Studio Gang-Designed Tower Proposal Shows Need for Zoning Exceptions in San Francisco

The initial presentation of a 40-story tower, designed by Chicago architect Jeanne Gang, working for developer Tishman Speyer, prompted John King to argue in favor of the project. But will city planners and electeds grant the project an exception?

1 minute read

July 17, 2014, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


San Francisco Chronicle architecture critic John King uses the proposed design, for a site on Folsom Street one block inland from the Embarcadero and also near the new Transbay Transit Center, as context for a larger discussion about how much flexibility should be granted to zoning exceptions. The proposed tower does not rise to the height of buildings on nearby blocks, but is more than the 300 feet this particular parcel is allowed.

An example of the site's implications to a larger discussion, according to King "if the city wants to make the creation of low- and middle-income housing a true priority - as should be the case in our economically stratified region - flexibility in terms of urban design can be a valuable tool."

The creation of below market rate housing is possible with the project: "The proposed tower and an adjacent eight-story building together would contain 390 residential units, 139 priced at below-market levels. In the tower, 64 of the 315 condominiums would be reserved for middle-income buyers. The low building would contain 75 units, all affordable."

Describing the need for some flexibility in the approval process, King again makes his case: "The challenge for City Hall decision makers is to realize that if there's anyplace where zoning adjustments make sense, it's on a block and in a case like this."

Sunday, July 13, 2014 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

15 minutes ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

1 hour ago - Newsweek

Close-up on woman in white and blue striped knee-length dress standing next to mint green cruiser bike resting against low wrought iron fence in front of green lawn.

Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.

2 hours ago - domus

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.