The city of San Francisco has released a Notice of Exemption for a new project at 700 Indiana Street in Dogpatch. This decision follows an appeal from last year, which sought to require a detailed environmental review. Dewey Land Company and MBC BioLabs are behind this project.
According to the notice, this laboratory project qualifies for a General Plan Exemption. This means it doesn’t need to go through the lengthy California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review, allowing the planning commission to focus on city regulations and codes instead.
The building will stand 54 feet tall and will provide approximately 72,350 square feet for laboratory use. In addition, it will include 8,440 square feet of shared outdoor space and a garage for 53 cars. There will be facilities for 15 bicycles, featuring four showers, 24 lockers, and even a bicycle repair station.
Designed by MBH Architects, the structure’s facade will combine black and gold-tone metal shading over its floor-to-ceiling windows. The aim is to enhance the architectural appeal of the Dogpatch area, particularly along the western edge of Esprit Park. The materials used will include stucco, smooth and texturized concrete, corrugated metal panels, and decorative bronze-tone aluminum sheets.
Covering 0.71 acres, the site is strategically located near I-280 and the 20th Street overpass, connecting Dogpatch with Potrero Hill. It’s also close to MBC BioLab’s main campus, which is a 24,000-square-foot hub at 953 Indiana Street. MBC BioLab has indicated that they are seeing a strong demand for space, making this new project even more vital.
Dewey Land Company acquired the land for $15 million in 2022. Construction is anticipated to take about 30 months and will cost around $40 million, although the exact start date is still unclear.
Overall, this project is set to be a significant addition to the Dogpatch neighborhood, enhancing local infrastructure while supporting the biotech community in San Francisco.
