Kilroy Realty Corp.’s massive Flower Mart project in Central SoMa has received approvals.
The Planning Commission on Thursday gave the go-ahead for the massive 2.2 million-square-foot project at Sixth and Brannan streets. After five years of planning — and a series of contentious discussions about what exactly should happen to the decades-old Flower Mart — the project has become the latest one approved in Central SoMa.
The Flower Mart is home to more than 50 owner-operator businesses. A number of vendors attended the meeting on Thursday to express their support for the project, even if their own ultimate destination remains uncertain.
“The goal we’ve had for the last five years is for the San Francisco Flower Mart to survive … hopefully for the next 100 years,” said Jeanne Boes, the mart’s general manager and COO.
During construction, Flower Mart vendors will move to a temporary site at 2000 Marin St. near Cesar Chavez Street and Interstate 280. After that, they have a period of 120 days to decide whether they want to relocate back to Sixth and Brannan or find a new location.
Kilroy won’t receive its certificate of occupancy until it pays all obligations under the development agreement, including an estimated $31 million for an off-site Flower Mart plus an estimated $50 million for the interim site, the Business Times previously reported.
Nearby in Central SoMa, Tishman Speyer also received approvals for two projects earlier this month. Up next week is a slightly tweaked version of TMG Partners and Alexandria Real Estate Equities’ 88 Bluxome St.
If the Flower Mart remains in place, Kilroy’s buildout will include three eight to 18-story office buildings; if the mart moves elsewhere, the project will contain slightly more office space and also include childcare facilities.
Commissioners questioned various architectural differences between the two scenarios and said the future of the Flower Mart remained their chief concern. Ultimately, though, they were supportive.
“I don’t think there’s anything this project doesn’t have,” said Commissioner Joel Koppel.
Step Into The Mart... 
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