Welcome to the neighborhood: SoMa (photo essay)

SoMa is growing up, literally.

The neighborhood, bordered on the north by Market and South Van Ness streets, has seen the most recent growth in high-rise construction in the city.  In the past three years, about eight high-rises were built in the neighborhood and blueprints for more, namely the Transbay Terminal redevelopment area, are reshaping the skyline.

Mayor Gavin Newsom is hoping to streamline the development process to spur job growth. According to an article on SFGate, the proposals could “speed up start times on four specific projects by as much as two years, including the second tower in the One Rincon Hill development.”

Photographer Eleanor Beaton captured the positive and negative spaces created by urban development — crisp patterns created by freeways, billboards and high-rises.

SoMa also hosts many of San Francisco’s popular cultural and business events and venues such as the Moscone Convention Center and the Musuem of Modern Art.

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