Environmental Review Begins for Massive Caltrain Railyards Development in San Francisco’s SoMa

The San Francisco Planning Department is initiating the environmental review for the Caltrain Railyards mixed-use development, located near 700 4th Street in the SoMa district. This process involves discussing the notice of preparation for the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) under CEQA, allowing public input on the report's scope. Prologis, a San Francisco-based industrial real estate company, is sponsoring the project.

The ambitious master plan covers 18.6 acres, including the existing Caltrain Station and railyard infrastructure. It proposes a combination of housing, commercial offices, institutional space, retail, parking, and public open space. Key objectives include fully replacing and modernizing the Caltrain station and railyards, alongside new vertical mixed-use development. Two scenarios are being considered: one with up to 5.6 million square feet of commercial space and 1,765 residential units, and another with up to 5,834 residential units and 1.59 million square feet of commercial space. Buildings are projected to range from 350 to 600 feet, with the tallest reaching 850 feet. Phased construction is anticipated to last 15 to 20 years, potentially starting by 2029 and completing by 2041 or 2042. This project represents a major transit-oriented development opportunity for the region.