San Francisco, CA —In a city still wrestling with record-high office vacancy rates, even a modest new lease is making headlines. That’s exactly what happened this week with the announcement that Teambridge, a fast-growing artificial intelligence workforce software company, has signed an 18,000-square-foot lease in downtown San Francisco—a move hailed by commercial real estate insiders as a rare bright spot in a beleaguered market.
The new lease, located on the ground floor of the newly renovated 612 Howard Street in the city’s South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood, is a noteworthy deal not for its size, but for its symbolism. It marks one of the few new office leases inked in the city this year—a city where entire towers have sat empty post-pandemic, and where even tech firms have increasingly favored remote-first policies.
It’s a small deal in absolute terms, but it’s big news in this market. Every new lease is a signal that San Francisco’s commercial core may be starting to turn a corner, analyst think.
Teambridge’s decision to establish its headquarters at 612 Howard bucks the broader trend of downsizing or fully remote operations. Co-CEO Tito Goldstein cited the building’s open layout, soaring ceilings, and vintage architectural details—such as solid wood beams—as key reasons for choosing the location.
“The space feels huge even in the middle of the city,” said Goldstein. “It gives us room to express our brand, host events, and create a vibrant headquarters for our team.”
The 612 Howard building, originally constructed in 1907, has recently undergone a full renovation. It now offers updated infrastructure while preserving its historic charm. The six-story building features roughly 9,000-square-foot floor plates, hardwood floors, and original redwood beams—details that helped close the deal.
The lease was brokered by Newmark, one of San Francisco’s leading commercial real estate firms. Terms were not disclosed.
The area surrounding 612 Howard has also shown signs of revitalization. Located just blocks from the Moscone Center and Salesforce Tower, the building boasts easy access to BART, Muni, and CalTrain, as well as an array of newly opened cafes, bars, and lunch spots aimed at drawing workers back downtown.
While much of San Francisco’s office market remains in flux, deals like this are being closely watched by landlords, brokers, and city officials alike. If nothing else, the Teambridge lease is a sign—however modest—that San Francisco’s commercial heart may yet beat again.
