January 2013

1201 Tennessee Street Development Plans Still Evolving

By Keith Burbank

AGI Capital presented revised development plans for 1201 Tennessee Street, at the southern edge of Dogpatch, at last month’s Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association meeting. 

The building’s initial design, which was nearly rectangular, received a negative reaction from Boosters members at a previous gathering. The revised design reflects a u-shaped structure with one curved end, giving the development the appearance of being three separate buildings. 

“I appreciate the responsiveness to comments,” said Boosters member David Glober. 

While historically an industrial-zoned area, 1201 Tennessee Street’s zoning was changed to urban mixed use in 2011. The proposed project is a six-story, “multi-family, mixed-use development,” located between 23rd Street and the Hell’s Angel’s clubhouse. Third Street is to the east of the project, while Tennessee Street borders the west side. Besides a gas station at the corner of Third and 23rd Streets, the site is currently occupied by 1960s-era industrial structures. The 20 or so leases are “gradually expiring,” and the buildings will be demolished, said Jesse Herzog, vice president of development, AGI Capital. 

In addition to altering the building’s shape, more open, “flex,” and retail space was added to the project, which was originally proposed as residential-only. And the investment firm has reduced the number of proposed units from 300 to 280, though Herzog insisted that the project could have no fewer than 280 units to be financially successful. The sidewalk along Tennessee Street, where townhome-style residences are to be built, would be landscaped. 

The project’s flex space would consist of a warehouse-type, live-work area with polished concrete floors and 18-foot high ceilings, which could be used for light manufacturing. AGI cited Rickshaw Bagworks, on 22nd Street, as one example of a potential occupant. The flex space would be located along Third Street and 23rd Street, with the building’s lobby and retail space on Third. All of the spaces, whether flex or townhome-style, will likely be offered for lease. 

In response to the new proposal, former Boosters president John DeCastro said that the width of the project’s open space needed to be 40 or 50 feet, rather than the planned 30 feet. Originally, just 20 feet had been set aside for open space. 

Keith Goldstein, Potrero Dogpatch Merchants Association president, applauded AGI for including retail space in the project. “The 2,000 square feet is very modest. But it’s a start,” Goldstein said. 

Chris Jackson, a Community College Board member – who currently faces Ethics Commission violations resulting from poor campaign expenditure recordkeeping – asked if any consideration had been made for the transportation needs – such as additional bus service – prompted by the development. According to Jackson, the T-line train isn’t a reliable transportation option. Herzog responded that the project’s environmental impact review will include an examination of transportation issues. 

The investment firm has hired two Dogpatch companies to help with the project, landscape architecture and urban design firm, Fletcher Studio, and architecture firm, Lundberg Design. “It’s important to us to try to hire local businesses,” Herzog said. 

A charrette, where people can comment on the project, is planned for January 24. 

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