Forma, both the project sponsor and architect, has unveiled new renderings and filed updated permits for a 26-story residential tower at 777 Sutter Street, a narrow 0.08-acre parcel currently home to the iconic Fleur De Lys restaurant. Once complete, the development will bring 36 rental units and a fresh vertical presence to San Francisco's historic Nob Hill neighborhood.
Rendering Courtesy of Forma
At 240 feet tall, the proposed tower will dramatically transform the small footprint of the lot with a bold salmon-colored infill structure. The building will total approximately 63,440 square feet, including 44,650 square feet of housing and 1,480 square feet of ground-floor retail. Parking will be limited to 36 bicycles, embracing the area’s walkability and public transit options.
Of the 36 planned rental apartments, six will be designated as affordable, in line with local inclusionary housing policies. Units will range from junior one-bedrooms to three- and five-bedroom layouts, with the smallest units located between floors 3 and 12, and the expansive five-bedroom apartments each occupying a full floor from the 13th story upward. The compact floorplates, just 2,650 square feet per level, allow for uniquely vertical living in the heart of the city.
Residents will also enjoy access to a 1,530-square-foot rooftop deck, offering shared open space with panoramic city views, a coveted amenity in dense urban environments.
The ambitious density of the project is made possible through Assembly Bill 1287, which allows for a 100 percent density bonus over base zoning. The project also leverages Senate Bill 423, enabling Forma to bypass certain zoning restrictions and secure waivers and concessions necessary for a high-rise of this scale on such a small lot.
Together, these state bills are reshaping how cities like San Francisco can accommodate more housing in constrained urban environments, especially in central locations like Lower Nob Hill, just a few blocks from Union Square and the historic Grace Cathedral.
The updated renderings show a sleek tower clad in ceramic panels and screen-printed glass, featuring a repeating Fleur De Lys pattern, a subtle homage to the restaurant that will be replaced. The salmon-hued facade adds a modern but context-sensitive touch to the eclectic streetscape of Sutter Street.
The development’s construction is currently estimated at 28.5 million dollars, though this figure does not include all associated development costs. The latest illustrations provide a clearer view of Forma’s design intent as the project moves forward through the city’s permitting process.
With bold design, efficient use of space, and a central location, the 777 Sutter Street tower is set to become a standout in San Francisco’s evolving skyline and a glimpse into the future of smart, vertical infill development in dense urban cores.