Tower Plans to Challenge Salesforce in San Francisco

San Francisco’s iconic skyline, currently dominated by the 1,070-foot Salesforce Tower (designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners), may soon welcome a new supertall rival. Houston-based developer Hines has unveiled ambitious plans for a 1,225-foot skyscraper as part of a larger mixed-use redevelopment at the former PG&E headquarters on 77 Beale Street just one block away from Salesforce Tower.

If approved, the new tower would dethrone Salesforce by 155 feet, becoming the tallest on the West Coast, surpassing Los Angeles’ 1,100-foot Wilshire Grand Center. It would also rank as the 11th tallest in the U.S., just below the Empire State Building. While no architect has been officially named, Pickard Chilton was involved in the site’s master plan, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).

A Mixed-Use Vision: Blending History with Modernity

Beyond the record-breaking tower, Hines’ proposal includes:

Restoration of two historic office buildings along Market Street (listed on the National Register of Historic Places).
Conversion of a third office building into a 120-unit residential complex.
A new one-acre public park, enhancing green space in the Financial District.
Approximately 1.6 million square feet of new office space, reinforcing San Francisco’s status as a global business hub.

This plan follows an earlier vision by Hines that included Foster + Partners, signaling a continued commitment to high-design urban revitalization.

Political & Public Reception

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie praised the proposal, stating on social media:

“This shows what’s possible when people believe in our city’s future.”

The project’s approval is still pending, but if realized, it would mark a new era for San Francisco’s skyline, which was previously defined by the Transamerica Pyramid (1972, William Pereira) before Salesforce Tower’s 2018 debut.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

San Francisco’s proposed supertall tower signals bold confidence in the city’s urban future, blending cutting-edge height with historic preservation. While the ambition is commendable, skeptics may question whether another corporate giant is necessary amid the city’s housing crisis and shifting work trends. However, the inclusion of residential conversion and public green space suggests a thoughtful balance one that could redefine downtown as more than just a financial hub, but a livable, dynamic urban core. If executed well, this project could set a new standard for mixed-use megadevelopments in evolving cities.

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