350 Mission Street

350 Mission Street San Francisco: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: 350 Mission Street—History and Significance

Rising from the heart of San Francisco’s dynamic South of Market (SoMa) district, 350 Mission Street stands as a striking emblem of modern architecture, environmental leadership, and urban vibrancy. This 27-story commercial skyscraper, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), is renowned as the city’s first LEED Platinum-certified high-rise office building. Built on the former site of historic Heald College, 350 Mission Street illustrates San Francisco’s transformation—melding a legacy of education and commerce with forward-thinking design and sustainability.

The building’s innovative features include advanced seismic resilience, a luminous glass façade, flexible open floor plans, and pioneering waste management strategies. With its TRUE Zero Waste certification, 350 Mission Street diverts nearly half a million pounds of waste annually, setting a global benchmark for multi-tenant office towers. While the building primarily functions as an office space—leased in full by Salesforce and known as “Salesforce East”—its ground-floor “urban living room,” digital art installations, and occasional community events invite public engagement. This makes 350 Mission Street a compelling destination for architecture aficionados, sustainability advocates, and visitors eager to experience San Francisco’s evolving urban fabric.

This guide covers essential information on visiting 350 Mission Street, including historical context, architectural highlights, hours and access, nearby attractions, and insider tips. For further information, consult the official Skidmore, Owings & Merrill project page, the Pacific Coast Architecture Database, and SF Travel.

Introduction: 350 Mission Street—History and Significance
Historical Background and Urban Evolution
- Origins and Site History
- Development Timeline
Architectural and Sustainability Highlights
- Design and Structure
- Sustainability Achievements
Visitor Information
Events and Community Engagement
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Plan Your Visit and Additional Resources
Visual Gallery
References

Historical Background and Urban Evolution

Origins and Site History

The location at the intersection of Mission and Fremont Streets was once home to Heald College, a prominent vocational institution. As San Francisco’s economy and skyline expanded, this site transitioned from low-rise educational and commercial buildings to a soaring high-rise at the forefront of sustainable urban development. The transformation reflects broader trends in the SoMa district and the city’s ambitions for a greener, more resilient downtown core (Pacific Coast Architecture Database).

Development Timeline

Early 2000s: Proposals for a new commercial tower emerged, aligning with the city’s Transbay redevelopment vision.
2008: Zoning changes enabled taller towers; subsequent economic considerations refined the building’s final design and height.
2012–2015: Kilroy Realty acquired the property, Salesforce secured a full-building lease, and construction by SOM began—culminating in the tower’s completion in 2015 (Wikipedia).

Architectural and Sustainability Highlights

Design and Structure

350 Mission Street, designed by SOM, rises 125.9 meters (413 feet) across 27 stories with three basement levels and a total floor area of 492,980 square feet. The building’s earthquake-resistant, all-concrete core is essential for San Francisco’s seismic zone. Floor-to-ceiling glass curtain walls maximize daylight and transparency—creating an inviting, open urban presence—while flexible, column-free floorplates support evolving tenant needs (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill project page).

Sustainability Achievements

350 Mission Street is a showcase for sustainability:

LEED Platinum Certification: Recognized for energy efficiency, low water use, and superior indoor air quality.
TRUE Zero Waste Certification: Diverts nearly 478,000 pounds of waste from landfill annually (All About Waste - 350 Mission Street Case Study).
Energy Star and Fitwel Certifications: Further attest to its high performance.
Key Features: Rainwater harvesting, graywater recycling, low-flow fixtures, high-performance HVAC, and use of recycled/regional construction materials.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Public Areas: The ground-floor “urban living room” and lobby are open to visitors Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (hours may vary during holidays or private events).
Office Floors: Access is restricted to tenants and authorized personnel.
Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant with step-free entry, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Tickets and Tours

Admission: No tickets or fees are required for public spaces.
Tours: Regular public tours are not offered. However, occasional guided tours, workshops, or public events may take place—check the official SOM project page or event listings for updates.

Getting There

Public Transit: Adjacent to Salesforce Transit Center, with direct links to BART (Montgomery Street or Embarcadero stations), Muni buses, and light rail.
Cycling/Walking: Bike lanes, nearby bike-sharing stations, and wide sidewalks enhance access.
Parking: Limited garage parking nearby; public transit is recommended to minimize congestion (SF Travel).

Facilities and Amenities

Urban Living Room: A soaring, open lobby with lounge seating, mezzanine dining, and amphitheater stairs—a vibrant space for socializing, meetings, and relaxation (SOM).
Digital Art Wall: A monumental video installation by Refik Anadol animates the space with immersive digital art.
Dining: No on-site café, but abundant dining options nearby at the Transbay Transit Center and surrounding streets.
Restrooms: Available within public areas.
Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi may be available—check on-site signage.

Photography Guidelines

Allowed: Photography is permitted in the lobby and exterior public spaces. Please respect tenant privacy and building etiquette.
Social Media: Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences online and tag 350 Mission Street or Refik Anadol’s installations.

Events and Community Engagement

The building’s public spaces occasionally host art exhibitions, cultural events, and sustainability workshops. The digital art wall features rotating installations. For information on upcoming events or access to special exhibitions, visit the SOM project page or check lobby notices.

Nearby Attractions

350 Mission Street is ideally positioned for exploring downtown San Francisco:

Salesforce Park: A 5.4-acre rooftop garden with walking paths and public art atop the Transbay Transit Center (Wikipedia).
Salesforce Tower: The city’s tallest building, with observation opportunities.
Millennium Tower, Embarcadero, Ferry Building, and Yerba Buena Gardens: All within walking distance, offering shopping, dining, museums, and outdoor relaxation.
Union Square: Premier shopping and entertainment district just a short walk or transit ride away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I visit 350 Mission Street as a tourist?
Yes, the ground-floor lobby and urban living room are open to the public during weekday business hours. Access to upper floors is restricted.

Are tickets required?
No tickets or admission fees are required for public spaces.

Are guided tours available?
Regular public tours are not offered, but special events may include tours or workshops. Check the official website for updates.

Is the building wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all public areas are fully ADA-compliant.

Can I take photos?
Photography is permitted in public areas; please be mindful of staff and tenants.

How do I get there by public transit?
Take BART to Montgomery Street station or use nearby Muni lines. The Salesforce Transit Center is adjacent to the building, providing regional bus and rail connections.

Plan Your Visit and Additional Resources

350 Mission Street offers a unique window into San Francisco’s commitment to sustainable, people-centered urban development. Plan your visit for a weekday during business hours to enjoy the urban living room, digital art installations, and the surrounding cityscape. For those interested in architecture and sustainability, keep an eye out for special events or workshops hosted in the lobby.