Establishing street view of 300 Kansas Street at the intersection of Kansas and 16th Street in San Francisco
Coinciding with the topping-out milestone, representatives from YIMBY were granted an exclusive tour of 300 Kansas Street by Ethan McCall, Vice President of Spear Street Capital. McCall’s arrival by folding bicycle via Caltrain highlighted the project’s exceptional accessibility via public transportation and provided a firsthand look at the impressive construction progress on Kansas Street.
The building’s structure is now complete, with sections of the curtain wall glass already on-site, signaling the imminent commencement of facade installation in March. According to McCall, while a tenant is yet to be secured, the announced completion date and visible construction momentum are expected to significantly boost interest in 300 Kansas Street. The flexible floorplans are designed to cater to a diverse range of prospective tenants. The robust construction features vibration-resistant floors, a crucial attribute for companies utilizing heavy machinery or even automotive equipment. The 150,000-square-foot site is anticipated to accommodate between two and five tenants, fostering a dynamic and innovative community on Kansas Street.
Rajiv Patel, President of Spear Street Capital, conveyed his enthusiasm in the official announcement, stating, “Thanks to the dedication of our team, project collaborators, and the supportive local leadership, we are nearing the realization of a transformative environment for R&D and advanced manufacturing endeavors in San Francisco.” He further emphasized, “We eagerly anticipate the completion of this exceptional development within the next six months, which will showcase cutting-edge sustainability features and cultivate an unparalleled setting for talent within the Bay Area.” This vision underscores the commitment to creating a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious workspace at 300 Kansas Street.
Aerial rendering showcasing the design and scale of 300 Kansas Street in San Francisco
The all-electric building is designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to environmental stewardship. Upon operation, 300 Kansas Street will be powered by 100% renewable energy sources, secured through an agreement with PG&E. The selection of building materials, including concrete, prioritized lower embodied carbon footprints compared to industry standards. Carbon offsets have been acquired to neutralize the remaining embodied carbon, further solidifying the project’s zero-carbon ambitions.
300 Kansas Street is also participating in a pilot program with the International Living Futures Institute, based in Seattle. In collaboration with environmental consultants Atelier Ten, the building is engineered to achieve “zero-carbon performance by offsetting both embodied carbon and operational carbon,” as stated in the press release. This holistic approach to sustainability distinguishes 300 Kansas Street as a leader in environmentally responsible development on Kansas Street.
Spear Street Capital has highlighted 300 Kansas Street as poised to be “one of the first all-electric, zero-carbon core and shell buildings in the city.” McCall emphasized that the focus on efficiency has been integral to the project since the site acquisition in 2019. Beyond a sense of personal responsibility, McCall noted that sustainability was a key priority for all stakeholders involved, including Webcor, potential tenants, and financial partners. This shared commitment has driven the development of a truly sustainable and future-proof workspace at 300 Kansas Street.
Interior rendering of 300 Kansas Street highlighting the spacious R&D focused workspace
Kansas City-based El Dorado Architects are the architects behind the project, skillfully integrating unique specifications into a cohesive and functional design. A prominent feature is the expansive curtain wall glass facade facing north, offering unobstructed views of the San Francisco skyline. The east and west facades incorporate a sawtooth pattern, reminiscent of bay window architecture, complemented by perforated metal sunshades along the south-facing glass to minimize direct sunlight and maximize energy efficiency. The sawtooth design also pays homage to the historical significance of manufacturing architecture, demonstrating the enduring practicality of this time-tested innovation in a modern context on Kansas Street.
The interiors of 300 Kansas Street are meticulously planned to meet the specific needs of future R&D and manufacturing tenants. Vibration-resistant concrete floors and generous ceiling heights, ranging from 13.5 to 25 feet, provide adaptable and robust workspaces. Leveraging the site’s unique topography, three of the six floors offer direct street-level access for vehicles, encompassing 45,000 square feet of easily accessible leasable space.
The building’s basement includes a 24-car parking garage. Reflecting San Francisco’s urban planning objectives, 300 Kansas Street incorporates minimal parking, encouraging public transit adoption and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint. Ample bicycle parking for 48 bikes, along with employee bike lockers and showers, further promotes sustainable commuting options for those working at 300 Kansas Street.
Panoramic view of the San Francisco skyline from 300 Kansas Street
Cityscape view towards 1450 Owens Street and Mission Rock from 300 Kansas Street
Views of Potrero Hill from the rooftop terrace of 300 Kansas Street
Groundworks Office is responsible for the landscape architecture, enhancing the pedestrian experience around 300 Kansas Street. Improvements include sidewalk enhancements, a verdant green planter setback on the second floor, and a 4,500-square-foot rooftop terrace. This communal rooftop deck will offer employees breathtaking views of the Salesforce Tower, Market Street, and across the Bay to Oakland and Mount Diablo, creating a unique amenity and collaborative space at 300 Kansas Street.
Spear Street Capital, the developer of 300 Kansas Street, is a San Francisco-based real estate firm with a portfolio spanning the United States, Canada, and Europe. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability is further demonstrated in projects like Northlake Commons in Seattle, a lab space utilizing Cross Laminated Timber.
300 Kansas Street offers significant signage opportunities visible from the major 101 and I-80 freeways, ensuring high visibility for tenants. Excellent public transportation access is another key advantage, with both BART and Caltrain located less than a mile from the site, and express bus service along 16th Street providing direct access to the building’s entrance. This prime Kansas Street location offers unparalleled connectivity and convenience for employees and clients alike.
City records indicate the 0.68-acre property was acquired in September 2019 for $21.5 million. The project is slated for completion by the Summer of 2023, with tenant occupancy anticipated as early as September. Newmark is the exclusive leasing agent for this landmark development on Kansas Street, ready to welcome pioneering companies to this cutting-edge R&D and manufacturing hub.
