SF New Developments

What a year - 2007 - what will probably be known as the year of the San Francisco new development with no shortage of exciting new projects - the lion-share of them all in the South of Market districts: Rincon Hill, Mission Bay, South Beach, and South Financial District.

We would like to take the time and give some awards out to our favorite buildings, new blocks, and high-rises.

Most Style

Mint Lofts. The Martin Building Company does it again with this neighborhood-transforming urban infill project oozing with style, character and just plain coolness.

1234 Howard at a close second. Stanley Saitowitz does it again with super-conceptual urban loft-living - walls are optional in this building but there is no question that the building is all about style, design, and creating eye-candy for the architecturally sophisticated.

Raising the Bar

Millennium Tower sets the new luxury bar among the high-rise condo projects with penthouse units priced upwards of $2200 psf (top floor units priced between $10M and $12M for the 59th and 60th floors), 1BR’s starting in the $700k’s and 2BR’s starting at $1.1M, the Millennium spares no expense in it’s amenities, fit-and-finish, and services. With what will be the 4th tallest building in San Francisco, it is new king-of-the-hill both in terms of luxury and height.

Fastest Growing Neighborhood

Mission Bay - with buildings popping out of the ground like daisies: Radiance at Misison Bay, 235 Berry, Arterra, Park Terrace and several new apartment and office buildings.

Best Outdoor Spaces

Park Terrace’s massive South-facing terraces overlooking the water on Mission Creek - they soak up sun all day long and are enormous! They take our pick for Best Outdoor Spaces.

Best Penthouse

Tough one but I think we will have to go with The Residences at Jackson Square with three levels of outdoor space and great city views in all directions. This was tough - Infinity, Millennium, and several other buildings also have incredible high-rise penthouses but the penthouses at the Residences at Jackson Square are just too rare and too unique to pass up giving this award to.

Biggest Surprise

I think The Montgomery (74 New Montgomery) and Esprit Park were both a huge surprise for us in the character, quality, and thoughtfulness of the design of the buildings, interiors, and project in general.

Best Value

Symphony Towers and SOMA Grand - where else could you get a studio for less than 400k WITH deeded parking (Symphony Towers) - where else can you get a 1BR+Den for in the mid-500’s (SOMA Grand)?

Best Overall Project

The Infinity I think has to take this award - with it’s mix of stellar architecture, great condo units and floor plans, deep mix of amenities, superb downtown AND near waterfront location and of course incredible views, The Infinity is the winner of our Best Overall Project Award.

What do we have to look forward to in 2008?

Most highly anticipated sales release:

1 Rincon Hill Tower 2

Infinity’s second tower will be selling their units towards the end of the year too, but we must say that the second tower of One Rincon Hill is poised for a strong sales opening this year.

BLU at 631 Folsom St will turn some heads as well as construction of Turnberry’s latest project at 45 Lansing St.