What if you could live in a building that’s both luxurious and eco-friendly? That’s 399 Fremont. It is a residential skyscraper in San Francisco’s Rincon Hill neighborhood. This 400-foot tower boasts 447 apartments across 42 floors.
399 Fremont is more than just a place to live. It’s a statement. The tower was completed in April 2016. It offers residents upscale apartments and many on-site amenities. A fitness center, lap pool, and media lounge are just a few perks.
The story of 399 Fremont began in 2005. The Rincon Hill Plan paved the way for its construction. The plan allowed for either two shorter towers or one taller one. Developer Fifield Realty Corp initially designed the project.
Richard Keating Architecture created the first design. It featured 432 residential units and parking spaces. The project was initially called The Californian on Rincon Hill. Fifield later sought to sell the development. Demolition of existing buildings occurred in 2008. In 2009, the project was renamed Echelon on Rincon Hill.
Delays plagued the project for years. The Planning Commission granted extensions. OliverMcMillan and UDR acquired the project in 2012. Solomon Cordwell Buenz redesigned it. UDR became the primary owner in 2013. They entered a joint venture with MetLife. The total project cost was $317 million.
Construction finally began in January 2014. Swinerton, the general contractor, completed the building in 2016. The unique design of 399 Fremont bridges the gap between lower residential buildings and taller towers. Its base features curtain walls and aluminum panels.
399 Fremont offers many amenities. A rooftop terrace provides stunning views. Residents can enjoy a library, spa, and fitness center. There is also a spinning studio and wine cellar. A media lounge and clubhouse add to the appeal. The eighth-story podium features a lap pool and grilling area. A pet park caters to dog owners.
The building has on-site parking for bicycles and 251 vehicles. Commuters can easily access public transportation. The Embarcadero BART station is a ten-minute walk away. The Embarcadero & Harrison light rail stop is even closer.
399 Fremont is LEED Silver certified. It features the world’s tallest solar water heating installation. This reduces energy usage by 30 percent. It also eliminates greenhouse gas emissions. The building includes a landscaped paseo. This provides a pedestrian link between upper and lower Rincon Hill. 399 Fremont is a modern, luxurious, and sustainable place to call home.