Astrid Kane

Lauren Saria

Although the Salesforce Tower snatched the crown as the city’s tallest building, the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid showed San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/transamerica-pyramid-renovation-beacon/">who the real boss of the skyline is</a> Thursday. A spectacular laser-light projection graced the 853-foot icon’s east facade, with the Thievery Corporation performing live in the redesigned redwood grove below.

Exclusive: The Transamerica Pyramid’s renovation is underway. We got a peek from the top

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Although the Salesforce Tower snatched the crown as the city’s tallest building, the newly renovated Transamerica Pyramid showed San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/05/06/transamerica-pyramid-renovation-beacon/">who the real boss of the skyline is</a> Thursday. A spectacular laser-light projection graced the 853-foot icon’s east facade, with the Thievery Corporation performing live in the redesigned redwood grove below.

It was all in celebration of the skyscraper’s grand reopening. Under the canopy of towering redwoods, both illuminated from below and strung with lights, guests sampled skewers of grilled chicken thighs topped with a heap of leek and coconut slaw and croquettes filled with curry-spiced fig jam and a shower of Parmesan — an indication of owner Michael Shvo’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/19/new-transamerica-pyramid-restaurants/">aspirations for the building to become a food destination</a>.

Can the Transamerica Pyramid become a food hub? This star chef is betting on it

It was all in celebration of the skyscraper’s grand reopening. Under the canopy of towering redwoods, both illuminated from below and strung with lights, guests sampled skewers of grilled chicken thighs topped with a heap of leek and coconut slaw and croquettes filled with curry-spiced fig jam and a shower of Parmesan — an indication of owner Michael Shvo’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/08/19/new-transamerica-pyramid-restaurants/">aspirations for the building to become a food destination</a>.

A laser show is seen during at the opening party for the official re-opening of the Transamerica Pyramid San Francisco on September 12,  2024. The iconic building was renovated and parts of it were re-opened to the public with a party featuring a laser light snow and a  concert with Thievery Corporation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_8-edited.jpg" alt="A bronze-colored statue holds a bouquet of vivid pink and red flowers in front of a tall, illuminated triangular skyscraper under a dark night sky." class="wp-image-311336"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A spectacular laser-light projection graced the 853-foot icon’s east facade.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_8-edited.jpg" alt="A bronze-colored statue holds a bouquet of vivid pink and red flowers in front of a tall, illuminated triangular skyscraper under a dark night sky." class="wp-image-311336"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A spectacular laser-light projection graced the 853-foot icon’s east facade.</figcaption></figure>

XXX at the opening party for the official re-opening of the Transamerica Pyramid San Francisco on September 12,  2024. The iconic building was renovated and parts of it were re-opened to the public with a party featuring a laser light snow and a  concert with Thievery Corporation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_11-edited.jpg" alt="A group of people are looking upwards at night, with some holding their phones up. They are outdoors with illuminated trees and city lights in the background." class="wp-image-311335"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests at the reopening party gather under the canopy of towering redwoods, both illuminated from below and strung with lights.</figcaption></figure>

Thievery Corporation performs at the opening party for the official re-opening of the Transamerica Pyramid San Francisco on September 12,  2024. The iconic building was renovated and parts of it were re-opened to the public with a party featuring a laser light snow and a  concert with Thievery Corporation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_12-edited.jpg" alt="Three musicians perform on an outdoor, forest-lit stage; a guitarist on the left, a singer in the center with a mic, and another vocalist on the right." class="wp-image-311340"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thievery Corporation performs its genre-defying blend of trip-hop, world music, and downtempo EDM.</figcaption></figure>

There was comparatively little talk about how the Pyramid, bought by Shvo in 2020 for $650 million, is trying to sign commercial leases at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/transamerica-pyramid-downtown-san-francisco-michael-shvo/">previously unheard-of rates for San Francisco</a>. Even less about the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/core-club-michael-shvo-transamerica-pyramid-lawsuit/">controversies dogging owner Shvo’s other properties</a>, likely a relief for the building&#8217;s owner considering how the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/shvo-must-go-banner-flown-above-transamerica-pyramid/">legal drama literally loomed over the ceremonies</a> earlier in the day.

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There was comparatively little talk about how the Pyramid, bought by Shvo in 2020 for $650 million, is trying to sign commercial leases at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/transamerica-pyramid-downtown-san-francisco-michael-shvo/">previously unheard-of rates for San Francisco</a>. Even less about the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/core-club-michael-shvo-transamerica-pyramid-lawsuit/">controversies dogging owner Shvo’s other properties</a>, likely a relief for the building's owner considering how the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/shvo-must-go-banner-flown-above-transamerica-pyramid/">legal drama literally loomed over the ceremonies</a> earlier in the day.

There was comparatively little talk about how the Pyramid, bought by Shvo in 2020 for $650 million, is trying to sign commercial leases at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/24/transamerica-pyramid-downtown-san-francisco-michael-shvo/">previously unheard-of rates for San Francisco</a>. Even less about the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/06/26/core-club-michael-shvo-transamerica-pyramid-lawsuit/">controversies dogging owner Shvo’s other properties</a>, likely a relief for the building&#8217;s owner considering how the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/09/12/shvo-must-go-banner-flown-above-transamerica-pyramid/">legal drama literally loomed over the ceremonies</a> earlier in the day.

After a local media outlet erroneously indicated that the party was open to the general public, hundreds of people registered last-minute, and many succeeded in getting in. By 7 p.m., lines stretched north and south from the entrance at Mark Twain Alley and Sansome Street, with queues eventually wrapping around the corner. The wait for a cocktail at the bars was almost as long.

After a local media outlet erroneously indicated that the party was open to the general public, hundreds of people registered last-minute, and many succeeded in getting in. By 7 p.m., lines stretched north and south from the entrance at Mark Twain Alley and Sansome Street, with queues eventually wrapping around the corner. The wait for a cocktail at the bars was almost as long.

Miko Marker, a developer who builds premanufactured housing in the Central Valley, had never been inside the building before. “It’s bumping,” she said of the party. “It reminds me of Burning Man.”

Miko Marker, a developer who builds premanufactured housing in the Central Valley, had never been inside the building before. “It’s bumping,” she said of the party. “It reminds me of Burning Man.”

Nate Payne poses for a portrait at the opening party for the official re-opening of the Transamerica Pyramid San Francisco on September 12,  2024. The iconic building was renovated and parts of it were re-opened to the public with a party featuring a laser light snow and a  concert with Thievery Corporation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_19.jpg?w=2000" alt="A man wearing sunglasses holds a drink in one hand and a phone in the other, posing in front of a tall, illuminated, triangular building at night." class="wp-image-311341"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“We totally need more of this,” said Nate Payne, a graphic designer who grew up in the Fillmore, snapping a selfie.</figcaption></figure>

Light trails from a boat crossing the San Francisco Bay illuminated ate the water during a laser light show plays on the Transamerica Pyramid Center to inaugurate its reopening in San Francisco on Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024. Transamerica Pyramid Center, an historic block on the northern edge of San Francisco’s Financial District, is reopening following a $1 billion dollar investment by luxury real estate development firm SHVO and remastering by Pritzker Prize Laureate Lord Norman Foster and his global architecture firm Foster + Partners.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240911-transamericalightshow-jk-05-edited.jpg" alt="The image shows a city skyline at night with brightly lit buildings, dominated by a tall pyramid-shaped skyscraper illuminated in blue lights." class="wp-image-311310"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A laser-light show ensures all eyes are on the Transamerica Pyramid Thursday to celebrate its reopening.</figcaption></figure>

Avni Barman looks up at a model of the Transamerica Pyramid at the opening party for the official re-opening of the Transamerica Pyramid San Francisco on September 12,  2024. The iconic building was renovated and parts of it were re-opened to the public with a party featuring a laser light snow and a  concert with Thievery Corporation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_14-edited.jpg" alt="Three people admire a detailed architectural model of tall buildings in a dimly lit museum, with framed sketches and a small screen displayed on the walls behind them." class="wp-image-311349"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">“The Vertical City” exhibit features scale models of the Transamerica Pyramid and other Foster + Partners architectural projects worldwide.</figcaption></figure>

It was a very different scene from the tightly orchestrated parade of VIPs who spoke at a ribbon-cutting Thursday morning, among them Mayor London Breed, former Mayor Willie Brown, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Shvo, and Norman Foster, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/life-in-seven-songs-podcast-norman-foster/">the Bach-loving architect the developer hired</a> to reimagine the complex. Foster’s redesign doubled the amount of public space while leaving the Pyramid’s pale concrete exterior untouched.

Podcast: The original starchitect, Norman Foster, on the music that shaped him

It was a very different scene from the tightly orchestrated parade of VIPs who spoke at a ribbon-cutting Thursday morning, among them Mayor London Breed, former Mayor Willie Brown, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, Shvo, and Norman Foster, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/07/30/life-in-seven-songs-podcast-norman-foster/">the Bach-loving architect the developer hired</a> to reimagine the complex. Foster’s redesign doubled the amount of public space while leaving the Pyramid’s pale concrete exterior untouched.

Partygoers milled about the redwood grove, now filled with animal sculptures, and stepped inside a first-floor gallery to view intricate scale models of <a href="https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/foster-plus-partners-completes-restoration-of-iconic-transamerica-pyramid-center">Foster + Partners’ work worldwide</a>. That exhibit, “The Vertical City,” shows off the starchitect’s affection for latticework — <a href="https://thegherkin.com/">and phallic symbols</a> — in his designs. (Apple’s doughnut-shaped headquarters in Menlo Park, Foster’s other well-known Bay Area commission, was curiously excluded.)

Partygoers milled about the redwood grove, now filled with animal sculptures, and stepped inside a first-floor gallery to view intricate scale models of <a href="https://www.fosterandpartners.com/news/foster-plus-partners-completes-restoration-of-iconic-transamerica-pyramid-center">Foster + Partners’ work worldwide</a>. That exhibit, “The Vertical City,” shows off the starchitect’s affection for latticework — <a href="https://thegherkin.com/">and phallic symbols</a> — in his designs. (Apple’s doughnut-shaped headquarters in Menlo Park, Foster’s other well-known Bay Area commission, was curiously excluded.)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_13-edited.jpg" alt="A tall building is brightly illuminated with multi-colored lights and lasers, set against a dark night sky, with trees framing the sides." class="wp-image-311339"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Multicolored lasers dance over the pyramid’s facade in pulsating geometric forms.</figcaption></figure>

People gather underneath a projection of redwood trees at the opening party for the official re-opening of the Transamerica Pyramid San Francisco on September 12,  2024. The iconic building was renovated and parts of it were re-opened to the public with a party featuring a laser light snow and a  concert with Thievery Corporation.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20240912_transamericapyramidlighting_aar_4-edited.jpg" alt="Two people's silhouettes are against a blue, starry background with tree-like patterns, and green plants are visible in the lower part of the image." class="wp-image-311344"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The nighttime party contrasted from the tightly orchestrated parade of VIPs who spoke at a ribbon-cutting Thursday morning.</figcaption></figure>

Initially scheduled for 8:30 p.m., the light show began half an hour later, backed by the genre-defying duo Thievery Corporation’s blend of trip-hop, world music, and downtempo EDM. Multicolored lasers danced over the building in pulsating geometric forms, with a precision that ran nearly from base to beacon, including one of the Pyramid’s architectural “shoulders.”

Initially scheduled for 8:30 p.m., the light show began half an hour later, backed by the genre-defying duo Thievery Corporation’s blend of trip-hop, world music, and downtempo EDM. Multicolored lasers danced over the building in pulsating geometric forms, with a precision that ran nearly from base to beacon, including one of the Pyramid’s architectural “shoulders.”

Although many attendees seemed not to have heard of Shvo, they were hoping for something dramatic — something that would eclipse <a href="https://sf.curbed.com/2019/10/30/20928913/halloween-salesforce-tower-light-display-2019-show">the “Eye of Sauron” LED effect</a> that Salesforce Tower has done at Halloween.

Although many attendees seemed not to have heard of Shvo, they were hoping for something dramatic — something that would eclipse <a href="https://sf.curbed.com/2019/10/30/20928913/halloween-salesforce-tower-light-display-2019-show">the “Eye of Sauron” LED effect</a> that Salesforce Tower has done at Halloween.

“We totally need more of this,” said Nate Payne, a graphic designer who grew up in the Fillmore. Ticking off places like Dubai and Shanghai where lit-up towers are commonplace, he added, “It’s like we’re playing catch-up here in the world’s most beautiful city.”

“We totally need more of this,” said Nate Payne, a graphic designer who grew up in the Fillmore. Ticking off places like Dubai and Shanghai where lit-up towers are commonplace, he added, “It’s like we’re playing catch-up here in the world’s most beautiful city.”

A laser light show plays on the Transamerica Pyramid Center to inaugurate its reopening in San Francisco on Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024. Transamerica Pyramid Center, an historic block on the northern edge of San Francisco’s Financial District, is reopening following a $1 billion dollar investment by luxury real estate development firm SHVO and remastering by Pritzker Prize Laureate Lord Norman Foster and his global architecture firm Foster + Partners.

The Transamerica Pyramid has always been an icon. Now it’s an art installation

Kevin Truong

The equivalent of more than 20 Salesforce Towers worth of office space is currently vacant in San Francisco and the record-breaking number is only expected to grow in the new year, according to preliminary data from real estate firm CBRE. 

The equivalent of more than 20 Salesforce Towers worth of office space is currently vacant in San Francisco and the record-breaking number is only expected to grow in the new year, according to preliminary data from real estate firm CBRE.

More than a third of the city’s total office space—35.9%—is currently empty in the fourth quarter, a rise of nearly two percentage points compared to the previous three months. That proportion amounts to more than 31.5 million square feet of vacant space.

More than a third of the city’s total office space—35.9%—is currently empty in the fourth quarter, a rise of nearly two percentage points compared to the previous three months. That proportion amounts to more than 31.5 million square feet of vacant space.

Salesforce Tower, the city’s tallest office high-rise, has 1.4 million square feet of rentable space, meaning the vacant space on the market is equal to more than 22 towers.

Salesforce Tower, the city’s tallest office high-rise, has 1.4 million square feet of rentable space, meaning the vacant space on the market is equal to more than 22 towers.

Office vacancy rates in San Francisco hit all-time highs during the pandemic and have continued to break records. The swath of space on the market is particularly striking when compared to the sub-5% vacancies seen in the city before the pandemic. San Francisco has experienced the sharpest rise in vacancy rates of any major office market in the country. 

Office vacancy rates in San Francisco hit all-time highs during the pandemic and have continued to break records. The swath of space on the market is particularly striking when compared to the sub-5% vacancies seen in the city before the pandemic. San Francisco has experienced the sharpest rise in vacancy rates of any major office market in the country.

The vacancy challenges are connected to a broader decline in the market values of office properties in San Francisco, which has <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=kevin+truong+real+estate&amp;sca_esv=591956038&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;ei=faOAZbTDObfKkPIPk9eNwAg&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj09cH14ZmDAxU3JUQIHZNrA4gQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=kevin+truong+real+estate&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiGGtldmluIHRydW9uZyByZWFsIGVzdGF0ZTIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYqwJIgw5QiAJYwwxwAngAkAEAmAH7AaABwBGqAQUwLjYuNrgBA8gBAPgBAcICChAuGIAEGIoFGEPCAgUQABiABMICCxAAGIAEGIoFGJECwgILEC4YrwEYxwEYgATCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICGRAuGIAEGIoFGEMYlwUY3AQY3gQY4ATYAQHCAgYQABgWGB7iAwQYASBBiAYBugYGCAEQARgU&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp">meant lower tax revenues</a> and a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-budget-cuts-800-million-deficit-taxes-spending/">growing municipal budget crunch</a> while leaving some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/author/kevin-truong/">bargains for opportunistic private investors</a>.&nbsp;

Facing $800M deficit, San Francisco mayor orders steep budget cuts

The vacancy challenges are connected to a broader decline in the market values of office properties in San Francisco, which has <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=kevin+truong+real+estate&amp;sca_esv=591956038&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;ei=faOAZbTDObfKkPIPk9eNwAg&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj09cH14ZmDAxU3JUQIHZNrA4gQ4dUDCBA&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=kevin+truong+real+estate&amp;gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiGGtldmluIHRydW9uZyByZWFsIGVzdGF0ZTIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYqwJIgw5QiAJYwwxwAngAkAEAmAH7AaABwBGqAQUwLjYuNrgBA8gBAPgBAcICChAuGIAEGIoFGEPCAgUQABiABMICCxAAGIAEGIoFGJECwgILEC4YrwEYxwEYgATCAgsQLhiABBjHARivAcICGRAuGIAEGIoFGEMYlwUY3AQY3gQY4ATYAQHCAgYQABgWGB7iAwQYASBBiAYBugYGCAEQARgU&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-serp">meant lower tax revenues</a> and a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/12/13/san-francisco-budget-cuts-800-million-deficit-taxes-spending/">growing municipal budget crunch</a> while leaving some <a href="https://sfstandard.com/author/kevin-truong/">bargains for opportunistic private investors</a>.&nbsp;

A handful of leases expired and several large subleases were placed back on the market during the fourth quarter. Negative net absorption—a real estate term meaning loss of occupancy of office space—was at -6.7 million square feet for 2023, the highest number seen since 2020. 

A handful of leases expired and several large subleases were placed back on the market during the fourth quarter. Negative net absorption—a real estate term meaning loss of occupancy of office space—was at -6.7 million square feet for 2023, the highest number seen since 2020.

Leasing activity did pick up early in the fourth quarter, with major deals like OpenAI snapping up nearly a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/openai-uber-headquarters-mission-bay/">half-million square feet of space</a> at Uber’s Mission Bay headquarters. AI companies continued to drive leasing demand, accounting for around 28% of total leasing activity last year.

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI officially inks massive San Francisco office lease

Leasing activity did pick up early in the fourth quarter, with major deals like OpenAI snapping up nearly a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/10/27/openai-uber-headquarters-mission-bay/">half-million square feet of space</a> at Uber’s Mission Bay headquarters. AI companies continued to drive leasing demand, accounting for around 28% of total leasing activity last year.

However, experts say the idea of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ai+won%27t+save+sfstandard&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=ai+won%27t+save+sfstandard&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAHSAQg3NDAxajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">AI as a savior</a> for the city’s struggling office market is a long shot, particularly as AI companies generally try to limit headcount via technology.

However, experts say the idea of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=ai+won%27t+save+sfstandard&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_en&amp;oq=ai+won%27t+save+sfstandard&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQIRgKGKABMgkIAhAhGAoYoAHSAQg3NDAxajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">AI as a savior</a> for the city’s struggling office market is a long shot, particularly as AI companies generally try to limit headcount via technology.

But even with those tailwinds, there are some signs of light at the end of the tunnel.

But even with those tailwinds, there are some signs of light at the end of the tunnel.

Colin Yasukochi, executive director of CBRE&#8217;s Tech Insights Center, believes vacancy rates will likely continue to rise in the first half of 2024 before topping out and stabilizing in the second half. 

Colin Yasukochi, executive director of CBRE's Tech Insights Center, believes vacancy rates will likely continue to rise in the first half of 2024 before topping out and stabilizing in the second half.

Colin Yasukochi, executive director of CBRE&#8217;s Tech Insights Center, believes vacancy rates will likely continue to rise in the first half of 2024 before topping out and stabilizing in the second half.

That provides a positive signal for the city’s real estate market, particularly paired with indications that the federal government will cut interest rates next year.

That provides a positive signal for the city’s real estate market, particularly paired with indications that the federal government will cut interest rates next year.

More than a third of San Francisco’s office space is currently vacant

Joshua Bote

A Salesforce senior director based in San Francisco alleged in a lawsuit that she was illegally laid off while on leave for a “serious health crisis.”

A Salesforce senior director based in San Francisco alleged in a lawsuit that she was illegally laid off while on leave for a “serious health crisis.”

Attorneys for Dina Zelikson filed the suit accusing the tech company of discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and a violation of California’s worker leave laws in a complaint filed in San Francisco Superior Court Monday.

Attorneys for Dina Zelikson filed the suit accusing the tech company of discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination and a violation of California’s worker leave laws in a complaint filed in San Francisco Superior Court Monday.

Zelikson alleges in the lawsuit she was just one of many pieces of “deadwood”—defined in the suit as “unproductive employees on leave”—that were cut as part of Salesforce’s layoffs earlier this year. The layoffs hit around 10% of Salesforce’s worker base, affecting more than 7,000 workers globally.

Zelikson alleges in the lawsuit she was just one of many pieces of “deadwood”—defined in the suit as “unproductive employees on leave”—that were cut as part of Salesforce’s layoffs earlier this year. The layoffs hit around 10% of Salesforce’s worker base, affecting more than 7,000 workers globally.

Zelikson is seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages for economic loss, emotional distress and punitive damages, along with attorney’s fees.

Zelikson is seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages for economic loss, emotional distress and punitive damages, along with attorney’s fees.

A Salesforce spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit.

A Salesforce spokesperson declined to comment on the lawsuit.

In the suit, she did not mince words about her former employer or its CEO, Marc Benioff, characterizing the company’s self-branding as “a family environment,” using the Hawaiian term Ohana, as mere “lip service.” The lawsuit even took a shot at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=salesforce%20tower">the Salesforce Tower</a>, calling it a “giant phallic symbol changing the San Francisco skyline.”

In the suit, she did not mince words about her former employer or its CEO, Marc Benioff, characterizing the company’s self-branding as “a family environment,” using the Hawaiian term Ohana, as mere “lip service.” The lawsuit even took a shot at <a href="https://sfstandard.com/search/?query=salesforce%20tower">the Salesforce Tower</a>, calling it a “giant phallic symbol changing the San Francisco skyline.”

Zelikson was initally hired at the company in mid-2020 as a director of global digital marketing focusing primarily on MuleSoft—a software company acquired by Salesforce in 2018. By April 2022, she had been promoted to a senior director role and had a “positive, interactive, and supportive working relationship” with her manager at the time, Salesforce vice president Rick Tolman.&nbsp;

Zelikson was initally hired at the company in mid-2020 as a director of global digital marketing focusing primarily on MuleSoft—a software company acquired by Salesforce in 2018. By April 2022, she had been promoted to a senior director role and had a “positive, interactive, and supportive working relationship” with her manager at the time, Salesforce vice president Rick Tolman.&nbsp;

But come August 2022, their working relationship soured, according to the suit. Zelikson was undergoing treatment to determine if brain tumors removed during a prior procedure had returned; she recently began suffering from “serious neurological symptoms and a newly diagnosed issue of high blood pressure” at the time.

But come August 2022, their working relationship soured, according to the suit. Zelikson was undergoing treatment to determine if brain tumors removed during a prior procedure had returned; she recently began suffering from “serious neurological symptoms and a newly diagnosed issue of high blood pressure” at the time.

Tolman allegedly began icing her out after she disclosed her condition, cutting scheduled meetings and not responding to her Slack messages. By October, Tolman allegedly reassigned Zelikson to another senior director and a friend of Tolman’s, the suit alleges, in an effort “to push her out as it was effectively demoting her.”&nbsp;

Tolman allegedly began icing her out after she disclosed her condition, cutting scheduled meetings and not responding to her Slack messages. By October, Tolman allegedly reassigned Zelikson to another senior director and a friend of Tolman’s, the suit alleges, in an effort “to push her out as it was effectively demoting her.”&nbsp;

In that meeting, Tolman allegedly said that Zelikson was “unreliable” due to having to take time off for her health concerns and questioned her “ability to perform her job in light of her recent health issues.” He also “referenced impending layoffs in a threatening manner.” By December, she had been formally approved for a three-month leave of absence.

In that meeting, Tolman allegedly said that Zelikson was “unreliable” due to having to take time off for her health concerns and questioned her “ability to perform her job in light of her recent health issues.” He also “referenced impending layoffs in a threatening manner.” By December, she had been formally approved for a three-month leave of absence.

About a month in, she allegedly received a text message from her new supervisor that she would be affected by the layoffs. “sorry it sucks so bad,” the message allegedly read. The company also neglected to provide any “clear and consistent” information about her termination date, the suit said; it was only when legal counsel took action that she received an exact date of when she was laid off.

About a month in, she allegedly received a text message from her new supervisor that she would be affected by the layoffs. “sorry it sucks so bad,” the message allegedly read. The company also neglected to provide any “clear and consistent” information about her termination date, the suit said; it was only when legal counsel took action that she received an exact date of when she was laid off.

Salesforce also denied her long-term disability coverage due to a paperwork snafu that her legal representatives deemed “common and bogus.” Zelikson is currently appealing the denial.

Salesforce also denied her long-term disability coverage due to a paperwork snafu that her legal representatives deemed “common and bogus.” Zelikson is currently appealing the denial.

This is the second lawsuit by a high-level Salesforce staffer in recent months; in July, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/salesforce-executive-lawsuit-genie-software-18301778.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a senior vice president sued the company in Massachusetts federal court</a> over allegations of fraud and retaliation.

This is the second lawsuit by a high-level Salesforce staffer in recent months; in July, <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/salesforce-executive-lawsuit-genie-software-18301778.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a senior vice president sued the company in Massachusetts federal court</a> over allegations of fraud and retaliation.

Salesforce sacked exec on leave during ‘traumatic health crisis,’ suit alleges

Noah Baustin

A San Francisco real estate firm is proposing a towering new Downtown skyscraper that would contain more than 600 apartments and alter the city’s skyline.

A San Francisco real estate firm is proposing a towering new Downtown skyscraper that would contain more than 600 apartments and alter the city’s skyline.

Bayhill Ventures, a local real estate and investment firm, said Thursday it is seeking city approval to develop 530 Howard St., near the intersection with First Street. The location is south of Market Street, just a block from the Salesforce Tower.

Bayhill Ventures, a local real estate and investment firm, said Thursday it is seeking city approval to develop 530 Howard St., near the intersection with First Street. The location is south of Market Street, just a block from the Salesforce Tower.

The company hopes to build an 840-foot-tall building containing 672 apartments, according to its announcement. The residences would be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments available for lease.

The company hopes to build an 840-foot-tall building containing 672 apartments, according to its announcement. The residences would be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments available for lease.

The skyscraper’s 72 stories would stand at 795 feet, with mechanical penthouse levels and screening features extending the structure to 844 feet, according to a project description filed with the city.&nbsp;

The skyscraper’s 72 stories would stand at 795 feet, with mechanical penthouse levels and screening features extending the structure to 844 feet, according to a project description filed with the city.&nbsp;

The building would be shorter than the 1,070-foot Salesforce Tower and stand just shy of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/30/tallest-buildings-in-san-francisco-sf/">853-foot-tall Transamerica Pyramid</a>.

What&#8217;s the second tallest building in SF?

The building would be shorter than the 1,070-foot Salesforce Tower and stand just shy of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2022/11/30/tallest-buildings-in-san-francisco-sf/">853-foot-tall Transamerica Pyramid</a>.

It will cost an estimated $268 million to build, according to the filing.

It will cost an estimated $268 million to build, according to the filing.

“We believe there continues to be a strong need and desire for housing in Downtown San Francisco, which will support a more diversified and balanced ecosystem for residents, businesses and their employees,” said Bayhill CEO Paul Paradis.&nbsp;

“We believe there continues to be a strong need and desire for housing in Downtown San Francisco, which will support a more diversified and balanced ecosystem for residents, businesses and their employees,” said Bayhill CEO Paul Paradis.&nbsp;

Located in the heart of Downtown, the tower would feature a fifth-floor bridge over Natoma Street leading straight to Salesforce Park. An elevator on Natoma Street would provide public access to the pedestrian bridge, according to the description.

Located in the heart of Downtown, the tower would feature a fifth-floor bridge over Natoma Street leading straight to Salesforce Park. An elevator on Natoma Street would provide public access to the pedestrian bridge, according to the description.

A rendering shows the proposed pedestrian bridge that would connect the 530 Howard St. apartment building to Salesforce Park.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/bridge-view-for-press-release.jpg?w=2500" alt="A bridge stretches next to a building, showing pedestrians walking next to flowers and trees." class="wp-image-222769"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A rendering shows the proposed pedestrian bridge that would connect the 530 Howard St. apartment building to Salesforce Park.</figcaption></figure>

One-bedroom units would make up 424 of the apartments. There would be 180 two-bedroom units and 68 three-bedroom units, according to the project description.&nbsp;

One-bedroom units would make up 424 of the apartments. There would be 180 two-bedroom units and 68 three-bedroom units, according to the project description.&nbsp;

Plans call for a total of 68 “affordable” units, including 43 one-bedrooms, 18 two-bedrooms and seven three-bedrooms, the filings show.

Plans call for a total of 68 “affordable” units, including 43 one-bedrooms, 18 two-bedrooms and seven three-bedrooms, the filings show.

A three-level parking garage would provide 149 parking spaces and 34 bicycle spots.

A three-level parking garage would provide 149 parking spaces and 34 bicycle spots.

&#8220;This significant investment in our Downtown is another infusion of confidence and excitement for the future of San Francisco,” said Mayor London Breed in a statement. “Turning a parking lot into housing, including affordable housing, is exactly what we need to do to build a stronger, more resilient San Francisco.”

"This significant investment in our Downtown is another infusion of confidence and excitement for the future of San Francisco,” said Mayor London Breed in a statement. “Turning a parking lot into housing, including affordable housing, is exactly what we need to do to build a stronger, more resilient San Francisco.”

&#8220;This significant investment in our Downtown is another infusion of confidence and excitement for the future of San Francisco,” said Mayor London Breed in a statement. “Turning a parking lot into housing, including affordable housing, is exactly what we need to do to build a stronger, more resilient San Francisco.”

Currently, a vacant lot and a four-story office building sit on the land that the new tower would occupy, according to the company.

Currently, a vacant lot and a four-story office building sit on the land that the new tower would occupy, according to the company.

The current building at 530 Howard St. was originally built in 1908, according to city filings. During the 1910s, it was occupied by the Magnesia Asbestos Supply Co. before a rubber goods and leather clothing manufacturer took over the space from 1920 to 1966. Since the late ’70s, the building has been used as office space by architects, designers and other professionals.

The current building at 530 Howard St. was originally built in 1908, according to city filings. During the 1910s, it was occupied by the Magnesia Asbestos Supply Co. before a rubber goods and leather clothing manufacturer took over the space from 1920 to 1966. Since the late ’70s, the building has been used as office space by architects, designers and other professionals.

Another portion of the land was an auto repair garage from the 1940s through 1989, when it was demolished, according to the filings. It has been a parking lot ever since.

Another portion of the land was an auto repair garage from the 1940s through 1989, when it was demolished, according to the filings. It has been a parking lot ever since.

New skyscraper proposed for downtown San Francisco; it would be city’s third-highest

Rya Jetha

Employees at Andytown Coffee Roasters in Salesforce Park have gotten used to easing into the workweek with a slow Monday morning. But on the last day in September, the line to order coffee nearly reached the door, and cooks were working overtime with the panini press. 

Employees at Andytown Coffee Roasters in Salesforce Park have gotten used to easing into the workweek with a slow Monday morning. But on the last day in September, the line to order coffee nearly reached the door, and cooks were working overtime with the panini press.

One barista reported toasting more breakfast sandwiches than on any day in recent memory — let alone a Monday. 

One barista reported toasting more breakfast sandwiches than on any day in recent memory — let alone a Monday.

Similar scenes played out around the neighborhood as local businesses buzzed, with their owners thanking a major tech company for bringing workers back to the office. Salesforce, the city’s largest private employer, has begun requiring most San Francisco employees to come to the office four to five days a week.

Similar scenes played out around the neighborhood as local businesses buzzed, with their owners thanking a major tech company for bringing workers back to the office. Salesforce, the city’s largest private employer, has begun requiring most San Francisco employees to come to the office four to five days a week.

A crowd of people eats lunch at Salesforce Park as Salesforce employees are required to return to the office on Monday, September 30, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_9327.jpg?w=1875" alt="People are dining outdoors under leafy trees, seated on colorful chairs, with a modern building in the background." class="wp-image-317193"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers, back at the office, eat lunch Monday at Salesforce Park.</figcaption></figure>

A steady stream of employees, many donning Salesforce backpacks, marched down sidewalks that have been more or less empty on Mondays since the pandemic struck. Traffic jams and a cacophony of honks filled the streets in SoMa, where Salesforce occupies multiple buildings, including Salesforce Tower. Commuters piled out of buses and into Salesforce Transit Center, the regional hub located below Salesforce Park.&nbsp;

A steady stream of employees, many donning Salesforce backpacks, marched down sidewalks that have been more or less empty on Mondays since the pandemic struck. Traffic jams and a cacophony of honks filled the streets in SoMa, where Salesforce occupies multiple buildings, including Salesforce Tower. Commuters piled out of buses and into Salesforce Transit Center, the regional hub located below Salesforce Park.&nbsp;

“It’s a big thing they are coming back to work,” said Dario Barbone, owner of Aurora Centro, an Italian deli in Salesforce Park. Unlike many tech companies, Salesforce does not have an in-house cafeteria, which meant local eateries thrived during the workday lunch rush before the pandemic. Now that workers are back, Barbone says, “it’s the best-case scenario for us.”&nbsp;

“It’s a big thing they are coming back to work,” said Dario Barbone, owner of Aurora Centro, an Italian deli in Salesforce Park. Unlike many tech companies, Salesforce does not have an in-house cafeteria, which meant local eateries thrived during the workday lunch rush before the pandemic. Now that workers are back, Barbone says, “it’s the best-case scenario for us.”&nbsp;

This week’s return-to-office mandate, which applies to select Salesforce employees in sales, workplace services, data-center engineering, and on-site support, reverses a broad shift to remote work during the pandemic that saw blue-chip tech firms in San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">retreating en masse from downtown</a>.&nbsp;

Corporate retreat: Big Tech has slashed its office presence in San Francisco by half

This week’s return-to-office mandate, which applies to select Salesforce employees in sales, workplace services, data-center engineering, and on-site support, reverses a broad shift to remote work during the pandemic that saw blue-chip tech firms in San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">retreating en masse from downtown</a>.&nbsp;

The city is still reeling from the pullback. More than a third of offices in San Francisco are vacant, according to preliminary third-quarter data from real estate firm JLL.&nbsp;

The city is still reeling from the pullback. More than a third of offices in San Francisco are vacant, according to preliminary third-quarter data from real estate firm JLL.&nbsp;

The downturn has hurt local businesses. But on Monday, lines of hungry workers waited for a salad or sandwich at downtown eateries.

The downturn has hurt local businesses. But on Monday, lines of hungry workers waited for a salad or sandwich at downtown eateries.

At Tender Greens next to Salesforce West, the lunch line went out the door. “It’s never this busy,” an employee yelled over the crowd as she packed a salad for pickup.&nbsp;

At Tender Greens next to Salesforce West, the lunch line went out the door. “It’s never this busy,” an employee yelled over the crowd as she packed a salad for pickup.&nbsp;

Down the street at Ebiko, a sushi spot that opened two weeks ago, Salesforce employees crowded in at lunchtime to choose from a variety of poke bowls and sushi platters. Owner David Liu made the decision to open a downtown San Francisco location following the success of his Oakland restaurant, based on his theory that employees and companies would eventually return to the area.&nbsp;

Down the street at Ebiko, a sushi spot that opened two weeks ago, Salesforce employees crowded in at lunchtime to choose from a variety of poke bowls and sushi platters. Owner David Liu made the decision to open a downtown San Francisco location following the success of his Oakland restaurant, based on his theory that employees and companies would eventually return to the area.&nbsp;

“This is the prime location to be in,” said Liu, adding Monday that he had recognized customers who used to frequent his Oakland location returning to their offices in downtown San Francisco.&nbsp;

“This is the prime location to be in,” said Liu, adding Monday that he had recognized customers who used to frequent his Oakland location returning to their offices in downtown San Francisco.&nbsp;

A crowd of people eats lunch at Tender Greens on Fremont Street as Salesforce employees must return to the office on Monday, September 30, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_9318.jpg?w=1875" alt="A bustling restaurant with wooden booths and modern lighting, where a line of diners stands at a counter, and a group of people are eating and conversing at a table." class="wp-image-317191"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The pricey lunch salad is back in vogue in downtown San Francisco, as workers descend Monday on Tender Greens.</figcaption></figure>

“If you had a choice — and there’s so much vacancy — you’re going to the center which is here instead of deeper into SoMa or near the Civic Center,” he said. “I want to see it come back to life.”

“If you had a choice — and there’s so much vacancy — you’re going to the center which is here instead of deeper into SoMa or near the Civic Center,” he said. “I want to see it come back to life.”

When asked for comment, a Salesforce spokesperson referenced the company’s hybrid work guidelines that “focus on in-person connection, while recognizing the value of work away from the office.”

When asked for comment, a Salesforce spokesperson referenced the company’s hybrid work guidelines that “focus on in-person connection, while recognizing the value of work away from the office.”

Following Salesforce’s return to office and Amazon’s recent announcement that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/technology/amazon-return-to-office.html">employees are expected to spend five days a week in the office</a> beginning in January, other Big Tech firms are expected to introduce similar policies.&nbsp;

Following Salesforce’s return to office and Amazon’s recent announcement that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/technology/amazon-return-to-office.html">employees are expected to spend five days a week in the office</a> beginning in January, other Big Tech firms are expected to introduce similar policies.&nbsp;

“These are two huge technology companies, so I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if others followed suit,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor at UCLA who studies the future of work. “The dominos are falling on the Zoomifying of our lives.”&nbsp;

“These are two huge technology companies, so I wouldn't be surprised if others followed suit,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor at UCLA who studies the future of work. “The dominos are falling on the Zoomifying of our lives.”&nbsp;

“These are two huge technology companies, so I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if others followed suit,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor at UCLA who studies the future of work. “The dominos are falling on the Zoomifying of our lives.”&nbsp;

Office attendance this year in San Francisco has averaged 43%, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. But post-pandemic work patterns have settled into a clear split between higher attendance near the middle of the week and lower attendance on Mondays and Fridays.&nbsp;

Office attendance this year in San Francisco has averaged 43%, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. But post-pandemic work patterns have settled into a clear split between higher attendance near the middle of the week and lower attendance on Mondays and Fridays.&nbsp;

In contrast to nearby businesses celebrating their returned customer base, Salesforce employees may be less enthused about the return to the office. Most hurried into the company’s eponymous tower without giving an opinion on their new work schedule, but one just shook their head and audibly groaned.

In contrast to nearby businesses celebrating their returned customer base, Salesforce employees may be less enthused about the return to the office. Most hurried into the company’s eponymous tower without giving an opinion on their new work schedule, but one just shook their head and audibly groaned.

SF’s biggest employer brings workers back downtown, and the neighbors are loving it 

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today.

In the early 1980s, a Bay Area picker stumbled upon something incredible: a plastic garbage bag filled with 2,042 processed 35mm color slides and 102 rolls of carefully labeled black-and-white film. The images — all 8,417 of them — captured a seminal moment in San Francisco counterculture, from 1966 through the 1967 Summer of Love to 1970.

The photographer remains unknown, and most of the photos have gone unseen — until now.

Join researcher and nonprofit director Bill Delzell for a private reception exploring a time capsule that still feels relevant today. Based on a story by San Francisco Standard culture reporter Sam Mondros.

Find/Seek: Stories and Photos from San Francisco's Past
Tuesday, May 20
6pm-8:30pm
Four One Nine
419 Tenth Street
San Francisco

Complimentary wine and bites. 
Invitation only for guests 21 and over.

Search Results for: salesforce tower

The Transamerica Pyramid has always been an icon. Now it’s an art installation

More than a third of San Francisco’s office space is currently vacant

Salesforce sacked exec on leave during ‘traumatic health crisis,’ suit alleges

New skyscraper proposed for downtown San Francisco; it would be city’s third-highest

SF’s biggest employer brings workers back downtown, and the neighbors are loving it