Phase 1 of the ambitious Mission Rock urban redevelopment project is underway, promising to transform a significant area of San Francisco into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood. This groundbreaking initiative is the result of collaborative design efforts from five renowned studios: Studio Gang, WORKac, MVRDV, SCAPE, and Henning Larsen, collectively envisioning a revitalized community hub. Mission Rock is set to become a new home for residents, innovative businesses, local artisans, creators, and a diverse array of shops, cafes, and social amenities.
The project’s scale is impressive, encompassing eight acres of parks and green spaces, alongside over 1,000 new homes, with a commitment to affordability as 40% are reserved for moderate-income households. Furthermore, Mission Rock will offer approximately 1.4 million square feet of office space and 200,000 square feet dedicated to retail and restaurant businesses, creating a dynamic economic ecosystem within the neighborhood.
Henning Larsen, responsible for the design of the Visa campus building within Mission Rock, emphasized the collaborative spirit of the project. Design Director Daniel Baumann stated, “To create a space that integrates seamlessly into the fabric of San Francisco’s newest neighborhood, our approach to Mission Rock and the Visa campus was born out of meaningful collaboration and a shared understanding of the urban environment.” He further explained that through workshops with clients and co-designers, a scheme was developed where individual elements are conceptually united, forming an architectural and social centerpiece for the city.
The Visa building, despite its substantial 13 stories, is designed with a human scale in mind. The design cleverly breaks down the large commercial block into smaller, more intimate ‘neighborhood’ units. Carved-out bays create a dynamic massing and a more approachable streetscape, enhancing the pedestrian experience. With 360° retail planned for the ground floor, significant attention is being paid to developing unique and inviting storefronts that will activate the street level and encourage public engagement.
The building’s faceted façade is a striking feature, complemented by lush, spacious terraces that ascend from the podium. These terraces visually extend the adjacent China Basin Park upwards, creating a green continuum. This culminates in an expansive terrace wrapping around the tower at the fifth level, offering panoramic views. On the southwest side, generous, wind-sheltered terraces will further ascend, leading to a north-facing rooftop terrace, providing a variety of outdoor spaces for occupants and visitors to enjoy within Mission Rock.
