Commission approves office allocation at 135 Post Street to reuse upper‑floor vacancy

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to allow office uses on the upper floors of 135 Post Street in Union Square, approving a conditional use authorization and an office allocation intended to adapt vacant upper‑floor space to office tenants.

Kevin Guy, planning staff, described the project as establishing approximately 49,000 square feet of office on floors 3 through 6 of a building that formerly housed Gumps department store. Guy said the upper floors are "visually disengaged from the pedestrian route" and difficult to market to retail tenants; staff recommended approval subject to corrected motion language and an 18‑month office allocation period required by the planning code.

Project attorney Dan Fratton said the building has a long record of office occupancy on upper floors and that the ground‑floor retail continues to be marketed. He confirmed existing tenant interest: App Annie holds leases for the third and fourth floors and has filed tenant‑improvement permits conditional on commission approval.

Commissioners discussed the adaptability of the interior for future retail if market conditions return and confirmed the C3R district’s ground‑floor protections favor retail near the street. Staff and the applicant said the zoning controls would allow conversion back to retail if market conditions change. The motion to approve with staff amendments passed 7–0.

Next steps: staff will finalize the office allocation paperwork and ensure conditions reflect the corrected dates and time limits discussed at the hearing.