Construction of the $122.6-million project brought its own challenges. Workers uncovered the original theater foundation as well a below-grade stage and theater equipment. The team elected to install the below-grade shoring wall through the existing basement walls and remove the theater foundations to treat the soil as required for the new foundation.

The team also built the below-grade electrical vault first so that the project could use it for temporary power during construction. Subcontractors worked out of sequence to complete build-out of the entire vault so that PG&E could set the final transformers. This approach allowed for a quick switchover from temporary to permanent power and saved the project about $400,000.

50 Jones is GreenPoint rated Gold and includes a district steam system to preheat water and a solar thermal preheat system to reduce energy loads for the building’s heated water. A stormwater control design routs rainwater to an overflow cistern and flow-through planters with vegetation chosen specifically for the slow-release process. The planted areas, highly reflective pavers and roofing material mitigate the heat island effect. Precast cladding works as a thermal mass, delaying heat gain, and blends with the neighborhood. 

The project is organized around a large internal garden courtyard and a double-height lobby. Other amenities are positioned along the courtyard’s perimeter, including a fitness center and a co-working lounge. The furnishings are an eclectic mix of modern pieces with accents of tribal patterns and textures. Topping off the project is a roof deck with views of San Francisco’s main artery, Market Street, and the bay beyond.