San Francisco Commercial Real Estate News: “The Scoop”

Ever wonder who makes up San Francisco? Thinking of moving here? Here are a few of the statistics…

Population: 809,000 2nd most densely populated city in US (after New York) and there are an estimated 120,000 dogs in this city which means roughly 14% of San Franciscans have a canine best friend.

51% are male 49% are female (and only 16% are gay/lesbian - but it can feel like a lot more to the single women around here). We do have, and proudly so, the highest percentage of same sex-households of the 50 largest US cities.

13% are 14 years old & under
San Francisco has the lowest % of children of any large US cities.
72% are 15 to 65
15% are over 65

53% are Caucasian (non-Hispanic)
32% Asian American
14% Hispanic American
7% African-American

46% speak other than English at home
26% speak Asian language at home
12% speak Spanish at home
7% speak other Indo-European language
37% born in California
27% in another US state
6% born outside of US
16% are not US citizens

54% registered as Democrats
11% as Republicans
4% as Green
28% Decline to State

Travel and Leisure magazine just ranked us #10 of the Worlds Top Cities Overall…but I have to say having lived in Sydney for several years (which ranked #11) and SF I’m gonna have to say Sydney almost has us beat - just on the weather, a bigger prettier bay, and a lot more trees - but I suppose I did settle back here to my hometown so. Back to SF being #10 but it’s a really close call.

2009’s World’s Best Cities -Top 10 Cities Overall [Travel & Leisure Magazine]

With $58,355,593 of tax credits already allocated, $101,638,616 in credits claimed, and 1,505 applications in a back-up position, the California Franchise Tax Board has stopped accepting applications for $10,000 tax credits for new home buyers in California. ∙ California Tax…

According to San Francisco’s latest Economic Barometer, the average asking rent for one-bedrooms in the city fell 6.3% from April to May and is down 15.4% year-over-year while the commercial average asking lease rate has fallen 30.6% year-over-year. The…

“The decision to select a British firm [Foster + Partners] to renovate 50 United Nations Plaza has provoked controversy as the project was made possible by the $130 billion federal stimulus fund for building renovation and construction.” ∙ American…

700 Valencia has topped off and is filling out. And based on the framing, the fourth floor facade looks to have changed ever so slightly from its original design. ∙ 700 Valencia Street: The Details And Designs For Moving…

While tax records suggest a purchase price of $1,575,000 in July 2007, a newly gutted 1130 Cole Street with “approved permitted drawings for 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 separate powder rooms, family room and 2 car garage” returned…

While “slashing prices” by up to 30% might have been a “smashing success” late last year, according to the Polaris Group, with roughly 120 out of 130 units sold Symphony Towers has closed their sales office and is going the…

As we wrote in February: A “big pit” and un-renovated historic brick building for seven years when the development of a dotcom office park stalled out, in 2007 the calling to become condominiums came. Originally known as Bryant Commons…

“[Shimmering levees of water that shield cities, or laser beams slicing across water through the night], these are two of six winners announced Tuesday in a design competition that responds to a real-life threat - scientific projections that in…

As has already been noted by a reader, the sale of 141 Beaver Street closed escrow on 7/9/09 with a reported contract price of $1,650,000* (note UPDATE below). Originally asking $1,850,000 and sold for $1,650,000 in November 2002. Also…