Building permits have been filed to partially demolish the existing burnt-out structure at 659 Union Street, also known as the Verdi Building, in North Beach, San Francisco. Crews will remove a 50-foot section of the brick wall at the rear of the structure ahead of construction plans, including restoration of much of the fire-damaged brick facade, new housing, and retail. Red Bridge Partners is responsible for the development.
659 Union Street existing condition
The property has suffered from two fire incidents, first in 2013 and again in 2018. The project would create 23 units compared with the first proposal to create 98 units and 14 hotel guest rooms. Two of the 23 dwelling units will be priced as affordable for very low-income households, including one studio and one single-bedroom unit.
659 Union Street entry along Powell Street, rendering by multistudio
659 Union Street restaurant terrace and the historic masonry and new details, rendering by multistudio
Multistudio, formerly known as Gould Evans is responsible for the design. The project will restore the look of the damaged building by using color-matching bricks and rebuilding the damaged cornice. The set-back rooftop restaurant addition will be clad with a brick-like fiber cement rain screen designed to complement the texture of the existing tan bricks. Stone veneer will be used to improve the street-level facade.
659 Union Street from across Powell and Union Street, rendering by multistudio
659 Union Street lobby entry, rendering by multistudio
Once complete, the new development will stand 60 feet tall with 37,980 square feet of floor area, including 18,640 square feet for residential use and 18,020 square feet for commercial space. Retail and a grocer will have room in the basement and ground level, while a proposed restaurant space will offer views of Washington Square and the North Beach neighborhood from the fourth floor.
The development will not significantly alter the building height for pedestrians, and the 60-foot pinnacle is set back far enough to avoid any shadow casting onto Washington Square Park. The estimated cost and completion date have not yet been established.
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Surprised the city hasn’t purchased this site for the Central Subway extension…
The parking lot one block up Columbus seems like it would be at least as good a location for a North Beach station.
It is a nice design to rehab the building, keeping the character of the neighborhood.
So the base code-compliant project can be 47 units, and the proposed State Density Bonus project is 23 units? That doesn’t sit right.