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Commission approves transformation of 233 Geary into mixed-use: retail, offices and 21 homes
Summary
The commission approved a major conversion of a former department store at 233 Geary into street-level retail, mid-level offices and 21 residential units above; supporters say the project will add downtown residents and reactivate Union Square.
The Planning Commission unanimously approved a downtown project authorization, conditional-use authorization, and office allocation for a major adaptive-reuse project at 233 Geary Street. Sponsor Sand Hill Property Company and Handel Architects described a plan to restore retail at lower floors, add office space on mid-levels and place 21 dwelling units on the eighth through tenth floors.
Sponsors emphasized restoration of storefronts, replacement of windows and the reintroduction of a public-access powder room on the third floor. The Union Square Alliance and nearby businesses including Neiman Marcus supported the project as key to restoring foot traffic and vitality to Union Square following pandemic-related vacancy.
Staff noted the proposal retains substantial retail at the pedestrian levels, increases evening activity by adding residences, and preserves the building's height while modernizing facades and roofscape. The commission approved the project unanimously and asked staff to coordinate final historic and design details.
