One Company's Convenience Is Another's Hassle

SAN FRANCISCO-San Mateo-based construction giant Webcor Builders is considering relocating their headquarters to San Francisco’s South of Market area, despite having just renewed its lease here at 2755 Campus Dr. for another five years. Transportation difficulties and the high cost of living in San Mateo have made it a difficult place for the 757-person general contracting firm to do business, says a company source. The company currently has three small office locations in San Francisco proper, including one floor at 242 California St.

“My concern about San Mateo is we have an increasing problem with traffic, and I believe that being located in areas where we have most of the meetings and in areas accessible by public transport will be a definite plus,” says a company source. “The faster you can get to the city, the better you are.”

Meanwhile, the architectural firm Gensler is packing its bags and moving out of the city – across the bay into San Jose. A staff of 18 will work in the 325 South First St. office beginning in January. Jeff Luney, formerly vice president at real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle, has been hired to lead the office. “We’ve found it’s hard to deliver timely services when your headquarters is in the Financial District of downtown San Francisco,” says Luney. “It made abundant sense to take talent and expand our existing clientele and establish a base in San Jose.”