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Commission approves conversion of 220 Post Street’s third floor to office over some commissioner reservations
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional use authorization to convert the Third Floor of 220 Post Street from retail to office, citing changed retail market conditions since 2019; commissioners debated whether residential use might be preferable but approved the conversion 5–1.
The Planning Commission voted to allow the conversion of up to 6,175 square feet on the Third Floor of 220 Post Street from retail to office, citing market changes that reduced upper‑floor retail demand. Department staff and the project sponsor said upper‑floor retail has been nonviable in recent years and that office users would bring foot traffic to the Union Square district.
Jonathan Vimmer of the Planning Department reviewed required findings under Planning Code section 210.2 and said staff find the proposal consistent with downtown policy given changed economic conditions since 2019. Project representatives Tia Catalano and Mark Stefan (owner) said they had marketed the building for years with little interest in upper‑floor retail and that interior improvements are largely complete; outstanding sidewalk work on Compton Place remained pending permits.
Karen Flood, executive director of the Union Square Alliance, testified in support, saying office occupants would add needed daytime foot traffic. Commissioners asked whether residential conversion had been explored; sponsors said residential was possible in the future but would require larger changes to floor plates and light access. Commissioner Moore opposed and said she wanted more time to assess the market dynamics; the motion to approve passed 5–1.
