[Reminiscence]

Another little project that has been somewhat left in the corner.

375 Fremont Street (also known as The Californian at Rincon Hill), 400', and 41 stories, has currently been approved and excavation is planned to begin in September 2007. Construction is planned to begin in November 2007, with a target year of completion of 2009.

Rendering:

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/2503/sftower4tx5.jpg

Thanks to FourOneFive for providing the rendering.

[AK47KC]

I think this project will be completed in early-2009 since it said on sfnewdevelopments.com that this project was going to break ground soon. Anyway, this is another great project for Rincon Hill. :) :)

[Reminiscence]

Hmm, I didnt know it said so on sfnewdevelopments.com. I just assumed 2009 because FourOneFive said so :haha:

Yeah, they can chalk up another tally on the Rincon Hill Development Series. Looks like its going to be another expensive-type residence. I believe this was one of the last available spaces on Rincon Hill if I'm not wrong?

This is one of my first threads, I think I did a good job with it :ack:

[AK47KC]

I think this is the last open site. If Hong Kongnization wants to continue, it will have to go on the south side of Rincon Hill, or somewhere at the base.

[Reminiscence]

I'm all for development of the Rincon Hill (South of I-80), but I dont know, maybe it would be to wait until Caltrans finishes the Western Apporach of the Bay Bridge, for convinience.

[AK47KC]

That project will end in 2009, so I'm sure developers will look for south of Rincon Hill once there are no sites available north of I-80. There may be some proposals around 2009 and the city might do another plan for the area as well.

[Reminiscence]

Once the highrises reach Hunter's Point in say ... 70 years, maybe then they'll revive that Harbor Village Resort, heh.

[BTinSF]

Look, there aren't any building sites left in the immediate vicinity of the 80 Bridge approaches on the South. South Beach (which is what that area is) is pretty much all built out now. Moving south from there, you have Mission Bay but the height limits there (thank you, John Burton and the Potero Hill residents) prohibit highrises. So, SOUTH of I-80 there's really no place they are going to do any highrise development until you get to the Third St corridor and there too I suspect you will get rampant NIMBYism from Potrero Hill (though I think it might be a good place to put some highrise housing and pressure to build housing may eventually overcome the folks on the hill worried about their views).

One place a small amount of development will occur is on another part of Rincon Hill (if you will). Think of the terrain--the high point of Folsom St. is where it crosses 2nd and near there (actually just over the crest) is going to be:

631 Folsom
http://www.malcolmproperties.com/images/631folsom_04a1.jpg

The Planning Dept. doesn't consider this to be part of the Rincon hill plan I don't think, but in reality it is part of Rincon Hill terrain-wise.

Here's another rendering of it:

http://www.handelarchitects.com/mediatedspaces/images_uploaded/38777.6714997917exterior2.jpg

The design for 631 Folsom Street incorporates goals established in the Rincon Place, the Transbay Plan, and the General Plan for downtown San Francisco by creating a high-density project that preserves sunlight and air, provides open space, and enhances the development of the area.

The project consists of a 21-story residential tower over a single-story podium containing retail space and a residential lobby along. The storefront facade is setback to align with the existing street-wall. Further enhancing the pedestrian street life will be the new open space park between 633 and 631 Folsom.

The massing is tall and slender to maintain view corridors, provide sunlight and air at street level, and give units natural light. The light-colored pre-cast concrete, the bluish glass, and metal curtain wall give the facades an expression of lightness and transparency.

[AK47KC]

I guess the development will head south then instead of southeast. I did see a narrow corner site on the corner of 2nd and Harrison. By the way, there was a fence, excavators, bulldozers and a lot of dirt at 631 Folsom.

[BTinSF]

I guess the development will head south then instead of southeast. I did see a narrow corner site on the corner of 2nd and Harrison. By the way, there was a fence, excavators, bulldozers and a lot of dirt at 631 Folsom.

Well, if it's definitely under construction, maybe it needs a thread too. At 21 stories it's not a HIGH highrise, but I think it qualifies. Didn't we decide that in the 301 Mission thread?).

[AK47KC]

^^^ If so, then SoMa Grand needs an thread too.

[Reminiscence]

Ask and ye shall recieve ... heh

[botoxic]

Not-so-new, but different rendering from the sfnewdevelopments blog:

http://www.sfnewdevelopments.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/d_518200651739pm.jpg

Kind-of odd, with the building way off to the left side like that, but I guess they really wanted to show that bridge view! Also none of the other 6 Rincon skycrapers are included, so it doesn't give a very good sense of perspective (that yellow tower crane is now an Infinity tower, right?). Still, it gives a better idea of what to eventually expect at 375.

[botoxic]

The existing 375 Fremont (where the lowrise portion of the new building will be):
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/btgibson/SF%20Buildings%2001-07/S4010018.jpg

This vacant lot is next door to 375; I don't think it is part of the project, however. One more Rincon high-rise in the making, perhaps?!
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/btgibson/SF%20Buildings%2001-07/S4010022.jpg

The project is sometimes listed as 375-399 Fremont, which means this nasty eyesore is disappearing as well. The highrise portion of the building will be on this corner:
http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/btgibson/SF%20Buildings%2001-07/S4010025.jpg

[briankendall]

I am pretty sure the vacant lot to the left of 375 Fremont is going to be a low rise condominium project. I thought thats what I read on a Planning Notice board that was posted at one point on the property last year. I think it said 8 stories but can't be sure. To the left of the lot is the seemingly on-hold 325 Fremont tower.

[botoxic]

As Reminisence pointed out in the Bay Area proposals thread in the Califorum, socketsite reports that the Fifield website has been altered to reflect the latest construction info for the Californian on Rincon Hill:

New Construction Start Date: November 2007 (was March 2007)
New Sales Start Date: Early 2008 (was February 2007)
Number of Units: 393 (was 420)
Average Square Feet per Unit: 1048 (was 988)

[briankendall]

I just walked by the project site today and signs from the Planning/Building departments were posted for demolition on Friday May 24th. Hopefully the buildings will be torn down within the next month or two. Maybe construction will start sooner then November.

[BTinSF]

^^^Maybe the sudden recent appearance of the web site at http://www.californianrinconhill.com/index_s.html means something, huh?

[rocketman_95046]

^^^Maybe the sudden recent appearance of the web site at http://www.californianrinconhill.com/index_s.html means something, huh?

I wouldnt be surprised if the Californian and 45 Lansing start at the same time late this year.

[BTinSF]

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q149/btgibson/SF%20Buildings%2001-07/S4010018.jpg

Both the above building, which is actually 355 AND 375 Fremont, and the red auto repair shop which can just be seen next door to the right, have demolition permits posted requiring demolition to begin within 90 days of May 24, 2007. I could not find a similar permit posted on the "Apostleship of the Sea" building on the corner. But it looks like they plan to clear the lot with the possible exception of the corner. I'm betting that's going too even though I couldn't find the permit posted.

[briankendall]

When I was walking by 355 and 375 Fremont on Saturday May 25th both buildings had the their own demo notice. The notice for 375 might have been torn down. It was just an 8.5x11 notice as I remember, maybe I'm wrong and it was bigger. Either way it was definitely there on the Harrison Street side.

[BTinSF]

^^^The notice for 375 was there today. 355 and 375 are the two entrances to the same building in the photo I posted above--and there was a notice that included both. There was also a separate notice for the red auto repair building next door--but none for the corner "Apostleship" building.

Even though 375 will apparently be the address of the new highrise that will include the corner lot, it is not the address of the existing corner building.

[San Frangelino]

Some larger renderings I found on http://www.keatingkhang.com/

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1255/541146707_fca9123477_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1264/541146703_03950a7dc0_o.jpg

[paulsfca]

hey...thanks for the renderings! looks great! can't wait for the groundbreaking! :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:

[nequidnimis]

Thanks for these beautiful reminders of what Rincon Hill once looked like...

[craeg]

I propose that we immediately start a save the trash strewn parking lot league. If we band together we can halt all construction on all vacant parcels on rincon hill. We will not stop until all vacant, underused parcels are memorialized for all future generations to not live on.
SAVE the TRASH STREWN EMPTY LOTS!

[nequidnimis]

The Watermark shows development on a moderate scale on Rincon Hill is economically viable.

[craeg]

So its the height of the building that you disagree with?

[nequidnimis]

In the case of One Rincon Hill, which I happen not to care for, it is the lack of architectural distinction. The height and prominent location just compound the problem.

[fflint]

In the case of One Rincon Hill, which I happen not to care for, it is the lack of architectural distinction. The height and prominent location just compound the problem.
But you like the Watermark? Enough to promote it as a good model of new development? Oh, man...the Watermark already looks like something slapped together on the cheap in the mid-20th century that has weathered too many winters. One Rincon may not be "distinguished" in everyone's eyes, but it is pleasantly modern in an old town, sculptural in a skyline of flat planes, glassy in a town with too many concrete boxes, and suitably tall for a parcel in downtown San Francisco. For once.

[BTinSF]

^^^Holy moley, Fflint! Couldn't agree with you more!

Even for its purpose, the Watermark design was dubious. If they had built it taller, maybe they would have had sufficient funds to proceed with the cruise terminal which it was supposed to go a long way toward paying for and which the city's economy needs.

[craeg]

How fitting - the watermark sits overlooking an empty weed surrounded parking lot!
I'd give the watermark a 6 out of 10. It's squat and boxy despite its height and fairly unremarkable in its architecture - in other words perfect for san francisco.

[nequidnimis]

See my post on One Rincon Hill in its own thread in the Construction Forum. Thanks.

[OaktownRush]

I really like the building they are tearing down to put the high-rise there, that warehouse could be converted into some really nice live-work lofts. Oh well, I dont think I'll find too many sympathizers here ;)

I just wish they could save that building too, its got nice detail.

[FourOneFive]

I am pretty sure the vacant lot to the left of 375 Fremont is going to be a low rise condominium project. I thought thats what I read on a Planning Notice board that was posted at one point on the property last year. I think it said 8 stories but can't be sure. To the left of the lot is the seemingly on-hold 325 Fremont tower.

this is a rendering of the 333 fremont project that will be built directly next to the 375-399 fremont project. it is a fully entitled project consisting of 80-83 units (8 floors).

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/333731678_8cae275390_o.jpg

i really do hope projects like this are completed with the high profile residential towers because these smaller scale buildings will truly complete the neighborhood.

[roadwarrior]

this is a rendering of the 333 fremont project that will be built directly next to the 375-399 fremont project. it is a fully entitled project consisting of 80-83 units (8 floors).

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/333731678_8cae275390_o.jpg

i really do hope projects like this are completed with the high profile residential towers because these smaller scale buildings will truly complete the neighborhood.

I like the look of this building. The only problem is that these units facing Fremont will likely have a view of the ugly PG&E cement substation.

[BTinSF]

^^^They'll certainly be able to see the substation but they won't be right across from it. There's room for another Metropolitan-height highrise at the corner of Folsom. And these units should cost a lot less than the view units in the nearby high-rises--more housing for "the rest of us".

[roadwarrior]

Yeah, I'd definitely consider that building. What do you mean about another building on the corner of Folsom? Isn't that where the old buildings have been converted to trendy lofts? I thought those were staying.

[nequidnimis]

Great building. Too bad the developer is trying to get out of the project and sell the land and entitlements (see the 45 Lansing St. thread for more info). Perhaps this type of project is challenging to develop on the new Rincon Hill. Although, the main problem with Rincon Hill is all the traffic. And we are not talking about Park Avenue traffic. We are talking about the approach to the Bay Bridge and the Southbound freeway from downtown. If I lived there, I would want to live way above it. But it would still leave unresolved the question of how to cross the street, and getting somewhere else for a stroll.

[roadwarrior]

I walked by 399 today and saw 2 guys opening up the boards with an electric drill and looking around. Perhaps they're doing the final measurements before demolition.

[BTinSF]

If I lived there, I would want to live way above it. But it would still leave unresolved the question of how to cross the street, and getting somewhere else for a stroll.

The designated strolling place will be the park a block or so east on Folsom and since they've started building One Rincon I've walked around that area plenty without noticing any trouble crossing any of the streets--ever. They have this marvelous thing called a "traffic light". I think "trouble crossing the streets" as a reason not to live there is a fantasy, assuming the folks who live there would ever want to. My guess is most of them will drive--and hire dog walkers for the pooch--except maybe those who work in the Financial District and "stroll" to work. Noise might be an issue, but I think you can be quite sure all these buildings will have double or triple pane glass. And the biggest noise issue, of course, would be on the south side of One Rincon where you are just a few feet for 80/101.

But the real drawback to walkers of a certain age or disability is the simple fact of the hill. That last block up Fremont from Folsom gets me puffing.

But given the speed with which One Rincon sales progressed, nobody seems too worried about any of this.

[OaktownRush]

Oh, I hope the old warehouse-ish building is staying, its a really attractive building. I really like the smaller residential one also as an idea

[BTinSF]

^^^Sorry. It's has a demolition permit on it. In fact, it is currently designated 355 and 375 Fremont (it's got two entrances)--so it's got to go in order for the new building to be 375 Fremont. I expect the heavy equipment within a month. You could chain yourself to the front of it . . . .

[BTinSF]

Walked by this afternoon. Still no demolition permit on the corner building (399 Fremont) and, in fact there IS a notice from the city that the building has graffiti needing removal. Probably in response to that, I noticed two workmen who were busily stringing razor wire along the railings and 4 cans of paint ready, I think, to paint out the graffiti. All this suggests to me that this building (which is critical to the development since, as I understand it, the actual tower is to go on the corner property) is not coming down any time soon.

[roadwarrior]

Walked by this afternoon. Still no demolition permit on the corner building (399 Fremont) and, in fact there IS a notice from the city that the building has graffiti needing removal. Probably in response to that, I noticed two workmen who were busily stringing razor wire along the railings and 4 cans of paint ready, I think, to paint out the graffiti. All this suggests to me that this building (which is critical to the development since, as I understand it, the actual tower is to go on the corner property) is not coming down any time soon.

Not necessarily true. I walked down the entire street today and noticed that 385 Fremont also had a graffiti removal sign, in addition to its 90 day notice of demolition sign (posted 5/24). So, my guess is that the city didn't want to put up with the graffiti on the street for another 2 months, while they wait for the entire row of buildings to be demolished.

[BTinSF]

^^^I didn't say what I said because of the notice but rather the razor wire being installed and the graffiti removal being done. One hand of the city bureaucracy doesn't know what the other is doing, so I'm sure the graffiti police don't know or care whether the building's about to be demolished. But the owner does and I doubt they'd put money into making it more vagrant-proof and graffiti-free if they were going to tear it down in a matter of days or even weeks.

I'll change my mind, of course, if and when a demolition permit appears on this building like the ones on 355, 375 and the building next door (between 375 and 399). But so far nada and I'm wondering why.

[roadwarrior]

^^^I didn't say what I said because of the notice but rather the razor wire being installed and the graffiti removal being done. One hand of the city bureaucracy doesn't know what the other is doing, so I'm sure the graffiti police don't know or care whether the building's about to be demolished. But the owner does and I doubt they'd put money into making it more vagrant-proof and graffiti-free if they were going to tear it down in a matter of days or even weeks.

I'll change my mind, of course, if and when a demolition permit appears on this building like the ones on 355, 375 and the building next door (between 375 and 399). But so far nada and I'm wondering why.

Well, Brian Kendall posted this on the 45 Lansing thread a week or so ago:

"Thanks BTnSF for the clarification of addresses. I've mentioned a couple times here that I walked by the buildings there on Saturday 5/25/07 the day after the demo notices were posted. There was a demo notice posted on the Harrison Street side of 399 Fremont when I walked by that day (I've been referring to it here as 375 Fremont but realize it was posted on 399.) The permit must have been pulled down by someone quickly thereafter. Either way its coming down soon and it will be so great to see those building demolished once and for all."

I can't confirm or deny this, as I didn't view the signs until approximately a week after they were posted, and I didn't see one at 399 Fremont, but I do take Brian's word for it.

Also, I don't think that graffiti removal is a huge expense. Are you sure it was the owners of the building and not the city doing the work?

[roadwarrior]

I also walked by today to take a close look at the barbed wire around 399 Fremont. While an argument can be made that this was the owner's attempt to prevent further graffiti, I think there's more to it than that. Since the shelter closed, homeless people have been sneaking in. The building gets boarded up, but they just find a way around it. I'm sure they've been making huge messes in there, but I don't want to find out first hand. Anyway, my point is that if they're planning a demolition in the near future, it would be wise to prevent the homeless people from entering the building any more so that you can ensure that there will be no other mess to clean before the demolition and that you can be sure that when you start bulldozing, you don't have people inside.

[BTinSF]

^^^I'm sure you are right that the razor wire is to keep out the homeless and you may also be right about the reason they care, but I still really would like to see a demo permit on that building like on its neighbors. Maybe somebody did rip it down. I know somebody ripped the one down from the red building next door--I put it back up as best I could one day.

[CityKid]

There is also more information including a fly through on the Fifield website: http://www.fifieldcompanies.com/

[rocketman_95046]

There is also more information including a fly through on the Fifield website: http://www.fifieldcompanies.com/


I like how the Fifield site says, "construction "BEGAN" in November 2007"...
:shrug:

[Reminiscence]

Thanks for that link, it gives plenty more vantage points of the structure and its location. I was hoping for something else other than a flat roof, as is the case with many buildings in the city. However, I am still looking forward to the start of construction. Since the source indicates it is 41 stories, perhaps the title of the thread needs to be changed.

[Reminiscence]

I like how the Fifield site says, "construction "BEGAN" in November 2007"...
:shrug:

I was thinking the same thing when I read through that. I just assumed they were very confident this was going to get built.

[BTinSF]

^^^Very nice site but, like all the other developer sites, they are in denial that their building is surrounded by other new buildings. One Rincon Hill just doesn't exist for them. But the notion that construction "began" in November is reassuring.

[roadwarrior]

^^^Very nice site but, like all the other developer sites, they are in denial that their building is surrounded by other new buildings. One Rincon Hill just doesn't exist for them. But the notion that construction "began" in November is reassuring.

Keep in mind that the 90 day notice for demolition requires it to occur within the next month. While we can argue whether 399 Fremont was included on that list, the fact is that 375 and 385 definitely were.

[BTinSF]

^^^Demolition doesn't mean much, I don't believe. San Francisco is full of parking lots where demolition has occurred but nothing will be built for many years. It's always nice to see SOMETHING happen at these sites, including demolition, but SSP doesn't consider a building under construction until it's actually under construction and niether do I.

[peanut gallery]

I asked this question in the SF compilation thread not realizing everyone was already talking about it over here - doh!

The demolition permits have expired for this site. Does anyone know what's up? Is the project dead? Could they have asked for an extension?

[roadwarrior]

I asked this question in the SF compilation thread not realizing everyone was already talking about it over here - doh!

The demolition permits have expired for this site. Does anyone know what's up? Is the project dead? Could they have asked for an extension?

The Fifieldco website indicates now that construction will begin in 2008. It was previously Nov 2007. I'd guess that the housing slowdown and mortgage crisis are to blame. I would love to see this project pushed forward, as I hate the current rundown homeless shelter and other decrepit buildings. I'd love to see another slender, sleek highrise puncture the skyline of Rincon Hill.

[peanut gallery]

Yeah, that block is rundown and mostly worthless. Although, I do like the one below. It would make for some cool lofts or something. But not at the expense of the Californian.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1099/1219503697_85b3e3a42e_b.jpg

[San Frangelino]

From:http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2007/10/08/newscolumn1.html
:(


Friday, October 5, 2007
Fifield puts Rincon Hill condo parcel on the block
San Francisco Business Times - by J.K. Dineen and Ryan Tate

Fifield is bailing out on Rincon Hill.

The Chicago-based developer has put its condo tower site at 375-399 Fremont St. on the block, a parcel that is entitled for 393 units.

Industry sources say the property had been in contract for an astounding $62 million, which translates to $160,000 per buildable unit, but that the deal fell through.

Fifield spokeswoman Cheryl Bame said Fifield is negotiating with several builders but that the property has not been sold.

[BTinSF]

^^^

The good news from the same article:

Turnberry is preparing to begin digging at 45 Lansing St. for 227 units.

[dallasbrink]

ok, am i seeing things, or does the rendering in post #1 look like there is a high dive at the top of the tower for u to jump into the pool. It looks like it to me.

[peanut gallery]

I thought something was up. I guess it's good news for the guy squatting in the red building to the right of the one I posted above. I saw him sneaking in the last time I walked by there.

[Reminiscence]

Hmmmm, not exactly the best news for 375 Fremont, the demand for land at this area of town makes me think someone will come along soon enough and propose something else in its place.

However, good news for 45 Lansing, but I guess the wait continues for now.

[roadwarrior]

They've begun demolishing the buildings on Fremont Street. Not sure if construction will begin soon, but its definitely a step in the right direction.

[Reminiscence]

They've begun demolishing the buildings on Fremont Street. Not sure if construction will begin soon, but its definitely a step in the right direction.

Right you are. Socketsite.com has also noted that the site has been fenced off. Here is their view:



http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/7098/californiansiteworkbi5.jpg

We don’t know if Fifield has found a buyer for the development of The Californian on Rincon Hill, but as a tipster notes, “the future site…is now fenced off and demolition has begun.” Of course demolition isn't the same thing as construction, but it is a step in the right direction.

Now perhaps a plugged-in reader or two would be so kind as to spill share the inside scoop? And yes, you know we'd do the same for you.

[Downtown Dave]

They are rather gently dismantling this building:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1727.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1729.jpg

It was probably the nicest of those left on the block, too. With a cameo by Millenium:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1734.jpg

[peanut gallery]

It was definintely the nicest on the block. They're moving from best to worst on the demo, but I'm not complaining. :) They had all that glass off the first floor by about 2:30, and there was a mini-loader inside ripping it apart. Assuming you took those at lunch, they're actually moving pretty quickly.

I'd like to say this is a great sign, but we all know that demo and site clearing don't necessarily mean piles are going in anytime soon. The guy I asked had no idea when they might start construction. But then, it was a longshot that a random worker from the demo company would know anyway.

[SFView]

:previous: It might have been nice to save some part of the facade of this building, but I guess we'll go with whatever is planned. I hope that The Californian turns out nicer than the building we're loosing. It will definately be much taller, at least.

[peanut gallery]

:previous: It might have been nice to save some part of the facade of this building, but I guess we'll go with whatever is planned. I hope that The Californian turns out nicer than the building we're loosing. It will definately be much taller, at least.

That's for sure. And I think it's safe to say that they can't possibly put up something uglier than the building at the corner of Fremont and Harrison.

[rajaxsonbayboi]

i second that!

[Downtown Dave]

Obviously Dave should have learned how to operate a big orange machine and not Oracle Applications....


Did I say 'gently dismantling'?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1946.jpg

Just try and climb that ladder!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1957.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1969.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1970.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-1972.jpg

Huge chunks are torn away:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2032.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2035.jpg

A pipe is pulled out like a giant strand of spaghetti:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2071.jpg

This is what happens when you use your fire escape as a balcony without permission:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2089.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2093.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2102.jpg

"I didn't forget about you, either"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2108.jpg

Whole floors are torn right out:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2161.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2164.jpg

[rajaxsonbayboi]

^^^ nice pics!

[BTinSF]

My CAT can eat like that too!

[Reminiscence]

Very nice shots there Dave, I wish I could have seen that in person. I especially like the first photo. The movie Transformers was the first thing that came to my mind :).

[Downtown Dave]

I hope the operator of this machine appreciates his job... :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FolsomDemo-2320.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FolsomDemo-2327.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FolsomDemo-2332.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FolsomDemo-2339.jpg

A smaller Bobcat is used to remove parts of the facade close to the street:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FolsomDemo-2362.jpg

[Downtown Dave]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FolsomDemo-2520.jpg

[nequidnimis]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FolsomDemo-2362.jpg
A picture is worth a thousand words...

[peanut gallery]

From way over on Main:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2089627329_7db5d62e6f_b.jpg

The big cat is way inside the building now and you can just see a small piece of the little guy working above:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/2090437394_26903b9f47_b.jpg

Someone's been busy:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2090437390_a56be60ce8_b.jpg

But wait a minute, how did they get that huge thing way up inside the building?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2089627337_ff0e13af70_b.jpg

Well, they do have a lot of rubble available, so instant ramp:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2240/2089627341_edee6c7091_b.jpg

Still some work to do:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2089627333_99ab23c008_b.jpg

San Francisco Auto Body: you're next!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2090437398_8f95f6930d_b.jpg

[roadwarrior]

San Francisco Auto Body: you're next!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2025/2090437398_8f95f6930d_b.jpg

I hope they don't stop there. I am counting down the days until the homeless shelter comes down.

[peanut gallery]

I hope they don't stop there. I am counting down the days until the homeless shelter comes down.

Me too! They appear to be removing asbestos from that eyesore in preparation for its fate. It shouldn't be much longer.

[roadwarrior]

Me too! They appear to be removing asbestos from that eyesore in preparation for its fate. It shouldn't be much longer.

Although shiny new highrises are the ultimate goal, it will be incredible to see how this demolition will clean up the street. It is amazing that I can walk down 1st Street and feel like I'm in a nice area, but then I walk on Fremont and it is a bit scary.

[roadwarrior]

I walked by yesterday and noticed that the demolition timeline states that it will last until 1/26/08. I'm sure they've baked in some time for overruns and for the disposal of the material. I wouldn't be surprised if all three buildings are completely demolished by the new year. What a great Christmas present this is for myself and other Rincon Hill residents. :)

[BTinSF]

^^^I've never seen a demo permit for the building on the corner where all the homeless sneak in and crash and, believe me, I've looked for one. At 45 Lansing, the actual demo was finished weeks or even months before the expiration of the street use permit. Hope you aren't disappointed about that corner building but I think you may be.

[roadwarrior]

^^^I've never seen a demo permit for the building on the corner where all the homeless sneak in and crash and, believe me, I've looked for one. At 45 Lansing, the actual demo was finished weeks or even months before the expiration of the street use permit. Hope you aren't disappointed about that corner building but I think you may be.

Perhaps I mis-spoke. Its not the same demo permit as you saw at 45 Lansing or on the buildings themselves. The demolition team has closed off the sidewalk and there have been signs posted that state that the sidewalk will be closed from 11-21-07 through 1-26-08. I don't know about you, but that's a pretty clear cut sign for me that the demolition will be complete in the next 6 weeks. Another sign is that they have fenced off all the areas, including the homeless shelter.

[Downtown Dave]

Gone.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2822.jpg

Next.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2825.jpg

You can just kiss -- kiss WHAT? We need to know!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2821.jpg

The last bits:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2837.jpg

A new pincer machine today:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2838.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2847.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2851.jpg

[peanut gallery]

I don't know about you, but that's a pretty clear cut sign for me that the demolition will be complete in the next 6 weeks. Another sign is that they have fenced off all the areas, including the homeless shelter.

Yes it is. And here's the visual proof:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/2101948955_a0325891fa_b.jpg

They are clearly prepping this thing for its imminent demise. It looks like they've finished the asbestos removal work as those signs are gone, but I could still hear workmen inside. And just to make sure, I asked the supervisor-looking gentleman from Silverado who confirmed everything to the corner is coming down. His guess was that they'd start construction in Spring.

As Dave's photo above shows, the auto body shop is ready for demo as well. Here's another view of it:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/2101948963_df3ebd6810_b.jpg

[Downtown Dave]

Incidentially, the Apostleship of the Sea is a Catholic sailor's organization, AFAICS. Was this building converted for use as a homeless shelter, or are you guys referring to random squatters?

[peanut gallery]

Here are a few shots I took maybe an hour before Dave's.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/2101948969_e14cc9be49_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2350/2101948971_30ac783101_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2255/2102744774_72e6cf52fc_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/2102744780_bba9a696f6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2420/2102744790_c1e33d1414_b.jpg

[peanut gallery]

Incidentially, the Apostleship of the Sea is a Catholic sailor's organization, AFAICS. Was this building converted for use as a homeless shelter, or are you guys referring to random squatters?

Actually, both. It was converted to a homeless shelter and most recently was used by squatters (as was the auto body shop).

[Downtown Dave]

I like that third to last one. The auto body shop seems pretty insubstantial. They'll probably get it down lightning quick.

[peanut gallery]

Thanks! Yeah, it's much smaller and it looks like they'll rip right through it.

[roadwarrior]

They are clearly prepping this thing for its imminent demise. It looks like they've finished the asbestos removal work as those signs are gone, but I could still hear workmen inside. And just to make sure, I asked the supervisor-looking gentleman from Silverado who confirmed everything to the corner is coming down. His guess was that they'd start construction in Spring.

As much as I'd like to see construction start in the spring, I think two key things need to happen first for this to occur.

1 - Fifield needs to find another developer to buy the property.
2 - The housing market needs to pick up somewhat or the mortgage market needs to loosen.

[Downtown Dave]

Chomping up the rubble:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2932.jpg

Interesting how they can separate out the rebar from the concrete so easily. No "trees" in sight.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-2937.jpg

[peanut gallery]

As much as I'd like to see construction start in the spring, I think two key things need to happen first for this to occur.

1 - Fifield needs to find another developer to buy the property.
2 - The housing market needs to pick up somewhat or the mortgage market needs to loosen.

He said it without much conviction. I'm pretty sure he had at least the second caveat in mind. As much as I want to see this and the second ORH rise together across from each other, I don't see it happening. Frankly, I'd be happy to see construction start on this anytime next year.

[Downtown Dave]

For some reason it appears to be necessary to strip off this wooden cladding before demolishing the auto body shop:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-3027.jpg

Despite the huge size of this machine, the operator has little difficulty maneuvering it such that only the wood is removed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-3035.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-3039.jpg

[rocketman_95046]

^It makes recycling the wood products easier if you don’t have to sift through all the rubble. :tup:

[Downtown Dave]

Most of the body shop was a big empty space, now gone:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-3112.jpg

Sorting rebar:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/NelsonAndBronte/SanFrancisco/Random/FremontDemo-3119.jpg

This is the last photo set until after Christmas, peanut gallery will have to keep us updated! :)

[roadwarrior]

Wow, that Body Shop went quickly. After hearing all the delays about the Californian I was beginning to think that the homeless shelter never would get torn down.

[peanut gallery]

This is the last photo set until after Christmas, peanut gallery will have to keep us updated! :)

Will do, at least for another week. I'll be away from the city most of the two weeks between 12/21 and 1/7. I'll probably pop down sometime in there and will try to swing by the usual spots. Have a good trip, Dave!