One of the largest fires to hit San Francisco in years has destroyed MB360, a 360-unit rental building under construction that had been set to open later this year. More than 150 firefighters worked to contain the flames and prevent the spread of the fire to surrounding buildings. The fire created a billowing shroud of smoke that could be seen from points across the city. It briefly spread to the roof of UCSF's Mission Bay research building a block away, but was quickly put out. MB360, however, was completely lost and the structure is expected to collapse. One firefighter suffered minor burns, but there were no other injuries.
The building that burned and the block it is on are part of a quickly-developing corridor along Fourth Street that is set to include housing and retail. MB360, which was being developed by BRE properties, is located among nearly four other residential construction projects that would, when finished, provide almost 900 units. Its destruction will undoubtedly be a blow to the burgeoning area. "We were finally getting the critical mass to support shops and restaurants," John Rahaim, the city's planning director, told the Chronicle. "In the long run, it will be built, but this will delay things."
· Bay's Mega Projects in Handy Map Form [Curbed SF]
· Huge Fire Destroys Mission Bay Construction [SFGate]
· Mission Bay Fire a Blow to Emerging Neighborhood [SFGate]