San Francisco's first WELL-certified building sets new standard for workplace design
At a glance
Located in San Francisco's South of Market (SoMa) district, this 55,000-square-foot midrise office building combines innovative workplace design with ambitious sustainability goals. The project achieved a LEED Gold certification, a US Resiliency Council Gold certification for resiliency and Northern California's first WELL certification, establishing new benchmarks for occupant health and wellbeing.
The challenge
The owner’s vision was to create a modern office building that would honor SoMa's industrial heritage while pioneering new standards in sustainability and workplace design. Creating flexible, open workspaces that support varying levels of privacy and collaboration was essential. The project required navigating San Francisco's rigorous planning and entitlement requirements while meeting ambitious sustainability and wellness certification targets. The design needed to incorporate adaptable infrastructure for future tenant needs, integrate modern amenities while preserving neighborhood character, and develop solutions for optimal natural light with buildings adjacent each side and occupant comfort. The enhanced structural seismic design costs were easily justified by the creation of additional lease space through reduced seismic displacement, which resulted in an award-winning design for structural resiliency. This complex undertaking demanded careful coordination of multiple stakeholders throughout the design and construction process to balance aesthetic goals with high-performance functionality.
Our response
RIM Architects, now part of GHD, led comprehensive design services through all project phases. The striking 65-foot building features oxidized metal panels that reference the neighborhood's industrial past, while incorporating modern sustainable elements throughout. The flexible open floor plates include advanced technology infrastructure and seismic moment frames, providing clear spans to support evolving workplace needs.
The design incorporates a private fifth-floor tenant deck and shared rooftop amenities, alongside innovative wellness features including bike storage and shower facilities. Sustainable design elements targeting LEED Gold certification were integrated throughout, incorporating adaptable space planning for future reconfigurations and enhanced natural lighting through full-façade window systems.
When the client requested additional windows mid-construction to enhance natural light and secondary façades, our team quickly developed code-compliant solutions while maintaining the project schedule. Our collaborative approach with San Francisco agencies helped navigate complex permitting requirements efficiently. Throughout construction, we maintained close coordination with stakeholders to ensure design integrity while meeting aggressive timeline and budget targets.
The impact
The building achieved unprecedented success in sustainable design and occupant wellbeing, setting new standards for commercial development in San Francisco. As the first ground-up project in Northern California to earn WELL certification, it demonstrates the viability of combining sustainability with market success. The project secured LEED Gold certification for sustainable design excellence and received a Gold Rating from U.S. Resiliency Council with five stars for seismic safety and four stars for damage and recovery. The flexible design ensures spaces can evolve with tenant needs, while enhanced natural light and amenities optimize the occupant experience. Through successful integration of modern design within the historic neighborhood context, the project creates a template for future wellness-focused workplace developments focused on resiliency and sustainability.