Skyscrapers and Starchitects Coming Soon to Downtown San Francisco

Take a tour of the changes coming the to the Transbay District in San Francisco.

1 minute read

January 31, 2016, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Anyone who explores San Francisco’s Transbay district today encounters a slice of a city in flux," writes San Francisco Chronicle architecture critic John King. "At one extreme, structural steel pushes toward the sky and straddles gridlocked streets. At the other, alleyways sprout life that would have been unimaginable a generation ago."

The specifics of the first half of that description include the city's soon-to-be tallest building, under construction now and two more skyscrapers set to begin construction soon. Expected soon for Planning Commission review are also plans for yet another skyscraper that would exceed the city's tallest existing buildings.

King provides a design preview of the abundance of tall buildings, designed by such luminaries of the architecture field as Foster + Partners and OMA. After looking up at these forthcoming projects, King shifts the perspective of the column to provide this optimistic summation of the forthcoming collection of projects:

Today we’re confronted by cranes and noise. Once the dust settles, with luck and vigilant planning, we’ll have a dynamic 21st century neighborhood that’s a fresh twist on what a West Coast city can be.

Saturday, January 30, 2016 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

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog