Hearst unveils plans for Fifth and Mission

Hearst Corp. and a developer it hired, Forest City, on Thursday filed plans to redevelop four acres it owns at Fifth and Mission in San Francisco that would include 1.3 million square feet of commercial space. “Probably” the Chronicle would remain on the site, a story by David R. Baker said.

The historic Chron building would stay, something that pleased Mayor Ed Lee. But the former Examiner building on Fifth would be torn down and replaced with an office tower “slightly higher that the InterContinental hotel across the street.” The InterContinental, with 32 stories, is 340 feet and can be seen from miles away. In other words, Hearst and Forest City want to put up a skyscraper (at least by SF standards) next to the Chron.

According to the Chron story:

“Forest City wants to turn the site into a home for the young tech companies that San Francisco is trying hard to attract and keep. They would share the space with arts organizations - some of which are already housed in the Chronicle building - and small retail shops. A public space on the Chronicle rooftop and a small plaza on the block's interior would give residents and workers spots to relax and meet.”

Of course the plans filed Thursday with the city are just the opening salvo in what could be a battle over the development. One concern is that the project could lead to the gentrification of the South of Market neighborhood to the southwest.

However, the plans don’t include the Chieftain Irish Pub or the Tempest, two well-loved bars near the Chron.