4

Ritz Carlton & Hunter Group

Plant

24

102

22

1,800-2,500

$200K-$5.3M

Commentary:

The Ritz Carlton residences tied in score with One Rincon Hill but, could not be more different. Where One Rincon Hill is tall and strikingly contemporary, the Ritz Carlton is actually in a relatively low (24 floors) tower in a building over 100 years ago. One Rincon Hill is set a short distance from downtown San Francisco affording spectacular views while the Ritz Carlton is in the heart of downtown on Market Street within an easy few blocks from Union Square, the Ferry Building, the financial districts, and the entertainment of SOMA. That wonderful location, though, does mean that residents (even on the upper floors) won't have sweeping panoramic views. Another compromise is the lack of a swimming pool. On the other hand, this building is very exclusive (only 52 permanent residential units and 49 fractional ownership units) and features, of course, impeccable Ritz Carlton service. Units are large with public spaces luxuriously appointed--think marble and mahogany rather than glass and stainless. Buyers who prefer the quiet luxury of a New York Park Avenue co-op or a Nob Hill penthouse will feel right at home here. Although built in an historic building (originally headquarters of the San Francisco Chronicle newspaper), residences and public spaces are really entirely new since about the only part remaining of the original building is the exterior façade. Buyers who want the ultimate in opulence in San Francisco high rises have several choices in existing buildings (e.g., Four Seasons, St. Regis) but as far as brand new construction, Ritz Carlton Residences is one of the best. (Note, although this development will be managed by Ritz Carlton, it is not physically connected to the San Francisco Ritz Carlton hotel which is several blocks away.)

5

Commentary:

The Metropolitan was completed in 2004 with only resales now available. Encompassing two towers, it offers a variety of different types of floor plans with architecture featuring curving corner windows, balconies, and contemporary design elements. Amenties include the usual doorman/concierge service, fitness facility, and a roof deck pool. The Metropolitan sits near the entrance ramp to the Oakland Bay Bridge in the Rincon Hill neighborhood south of SOMA. Many units facing north and west feature great views of the downtown skyline while units facing east have views of the Bay. Units facing due south get a view of the traffic on the Bay Bridge. Similar to other new or planned high-rises in the immediate area, there are fewer shops and restaurant within easy walking distance. This may change over the next few years as many other developments are underway (including One Rincon Hill nearby). But, for now most residents will need to hike 6+ blocks to find most of what they want. Don't look for resale bargains, though. With the whole area is growing over the next decade with several new condo towers planned withing blocks. The Metropolitan is a good choice for those who won't or can't to wait for new buildings to be built, though.

6

IntraCorp

Bovis Lend Lease

16

268

8

608-1,345

$520K-$780K

........2009

Commentary:

In architecture circles, "green" building and design is all the rage. Incorporating recyclable or recycled materials, renewable resources, and clean design as defined by LEED certification is hot in concept but only a few notable designs have been completed worldwide. Arterra is planned to be San Francisco's first large LEED certified green condo. Being green, however, does not mean that residents must give up anything in the way of luxury or amenities. Arterra is located to the southwest of downtown in the fast-growing Mission Bay area. Mission Bay consists of a number of brand new mid-rise office buildings, condos, apartments, and shops. A significant new tenant of the area is a campus of UCSF with an emphasis on biotech facilities and businesses. Highlights of Arterra include a large variety of floor plans, good location in a new neighborhood (close to downtown), and some units with beautiful views of San Francisco's hills to the west, downtown to the north, and the Bay to the east. Residences include both tower units and townhouses on the lower floors. The property does have a fitness center but no pool and few on-site conveniences. The architectural style is quite modern and distinctive with dark blue panels, white columns, and orange highlights. It stands in significant contrast to other new Mission Bay architecture which has tended to be beige with green glass. In short, Arterra holds attraction to those interested in the Mission Bay area and provides an opportunity to put into practice environmental consciousness while enjoying comfort in an urban setting. 

6

Commentary:

Peninsula Mandalay opened in 2006 in an area of town that has not had high rise towers. Located several miles south of downtown, Peninsula Mandalay is in a newer hillside neighborhood surrounded by low rise condos, apartments, and office complexes. It is elevated on a hillside which affords residents on the south side of the tower, wonderful views of San Francisco Bay. Its location also puts it just a few miles north of the airport. Peninsula Mandalay gets its name from its location on "the peninsula"--the local term for the suburbs between San Francisco and San Jose--and is not affiliated with the Peninsula Hotels. The immediate neighborhood is pleasant but not vibrant, meaning not a lot of shops or restaurants within walking distance. Most residents will find a car necessary. It is, however, within a few miles of many attractions (its near Candlestick Park, home of the NFL's 49'ers) and is close to the main freeway into downtown--the 101. Although the exterior is a fairly conservative design (a big rectangular box), the details and finishes are attractive up close. Public interiors are upscale with a design motif reminiscent of the clean and contemporary lines of Asian style. This is a good choice for residents who work near or use the airport frequently or for those looking for a high rise lifestyle without having to go all the way in to downtown San Francisco.

7

Commentary:

Somagrand is a mixed use (residential, retail, public parking) development at the southwest edge of downtown. Some of the amenities offered include twice-a-month housekeeping, a concierge provided by Joie de Vivre Hospitality, Peet’s coffee and tea available in lobby, DVD lending library, membership to JDV Joy of Life Club, monthly wine tasting, wireless Internet in lobby and park level along with a community extranet. Outside, the building features an extensive park level with hot tub, fire pit, barbeque and heat lamps. Also on site is a fitness center, community room including chef's kitchen, media center, and a spa facility with a meditation garden. Its location puts it within a few blocks of the San Francisco Civic Center and the new Federal Office Building (with contemporary striking architecture). Although Nordstrom's and Bloomingdale's are within a few blocks, the neighborhood in between is still a bit in transition. The streetlife can be colorful and Somagrand is just a block off the part of Market Street which is somewhat seedy. The good news is that this area of SOMA (South of Market) is rapidly improving with new construction filling in and older buildings being rehabbed. For those who want close proximity to most of San Francisco's government offices and are willing to pioneer living in what promises to be a great neighborhood transition, Somagrand may hold the best opportunity for upside value potential over a longer term

8

Commentary:

The Fillmore Heritage Center is a midrise tower (only 13 stories) but is worth considering because of its location. Set in the heart of San Francisco's Fillmore District, it is the only new condo development in the area. Fillmore is an eclectic neighborhood bordered by Japantown and is the traditional home of the Bay Area's jazz music. This building is a mix of residential and retail on the first floor. Plus Yoshi's restaurant and jazz club (Yoshi's is a Bay Area institution from the Oakland side of the Bay). A large outdoor terrace plust a media screening room and lobby attendant are some of the amenities. The building loses points due to a lack of spa or pool facility. Residents will benefit from a variety of other neighborhood shops and restaurants. This area, while urban, has a more neighborhood feel than other condo towers downtown. Views from many upper floor units will be excellent of surrounding neighborhoods or of the downtown skyline to the East. The Fillmore Heritage Center is also close to the San Francisco Cathedral, numerous other churches, schools, and university hospitals such as UCSF. Tthe location in a vibrant urban residential area close to religious, medical, and school facilities makes this a good choice for those looking for a brand new condo in an historic San Francisco neighborhood.