Planning commission approves revised 88 Bloxham mixed-use plan after tennis courts removed

The San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously approved a revised large-project authorization for the mixed-use development at 88 Bloxham Street (formerly 645 Fifth Street), approving the sponsor's change to remove an underground private tennis club from the project scope.

Staff described the 1,097,000 gross-square-foot proposal as a mixed-use development including roughly 775,000 square feet of office, 31,000 square feet of community recreation (a Jean Friend Aquatic Annex), retail, childcare, PDR space and a 106,000-square-foot air parcel dedication to the Mayor's Office of Community Development for future affordable housing development. The staff report concluded the revision does not change the project's bulk, massing or design objectives and recommended approval.

Project representatives said the sponsor seeks no other changes beyond eliminating the private tennis facility. Several public commenters asked about the fate of the tennis courts; a representative of San Franciscans for Sports and Recreation read a March letter saying the organization no longer seeks on-site tennis at that location. After public comment, Commissioner Coppell moved to approve the revised authorization; the motion was seconded and the commission voted unanimously to adopt staff recommendations.

Conditions and technical exceptions identified in prior approvals remain part of the record; staff said the revised scope reduces excavation depth by roughly 23 feet and will still provide the community recreation and public benefits described in the case materials.