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Union Square stakeholders back Westfield alterations; commission approves permit to alter at 865 Market Street
Summary
The commission approved a major permit to alter for 865 Market Street (Westfield/Nordstrom complex) to refresh ground‑floor entries, add glazing and accommodate office conversion on upper floors; local business groups supported the investment, and commissioners praised design revisions.
The Historic Preservation Commission approved a major permit to alter for 865 Market Street, a non‑contributing 1988 commercial building in the Kearny‑Mason‑Market‑Sutter Conservation District. Jonathan Vimmer and planning staff explained that proposed exterior alterations include modified primary entries, new glazed upper‑level openings and replacement of sloped greenhouse elements with rectilinear versions.
Project representatives from Unibuy/URW Westfield and consultant Architectural Resources Group described scaled‑back changes responding to prior Architectural Review Committee input and emphasized the economic rationale for investment by retail owners adapting to changing retail footprints. Designers from James Carpenter Design Associates discussed improved entries and increased glazing for upper floors to support office uses.
Speakers from the Union Square Business Improvement District and the San Francisco Travel Association urged support, saying the project would draw visitors and strengthen the retail district. Commissioners generally praised the revised approach and approved the permit with conditions; the motion passed unanimously 6–0 (one earlier recusal recorded).
