We really weren’t kidding about our love for 355 Bryant. It’s one of the true loft conversion buildings in San Francisco, and for the most part, it’s beautifully done. Granted, it’s not the right building for everyone, but if you like New York style lofts with open floor plans, it should definitely be on your radar.
Located in the maritime district south of San Francisco’s Market Street, this 1910 building, designed by noted architect George Applegarth, served as a distribution warehouse and later as a publisher’s printing shop. In accordance with the city’s 1988 live/work ordinance that recognizes the area’s blend of industrial, commercial, and residential elements, the 88,000-sq. ft. brick building was transformed into 44 live/work lofts.
Holliday Development championed the conversion in 1992, and David Baker + Partners lead the design.
The interior’s original wood and brick was stripped and sandblasted to reveal the beauty of the original brick walls and heavy timber construction. Patterned concrete floors and angled stucco walls in muted ochre and green tones form a backdrop to the original wood and brick. The seismic reinforcing system’s steel I-beams were left exposed and become a design element. A central court, cut through the four floors in the back of building, provides interior units with serene semipublic space. Courtyard units are bathed in natural light from aluminum/tempered-glass greenhouse windows.
And while all units in this building aren’t created equal, we do believe they all have potential. If you have enough cash, you might be able to buy one of the more stunning renovations. If not, you’ll just have to do it yourself.
While I do think 355 Bryant is one of the premier loft conversions, it does have some unfortunate attributes. The double door-belling is annoying for entertainers. Parking is limited and not-free. Proximity to Bay Bridge onramp can be trying. And the interior units have some privacy and air circulation issues (the courtyard isn’t quite big enough). But it is a terrific building nonetheless.