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Central SOMA open‑space plan highlighted; 598 Brannan sponsor previews one‑acre park and mixed‑use project
Summary
Planning staff outlined Central SOMA open‑space objectives and POPO rules; project sponsor Tishman Speyer presented the 598 Brannan informational hearing — three office buildings (project materials cited 922,000 sq ft), POPOs, a one‑acre public park, ~85 units of permanently affordable housing to be deeded to the Mayor’s Office of Housing, and a phased Prop M allocation plan.
The Planning Commission received an informational briefing on Central SOMA’s open‑space framework and an in‑depth project preview for 598 Brannan, a large mixed‑use proposal that includes a central one‑acre park.
Maya Small of the Planning Department outlined open‑space objectives: creating a connected network of parks and publicly accessible spaces, improving the pedestrian and cycling environment, using the right‑of‑way for additional recreation and green space, and strengthening requirements for privately owned public open spaces (POPOs). Small emphasized design standards (Urban Design Guidelines), ground‑level POPO access to sidewalks, and monitoring/programming requirements so POPOs serve neighborhood needs.
At an informational presentation, Carl Shannon of Tishman Speyer described a proposal that, as presented, includes demolition of four existing buildings and the construction of three new mixed‑use office buildings with a total reported gross area (project presentation) of approximately 922,000 square feet, roughly 11,000 sq ft of PDR/retail, about 5,000 sq ft of childcare, roughly 200 parking spaces, and a central publicly owned one‑acre park adjacent to deeded affordable housing (about 85 units to be conveyed to the Mayor’s Office of Housing). Shannon said the sponsor negotiated a land swap with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) to enable the park site and described a three‑phase construction/phasing strategy tied to Prop M allocations.
Commissioners and public speakers raised concerns about shadowing, timing, and availability of staff reports in advance of entitlement hearings; planning staff said the informational hearing was intended to introduce the project and that the formal entitlement hearing and staff report will follow. Staff noted the proposed Central SOMA public‑benefits package increases open space in the neighborhood from roughly 3.2 acres to about 7.4 acres when POPOs and new parks are counted (including Draves Park).
The Commission did not take an action on 598 Brannan at this informational hearing but requested clear staff reports and scheduling so the public can review a large volume of documents prior to formal entitlement.
