Planning Commission Granted 18-Month Extension to BXP
The developer behind the 725 Harrison St. office project has 18 months to secure tenants.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Remote Work
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Developers at BXP have received a formal extension for their 981,000-square-foot office project on Harrison Street. The project, which was initially allocated $1 billion in 2020, will now have an additional 18 months to attract the anchor tenants needed to trigger construction.
Why it matters
This project acts as a barometer for Central SoMa office demand as the city works to recover from a multi-year development freeze. Whether BXP successfully secures a pre-lease commitment will determine if the project breaks ground or continues to sit dormant.
The city has recorded 7 consecutive quarters of office leasing exceeding 2 million square feet, a trend BXP hopes to capitalize on for its 981,000-square-foot site. The firm requires a 30% to 50% pre-lease commitment to move forward with the $1 billion development.
The players
BXP
A major commercial real estate developer currently managing multiple office properties throughout San Francisco.
San Francisco Planning Commission
The local regulatory body that oversees land use and project entitlements in the city.
The details
The Planning Commission approved the extension on September 24, 2026, granting the developer more time to navigate the current economic landscape. BXP currently intends to phase the development, with potential demolition of existing structures on the site to begin in 2027. The firm pointed to recent successful leasing activity at its 680 Folsom Street property as evidence of continued demand for modern office space in the area.
Timeline
January 2020: The board initially allocated $1 billion for the office project.
September 24, 2026: The Planning Commission granted the 18-month extension.
2027: The potential start date for the demolition of existing buildings.
Across the Bay
This project expansion follows the development pattern established by the 2023 Central Subway opening in Central SoMa. It reflects a wider trend of commercial developers adjusting to post-pandemic office demand in the same neighborhood.
If you live or work near 725 Harrison St., watch for potential demolition activity starting as early as 2027. The project outcome may change the skyline and foot traffic in the heart of Central SoMa over the coming years.
The takeaway
San Franciscans should track whether the developer secures a mid-sized anchor tenant, as this is the primary requirement for the $1 billion construction plan to proceed. Monitor Planning Commission agendas for future updates regarding the site's phased development schedule.
Further reading
For more on the changing landscape of local commercial real estate, visit Remote Work.
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