Significant progress has been made since we last checked in at 181 Fremont in San Francisco. The structure's intimidating steel frame had just begun its ascent above the South of Market neighbourhood, as construction on the nearby Transbay Transit Center and Salesforce Tower roared on. In the months since, the steel skeleton has climbed much higher, and the lower levels of the Jay Paul Company-developed tower are being sealed with cladding. 

181 Fremont construction, image by Brianne Benness

As crews charge forward, the geometric design envisioned by Heller Manus Architects is coming to fruition. Curtain wall glass arranged in a sawtooth pattern is now resting between the diagonal white bracing that is now being applied to the bottom levels of the building. The unclad beams of these diagonal braces can be seen stretching up the tower, temporarily masked by blue construction tarp. 

181 Fremont construction, image by Brianne Benness

The column-free floor plates that will host 435,000 square feet of Class A office space are taking shape. When the dust settles, tenants will be treated to floor-to-ceiling glass windows that allow an abundance of natural light to enter the workspaces. Recycling of building materials and an impactful green roof contribute to the building's pre-certified LEED Platinum status. 

181 Fremont construction, image by Brianne Benness

In addition to these modern office spaces, the top 17 floors will be occupied by 67 residential units from two-bedrooms to a full-floor penthouse. Residents and tenants of 181 Fremont will enjoy direct access to the five-storey Transbay Transit Terminal and its lengthy rooftop park. At 245 metres (802 feet), the building will rank second tallest in the city, only behind the Transamerica Pyramid. That's expected to be a short celebration though, as the Salesforce Tower, which is also showing off its surging steel frame, will soon surpass both buildings. 

181 Fremont cladding, image by Brianne Benness

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