Organized Labor

By Richard Bermack, Contributing Writer and Photographer

The Mission Bay project includes 13 blocks of mainly residential apartments, including high-end executive, market-rate, and low-income units, and some commercial space. On the Job Site visited with members of Sheet Metal Workers Local 104 as they were working on seven buildings consisting of 1,297 apartments.

Building the Trades

The Ballot and Building

By Michael Theriault, Secretary-Treasurer
In our democratic system, we commonly accept that a fair disposition of certain complex issues is not the province of voters. We entrust justice, for example, to jurors who hear detailed evidence presented under strict rules and arguments for and against a position, who are obliged to sit and listen with no option to switch off the evidence or arguments, and who must then compare their conclusions with those of other jurors until they either reach a joint decision or declare that they are unable to decide. We who are not serving on a jury might have a strong opinion about a very public trial, but none of us would ever entrust justice to our fellow voters in an open election.
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Chinese Hospital Rises in Heart of Chinatown

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

All-Union Project Starts Steel Work

A new hospital in the heart of Chinatown is being built with an all-union crew. General contractor DPR Construction completed a major concrete pour at the end of December, and Herrick Steel is set to begin erecting steel this month for the Chinese Hospital. Demolition of the original hospital building at 835 Jackson Street built in 1924 began in late 2012.

Demo Begins on Old Bay Bridge

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Historic Photos and Computer Imaging Will be Used to Overcome Safety Challenges

Demolition of the old Bay Bridge began in November, with crews beginning the process of chipping away concrete and cutting steel on the 77-year-old structure. The demolition will be done roughly in the reverse order of the construction of the bridge.

Building Council Endorses David Chiu for Assembly Member

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Supervisor Answers Questions for Building Trades Readeers

Delegates to the SFBCTC voted to endorse Supervisor David Chiu for Assembly District 17 in the 2014 election. Chiu was part of the young and ‘progressive’ group of Supervisors elected in 2008 that includes Eric Mar, John Avalos and David Campos.

Five to Follow in 2014

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Upcoming Projects Continue Transformation of City Skyline

San Francisco’s building boom shows no signs of slowing in 2014. Across the city, plans are in the works for more construction of both residential and commercial properties. Below are five key projects that promise stellar results in the coming months.

Pension Money Funds Fremont Street Project

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Multi-Employer Property Trust Financing New Tower

Construction of a new 32-story residential tower at 299 Fremont is set to begin with funding from the Multi-Employer Property Trust (MEPT), a real estate equity fund representing 343 pension plans.

Golub & Co. is the developer for the $200 million, 409-unit luxury high-rise complex. The project at Block 6 of the Transbay Transit District will include an apartment tower, townhome residences, a ground-level courtyard and street-front retail.

Trades Headlines

870 Harrison in SoMa Gets Redesigned and Rendered

March 7

The latest version of the project is set to include 26 units "rich with modern design," four of which will be affordable.

California High-Speed Rail Backers Optimistic Despite Challenges

March 7

Gov. Jerry Brown, a strong advocate for the project, proposes using revenue from California’s Cap-and-Trade Program to fund the project, calling the project essential to addressing the state’s long-term transportation needs.

Construction of Apple's New San Francisco Flagship Store Gets Final Go Ahead

March 6

The main attraction will be a two story-tall glass facade facing Union Square, allowing passersby a good look inside the store from distance.

Oakland Mayor Quan Unveiling Her Own 10,000-resident Plan

March 6

Her plan, much like Brown's at the time, is to convince developers - and voters - that the city is functional, efficient and open for business.

Contractors Attend Kings Build Arena Workshop

March 6

Folks like that lined up by the hundreds to get into the first workshop aimed at helping small businesses navigate the tight construction schedule planned for the planned $448 million arena.