Safeway South San Francisco is set to occupy a previously vacant parcel adjacent to the busy El Camino Road. As a dependable flagship facility, it will cater to the needs of the local community, who are in great need of this renowned retail giant. The construction of Safeway on a 3-acre plot within a 14-acre site reflects the recent trend of development initiatives aimed at spurring commercial transformation in the region. Other endeavors in this site involve integrating housing, retail, and office spaces, ultimately serving as a mixed-use project.

Approximately three-fourths of the site has been allocated for office purposes, leaving a narrow strip of land to be utilized for the grocery store. Maximizing the grocery area within this limited space presented a challenge, resulting in a one-story concrete podium deck grocery spanning roughly 64,000 square feet. The unconventional shape of the site demanded resourceful programmatic planning to incorporate essential areas while preserving the aesthetic appeal of the design. To prevent the south-facing side of the building from appearing like a “back of house” area, we adjusted the exterior design, incorporating more articulation and material changes. Furthermore, we included greenscreen features with growth potential and a seating area at the corner.

A covered parking area is provided on the ground floor, with three different entry points to facilitate the smooth movement of traffic, whether the vehicles are arriving from Spruce Ave or the internal drive. Located above the parking lot, the grocery store can be accessed via elevator, stairs, or grand escalator. The grocery store features common grocery elements such as aisles, produce, deli, a Starbucks, bakery, and pharmacy, along with a protected street facing indoor seating space.

The storefront features a sleek stucco finish that harmonizes elements of wood and metal cladding, complemented by an aluminum glazing system and vine wires made of stainless steel. The grocery store implemented various passive design techniques to enhance natural daylight, such as integrating multiple south-facing windows and skylights.