilizing state legislation designed to ease regulatory burdens for qualifying projects.
Treasure Island Transformation Continues
Construction on Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island in San Francisco is moving forward rapidly. The multi-phase project aims to transform the two islands into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood. This development will include approximately 8,000 apartments, retail spaces, and public parks.
Among the latest buildings to open is the 22-story Isle House, designed by David Baker Architects. This marks a significant milestone in the islands' evolution into a new urban community, offering modern living spaces and amenities with stunning views of the Bay.
Key Development Numbers
- Treasure Island project aims for roughly 8,000 apartments.
- The Isle House, a 22-story building, is among the first to open.
Bay Area's Evolving Landscape
These developments across the Bay Area reflect a region in constant evolution. From new residential towers addressing housing shortages to the adaptive reuse of historic buildings and large-scale urban transformations, the area continues to adapt and grow. These projects shape the future of urban living and community spaces.
The emphasis on both residential expansion and the creation of cultural and commercial hubs shows a balanced approach to urban planning. This approach aims to meet diverse needs within rapidly growing cities.