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Developers present Oceanwide proposal for Transit Center district; commission requests follow-up information
Summary
Oceanwide and Foster + Partners gave an informational presentation on a large mixed-use project at the Transbay/First Street site that would add office, housing, hotel rooms, public open space and a sizable community facilities district contribution. Commissioners asked for follow-up material on circulation, park shadowing, affordable housing, and detailed plans for public realm elements.
An applicant team representing Oceanwide presented an informational overview to the Planning Commission describing a multi-parcel proposal near the Transbay Transit Center that includes two mixed-use towers above a multi-story base, rehabilitation of historic buildings, public realm improvements and roughly 1,000,000 square feet of office, about 265 dwelling units and 169 hotel rooms.
Foster + Partners, the design firm on the project, described a concept that emphasizes a large publicly accessible base (roughly a 70-foot-high public space), a network of alleys and pocket parks, and residential and office massing intended to be ‘team players’ in the skyline. The project team emphasized sustainability goals (LEED Platinum target) and a large proposed Community Facilities District (a Mello-Roos–style contribution) the sponsor estimated could generate roughly $647 million over 30 years for transit and public improvements.
Commissioners raised a range of follow-up questions about projected curb-cut locations and pedestrian/vehicle circulation on Mission Street, Jesse Street closure and pedestrianization plans, shadow impacts on nearby parks, the appropriate allocation of park shadow mitigation and the interplay with the Transit Center District Plan and its environmental review. Staff told the commission the project is still under review for community plan exemption under the Transit Center District environmental documents and that a dedicated informational session with more detailed materials could be calendared (possible March date was discussed).
Members of the public and adjacent property owners testified about neighborhood concerns: potential curb cuts on busy Mission Street, effects on Golden Gate University student circulation, street vacation possibilities, and how the project’s community benefits package would be delivered and documented. Staff said copies of the community benefits package and outreach materials would be made available.
No formal action was requested or taken at the informational presentation; commissioners asked staff and the sponsor to return with expanded materials addressing the questions raised, additional circulation and shadow studies, and a clearer, hand-deliverable community benefits packet for commissioners and the public.
