888 Brannan

A Tech Building Then—and Now

Originally built by the National Carbon Company, this historic structure at the corner of 8th and Brannan in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood housed a manufacturing facility for Eveready Batteries in 1916. Today it has been completely renovated and leased to a fast-growing leader in new technology, Airbnb.

888 Brannan Street
San Francisco, CA
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431,086 SF

Office/Light Industrial

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the five-floor concrete warehouse once had train track running right through the area that is now the entrance lobby and central atrium. A foreclosure by Wells Fargo left the building 75 percent vacant when we purchased it in 2011. The original zoning required a split between office and light industrial use; however we knew its historic designation allowed for full office use, so we successfully re-entitled the building for 100% office space.

In addition to a full overhaul of all structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems, our comprehensive renovation focused on the creation of welcoming collaboration spaces to reinforce the strong sense of community that is Airbnb.

The atrium is fitted with modern furnishings inspired by nature and pays homage to the building’s history with train tracks carved right into the polished concrete floor.

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