A new residential project is being proposed in the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa district. FORMA Development Design & Management has filed plans to redevelop its current office site at 896 Folsom Street into a slender 26-story residential tower. The plan was submitted just one day after a similar proposal for its sister project, underscoring the developer’s growing presence in the area.
Rendering Courtesy of FORMA
The new tower is set to rise 240 feet and deliver 132 apartments within approximately 114,070 square feet of total floor area. This includes 89,640 square feet dedicated to residential use, 5,010 square feet for parking, and 600 square feet for street-level retail space. The proposal features a two-level basement garage with parking for 20 vehicles.
Unit sizes will include a mix of 72 studios and junior one-bedrooms, along with 60 three-bedroom units. Of the total, 20 apartments will be designated as affordable housing, helping address the city’s ongoing housing needs.
Architecturally, the tower’s design resembles FORMA’s earlier work at 777 Sutter Street, combining ceramic panels with floor-to-ceiling glass for a sleek, modern aesthetic. The vertical emphasis of the facade aligns with Central SoMa’s high-rise character, while a partially open rooftop terrace will provide sweeping city views and resident amenities.
The project takes advantage of California’s Assembly Bill 1287, which grants a state density bonus, and AB 2011, which streamlines approvals for converting commercial properties into housing. Compared to a previous filing in December that proposed 125 units, the updated plan reflects a modest increase in residential capacity.
Located at the corner of Folsom Street and 5th Street, the 0.1-acre site offers excellent transit access, just a short walk from the Yerba Buena/Moscone light rail station and two blocks from Moscone Center. This location makes it particularly attractive for residents seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle in the heart of the city.
FORMA, also the property owner through Folsom and Fifth LLC, has operated its offices out of the existing two-story commercial building on-site. City records show the property last changed hands in 2008 for $2.05 million. While the construction timeline and budget have not yet been disclosed, this development marks another step in the ongoing evolution of SoMa into a denser, more livable neighborhood.