The construction boom that's well on its way to transforming Market Street may claim another piece of real estate, as we've learned that Flax Art & Design, the art supply store located at the corner of Market and Valencia, could be demolished in order to make space for a new residential building.
According to the San Francisco Planning Department database, a preliminary project assessment has begun for this 25,900-square-foot parcel of land.
Based on the initial assessment, the tentative proposal includes plans to:
- Demolish the 60-year-old building and surface parking lots
- Construct a new 9-story building
- Add 160 residential units and 4,500 square feet of commercial space
- Add 123 below-grade parking spaces
The proposed project would provide setbacks and access from side streets, and the building and front courtyard would be designed to take advantage of natural light.
Flax Art & Design is a family-owned business that opened its first shop in San Francisco in 1938. This specific location began as a warehouse and discount retail store in 1977, and became the flagship store in 1981.
We spoke to a Flax manager on duty to ask if the company was aware of the plans, and she confirmed that they are aware of what's going on. She said that nothing is set in stone, and if anything did happen, it wouldn't begin for another two years.
No word yet on whether Flax will remain in the (still speculative) new ground level retail space or if something else could move in to take its place.
This news comes a day after we reported on new condos being built one block away at Market and Van Ness, the current location of the Honda dealership.
As a reminder, this is only an assessment, and no developer or architect is attached to this project. As soon as we hear about next steps (if there are any), we'll let you know.
