It's Not Perfect, But It Ain't The Bronx. Urban Planning, San Francisco Style.

The New York Times published an interesting article yesterday titled "Reinventing America's Cities: The Time Is Now." by Nicolai Ourous, off. The writer talks about the history of 20th century urban planning, touching on the importance of The Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the depression. The WPA created a huge body of work on a national scale and was the last large, federally-funded public infrastructure project with the exception of the interstate highway system. In San Francisco we have The Rincon Annex Post Office, The Bay Bridge and SFO thanks to FDR's innovative 'make work' program.

With President Obama dedicating billions toward public infrastructure projects, will we see our City change as dramatically as it did in the 1930's?

One project already underway is The Transbay Terminal, although that may be overstating things. The temporary terminal site has been cleared and is being readied for construction that will ultimately lead to the demolition of the old 1937 bus station to make way for the much ballyhooed terminal and tower. Signs of construction may soon materialize on Transbay Block 8. This parcel bordered by First, Folsom, Fremont and Tenny Streets has received three development proposals. These proposals are currently being reviewed but the specifics call for a 550 foot tower with a mid-rise section and retail along Folsom Street. The project will contain 600 rental units and has a 25% affordable component.

This development will be an encouraging sign of life Downtown and will ultimately add to the density and vitality of the neighborhood. At 50+ stories, it should also be a dramatic addition to the skyline.

So raise a glass to Transbay Block 8 and toast to shovels in the dirt. Steel and concrete reaching for the sky--there is no better vote of confidence in the future of Downtown San Francisco! Thanks for reading; see you next Tuesday. Please remind your friends and colleagues that I work for them, not the developer. Do not enter a sales office without my expertise.