Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Design topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning Commission approves revised Foundry Square Building 3 with open‑space activation conditions
Summary
The commission approved a revised Foundry Square Building 3 (505–525 Howard) that adds about 74,500 sq ft of office space, conditioned on best efforts to lease a food service for plaza activation (or provide a food cart) and a six‑month report on signage and open‑space activation.
The Planning Commission approved revisions to the Foundry Square Building 3 entitlement at 505–525 Howard Street that increase the building’s approved office square footage by roughly 74,500 square feet and expand the approved project footprint (staff and sponsor presentations, SEG 2340–2390, SEG 2536–2540).
Staff characterized the project as a minor expansion of an existing approved downtown development and presented an addendum to the original EIR concluding no new significant impacts (Staff, SEG 2368–2389). Sponsor Tom Sullivan described the design intent, sustainability measures (LEED Gold target), and transportation-oriented elements including more than double required bicycle parking and superior shower/locker facilities to encourage non-auto commuting (Tom Sullivan, SEG 2536–2636).
Public comment and advocacy from SPUR and neighborhood representatives focused on privately owned public open spaces associated with Foundry Square, arguing plazas lack signage, activation and welcoming amenities (George Williams / SPUR, SEG 2736–2755). Commissioners raised concerns about parcel aggregation, transitions to adjacent historic buildings and narrow service alleys; several urged stronger activation of the plazas and enforcement of open-space obligations (Commissioner Moore, Commissioner Miguel, SEG 2831–2910, SEG 3096–3111).
The applicant agreed to work with planners and SPUR; project counsel committed the sponsor would return in six months with a report and would 'use best efforts' to lease at least one retail space to a food service, or provide a food cart or portable device if leasing proves infeasible. The commission approved the project 4–2, with Commissioners Moore and Seguaya voting no (Motion and roll call, SEG 3355–3414).
