Vanderbilt Eyes Chronicle Building for Potential San Francisco Campus Expansion
Vanderbilt University is considering expanding its presence with a new satellite campus in San Francisco. The potential site for this expansion is the historic Chronicle Building, part of the 5M real estate project at Fifth and Mission Streets.
Potential Expansion of Vanderbilt’s Campus
The renowned Nashville-based university is currently exploring the area around Fifth and Mission Streets. This area includes the Chronicle Building at 901 Mission Street. A key factor in this decision is the site’s accessibility. There are ample transportation options, which cater to the needs of students and faculty.
Strategic Location
The 5M site, regarded as a prime candidate for university conversion, has faced challenges attracting tenants, especially in the post-pandemic era. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce has identified this area as ideal for a university due to its location and infrastructure. Other potential sites include:
- The Mint Building
- The Fifth and Mission Garage
- The largely vacant San Francisco Centre mall
Campus Requirements and Plans
Vanderbilt seeks approximately 150,000 square feet for educational purposes, including classroom and dorm space for about 1,500 students. The university is also interested in establishing an artificial intelligence or technology center.
| Building | Address |
|---|---|
| Chronicle Building | 901 Mission Street |
Interestingly, the Chronicle Building, once a hub of media activity, is now vacant after the newspaper relocated to 450 Sansome. This move was part of a broader redevelopment plan at the adjacent 110 Fifth Street.
While Vanderbilt University has not confirmed its final plans, discussions continue with San Francisco’s business and academic leaders. The university emphasizes its commitment to exploring opportunities while maintaining confidentiality on decision-making processes.
