Commission approves modified 450 O’Farrell project using state density bonus to add affordable units and protections for adjacent historic hotel

The Planning Commission approved a modified project for 450 O’Farrell (the former Fifth Church site) that uses the state density bonus to increase housing capacity from 176 to 261 units while providing at least 15% affordable units at 55% AMI (32 units) to qualify for the maximum density bonus. The project sponsor will also voluntarily provide additional units at moderate income levels.

Staff said an EIR addendum determined the modifications would not create new impacts beyond those previously analyzed. The revised proposal removes demolition of a one‑story adjacent building (532 Jones), retains that building and avoids below‑grade work immediately adjacent to the Pacific Bay Inn, and reduces building depth relative to the 2018 approved project. Staff and sponsor emphasized mitigation measures for vibration and noise and settlement monitoring for adjacent historic structures; the EIR addendum and standard mitigation require monitoring and a construction‑phase consultant to ensure vibration and noise thresholds are not exceeded near historic buildings.

Pacific Bay Inn representatives urged a continuance to review geotechnical findings and expressed concern about potential settlement and damage; the project team said the current proposal reduces below‑grade impacts compared with earlier approvals and includes construction monitoring, and they urged the commission to act to keep the entitlement process on schedule. Commissioners approved the project with conditions, recording unanimous votes.