San Francisco

More New High-Rises May Be Coming to San Francisco's SOMA

As construction continues to boom in the South of Market district of San Francisco, developers are proposing to replace the shorter buildings on Howard Street with more high rises.

Four proposals in all with a mix of residential, office and hotel space are in the pipeline.

Supervisor Jane Kim said the city changed zoning rules in 2012 to allow for taller buildings in the Transbay district.

"We believe we should be building density around transit hubs," Kim said.

Resident Matt Dietz said living in a high rise construction zone isn't always easy. And those just moving in need to understand the neighborhood is growing up.

"We do have AC going all night, which drowns out the construction noise," Dietz said.

Some community groups worry the new neighborhood won't have room for longtime residents. But Kim said they are part of the plan.

"We're trying to make sure there are enough housing units for affordable housing," she said. "It's a balance."

While the Transbay Terminal is finally up and running, work to build the SOMA of the future is far from over. Residents hope planners get it right.

"As long as we take care of people and allow all kinds of people to live here, I think we're fine," resident Jeremy Greenberg said.

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