The plans for a project at 952-960 Howard Street in San Francisco have been revised several times from the original proposal. The newest project revision would make the building larger than the first design, but smaller than some of the other earlier concepts. oWow is listed as both developer and architect for the project.
Original permits were filed for the property site in 2021, with phase one of the project commencing in 2022. However, the designs for later phases have gone through several iterations without proceeding. SF YIMBY has followed design proposals for the project released in October 2021, October 2022, and February 2024. The proposal from 2024 marked the most ambitious of the project proposals, with outlines for a 19-story tower with 274 residential units.
The most recent design plans, released this August, have scaled back plans for the building’s height, with plans to top off at 14 stories total. Of these, the three lower stories will consist of the existing office building from phase one of the project, with 11 residential floors rising above. The residential floors will include 36 studio, 77 single-bedroom, and 89 two-bedroom units for a total of 202.
960 Howard Sample unit designs, image by oWow
The building’s exterior design is split into two parts. The residential area from phase two will rest atop a three-story podium-style base from phase one. The upper portion consists of blue and white insulated metal paneling, giving the building a well-articulated visual aspect with contrasting colors. Meanwhile, the lower floors will utilize darker grey coloring to help ground the building’s visual presence.
960 Howard Building South Elevation, image by oWow
The project’s location is in the densely built SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco, a short walk from the Powell Street BART station. Future tenants would have access to a wide array of shops, restaurants, and transportation options within a short walk of the building. Additionally, the building will provide 53 bicycle parking spaces to serve both the residential and commercial portions.
960 Howard Site Location, image by oWow
While this design is smaller than the next most recent proposal, it is still larger than the building’s earliest concepts. The developers likely hope that the compromise on scale will help move the project forward to completion more quickly and economically.
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Blarghggh.
Well, at least the building it would replace is junk too.