San Francisco Planning Commission reviews revised Flower Mart project with new design updates

San Francisco's city planning commission has taken significant steps towards the redevelopment of the Flower Mart site, approving a revised project that promises to enhance the area while relocating existing vendors to a new wholesale flower market. The updated plan includes the construction of three mixed-use buildings, which will provide over 2 million square feet of office space, retail, childcare facilities, and community spaces, alongside ample public open areas.

The project, which has undergone design modifications, now features two distinct towers instead of a single mass, and has increased the size of public spaces, including the Brandon Plaza. The overall retail space has been reduced by approximately 40,000 square feet, but the project will still offer 41,229 square feet of privately owned public open spaces, 506 parking spaces, and 575 bicycle parking spaces.

Despite a current negative balance in the city’s large cap office annual limit, the planning commission can approve additional office space through the Central SoMa Incentive Reserve, which still has a balance of about 1.2 million square feet available. The project has garnered support from local organizations, including Walk San Francisco and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, highlighting its potential for economic growth and community benefits.

The planning department concluded that the project aligns with the Central SoMa Plan objectives and will facilitate the delivery of a substantial public benefit package. As the city continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, this redevelopment is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing the local economy and enhancing the urban environment. The project sponsor, Kilroy Realty, expressed confidence in the demand for modern office spaces, emphasizing the importance of this development in San Francisco's economic recovery.