CFAH

In the works since 2013, as we first reported at the time, the big plans to redevelop the Tenderloin parcel upon which the 27,000-square-foot Fifth Church of Christ, Scientist sits at 450 O’Farrell Street could be approved this week.

While the original plans had called for completely razing the existing church and adjacent storefronts stretching to 474 O’Farrell Street, and building up to 12 stories in height upon the site, the refined plans as rendered by DLR Group/Kwan Henmi call for preserving the columned façade of the existing church, behind and adjacent to which a contemporary 218,000 square foot development would rise up to 13 stories in height, with a new 9,600 square foot Church; 3,900 square feet of restaurant/retail space; and 176 apartments, a mix of 45 studios, 69 one-bedrooms and 62 twos, over a basement garage for 46 cars with its entrance on Shannon and a rooftop deck for residents.

And while the project as proposed still includes the redevelopment of the parcel at 532 Jones Street as well, upon which the iconic Tenderloin restaurant Shalimar currently sits and connects to the bulk of the site behind, the height of the replacement spur has now been reduced to four (4) stories from eight (8).

And if approved, the project team is planning to break ground next year.

Comments from Plugged-In Readers

  1. Posted by Invented

    While I wish we had more flexibility in terms of height (less massive blocky bulk, slightly more height/smaller footprint) really like this revision; incorporation of church; the transitional facade from corner building to church facade).

    More good design for the Tenderloin & Lower Nob Hill please.

  2. Posted by Pero

    This looks amazing! Build! Build! Build!

  3. Posted by Robin

    Overall this is a win. I do agree with the other commenter that it would be a better design if they had the option of going up 5-10 additional stories and decreasing some of the bulk of the building.

  4. Posted by oakland lover

    I love this too. I dont mind at all that its not too tall in general. In this case this works great and the loin is already very dense, and with the Hub close, and the much larger buildings downtown, some blocks of lower buildings are a great contrast.

    This looks really good. The facade works well in this case too IMAAO (In My Armchair Architect Opinion). Wheres the remote, next story.

  5. Posted by Joel S.

    I wonder why they reduced the height of the spur that faces Jones Street? Seems like such an odd concession. I wonder if the developers needed to placate the views of residents in one of the adjacent buildings.

  6. Posted by Futurist

    This is a great example of well designed, sensitive urban infill. The existing church (façade, at least) is preserved and not overwhelmed by the new (taller) structure.

    Thankfully, there is no attempt to mimic or copy elements of the historic façade, but rather create a fresh, modern façade that is broken up into smaller components with varying fenestration.

    Excellent project!

  7. Posted by Winger Toods

    The white portion of the facade reminds me of the Javits Federal Building (FBI) in NYC.

  8. Posted by Justine Marie Barajas

    Will there be low income housing offered?

    • Posted by SocketSite

      The proposed development includes a total of 28 below market rate (BMR) units, five (5) of which are intended to mitigate the loss of existing rent-controlled units above Shalimar (which will be demolished).

      • Posted by Oaklandlover

        I hope Shalimar survives! An old relic of a past era.

  9. Posted by J Jaco

    Yuck! by looking at this photo it looks pretty messy. Sorry I notice everyone loves it but not my favorite.

  10. Posted by James Brown

    No three-bedroom units? This should be automatically disqualified.

  11. Posted by Steve Jester

    Whats the latest with this project?

Comments are closed.

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