Thursday, May 10, 2007

PLI Rentals

Dear Tenants,

For all our newcomers and those of you who may have not heard of our tenant PLI's conference center, we are happy to announce that their state of the art facility is available for rental. See the flyer below for information, or contact them at 415-498-2800.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Animal Magnetism and Spring Cleaning


Welcome to the jungle.

This next quarterly art show brings the spring and vigor of the animal kingdom to our building.

Artwork SF has put together a variety of artists, tied together with the theme of "Animal Magnetism", to bring some much needed levity to the halls of the building.

A reception will be held on April 11th at 5:30PM on the 3rd Floor.

In response to tenant feedback, and in our own little tribute to reducing the clutter during spring cleaning, we've cut back on the number of pieces on each floor. We hope you enjoy the sparser layout!

The courtyard got a makeover today as well, so stop by to enjoy the scenery and grab some rays in our wind-sheltered plaza.

Friday, February 16, 2007

U Can't Touch This


Remember those days when the auto-flush toilet came into vogue? Even Beevis and Butthead found them fascinating.

Fast-forward to 2007, and you can barely find a modern bathroom that doesn't have those auto-flushers on their johns and janes. And for a good reason: they help with water conservation, cleanliness of the facilities, and promote sanitation by keeping your hands out of contact with their germ-carrying surfaces.

So in the spirit of trying to stay ahead of, or at least keep pace with these trends, we are introducing the latest component of our slowly materializing Touch-Free Restroom Experience for your comfort and convenience.

These new dispensers really put the old pump-action units we have to shame with their form and functionality. In terms of the technology and value-added engineering that's gone into them, they bear the same relationship to the dispensers they're replacing as a mid-20th century bi-plane does to a Lear Jet.

Each Auto-Soaper is a motion sensor activated, self-contained, battery powered unit, capable of measured dose delivery and fitted with a red-LED reminiscent of HAL from a Space Odyssey 2001 that indicates when it needs more soap or fresh batteries. They also come equipped with disposable soap packets which prevent old soap from collecting and rotting in their reservoir.

They're are also incredibly cool looking, in our humble but fantastically informed opinions.

So with all that said, we do hope you enjoy using them, and that they instill a sense of excitement in you with the heralding of the TFRE that they represent!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Pre-Valentine's Party


Chocolate Fountains, Fresh Fruit, and Cheese Hor doeuvres were served up sweet and fresh at our first Pre-Valentine's Day Party and Poetry Contest this past Tuesday, February 13th.

We were thrilled to see so many people out and enjoying themselves in our building courtyard and even happier that so many were able to attend the poetry contest as well!

It was a very difficult contest to pick the runners up for, and we received many last minute entries, but in the end we narrowed to down to two contestants each in the Most Romantic and Most Creative categories, and one in the Best Overall.

Hatsumi Takahashi of JTB took home the grand prize for Best Overall poem and won a $200 gift certificate for flowers from Paul Robertson Floral.

Andrea Edwards from Topica won in the Most Creative category and took home a bottle of Piper Heisdeick Brut Champagne.

And Maggie Meredith-Ryan of Benefit Cosmetics scored a Godiva Valentine's Heart of chocolate and truffles for her win in the cateogry of Most Romantic.

The winning poems are featured below for your reading pleasure.

We'd also like to recognize the following people who won honorable mentions for their submissions and took home a small box of Godiva chocolates: Laura Garcia of Kato, Feder & Suzuki, Joe Rosado of Topica, and Mark Luhn of Jeffrey's Toys.

Thanks for helping to make our event a great success with your attendance and your entries to our contest! We hope that you enjoyed the food and your fellow tenant's poetry, and will consider entering yourself in our contest next year.
_______________________________________________
Do you remember when we met, the first time?
– by Hatsumi Takahashi of JTB International

Do you remember when we met, the first time?
Your pretty smile stole my heart and I fell in love with you.

We’ve been together for a long time,
We’ve laughed and cried and enjoyed our life.

Your pretty face has wrinkles, your body has changed,
But you are still beautiful to me.

Thank you darling, for what you’ve done for me.
Now, I am watching your face by the bed, but you don’t speak.

You are still my love and forever in my heart.
_______________________________________________
Love is a Space Heater
- by Andrea Edwards of Topica

Bitter cold, pouring rain.
I arrive at the Monadnock building, shivering in pain.

On the third floor, I arrive at my station
Thinking of my space heater, in anticipation!

You keep me warm, you keep me dry.
You help me as the days go by.

Whenever I need a solid friend,
It is on you I can depend.

It's 9AM, so let’s go.
Love is a space heater,

Feel the warm air blow!
_______________________________________________
Valentine’s Bliss
– by Maggie Meredith-Ryan of Benefit Cosmetics

Take a rest today from your everyday grind
But please do not sleep on our love that’s so hard to find

The reality of happiness between me and you
Makes each day on earth easier for me through and through

The moments we share of laughter and love fill me with emotions brand new
That sweep through my mind, reminiscent of sweet dreams come true

Innocence and Beauty instilled in your grin
Your lips as delicate as a rose petal in the wind

My wish for today: to be blessed with one kiss
That would send me off

Into Valentine’s Bliss


Thursday, January 25, 2007

Art Openings for 1st Quarter 2007



It's that most wonderful time of the New Year: when we sweep out the old art hanging in the hallways and put on something new.

This quarter, we thought we'd try something different: Art...with a sense of humor(?) From January to the end of March, on display in the elevator lobbies of floors 3, 4 and 5, you will find: Tongue in Cheek.

Whether or not the show is a laugh riot, or a yawn will be up to you to judge.

Please feel free to leave follow ups to this post telling us how you liked it!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Make A Wish Foundation

The Monadnock Building is proud to partner with Colliers International to offer our tenants the opportunity to make donations to Make A Wish Foundation.

Donations collected at our building will sponsor the wish of Corrine, a very brave 12 year old girl, who is fighting cancer at the Oakland Children's Hospital.

Corrine knows first hand just how frightening a stay at the hospital can be, and wants to change that for her fellow patients.

Corrine's wish is for a shopping spree at the world famous FAO Schwarz in New York City. Corrine does not wish to shop for herself, but for the other sick children at the Children's Hospital.

Any donation amount is accepted.

To recognize donations, with the donor's consent, we will post a star in the lobby bearing the name of the donor and the amount of their contribution.

Furthermore, Make A Wish is commemorating donations of $20-$49 with a silver key-chain, and donations of $50 and higher with a Make A Wish 2006 ornament.

An information table (pictured above) is on display in the Lobby. Please visit the Building Office, suite 550, to participate in the program.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Tenant Appreciation Breakfast



Our Fall tenant breakfast brought an early crowd to the courtyard this past Thursday morning ,where a bountiful spread of quiche, chicken apple sausage, bacon, croissants, fresh fruit, coffee, tea and orange juice was eagerly tucked into.

We were delighted to see so many new faces from our tenants that have recently chosen the Monadnock as their place of business. Our steadfast regulars from our longtime tenant base were also out in full support.

Please feel free to leave comments about the event or email us at the building office with any feedback!

Thursday, September 28, 2006

SF Open Studios

Friends, Tenants, Patrons of the Arts,

This upcoming weekend of October 7th & 8th, we invited you to attend the first year of the Monadnock Building's participation in the 31st Annual SF Open Studios.

During this month-long, free to the public event, you'll get plenty of opportunities to see what's going on in the San Francisco art scene as 900+ artists open their private working studios to showcase their art.

Come see what the San Francisco Chronicle calls one of the "101 Best Things To Do in the Bay Area".

A reception will be held on both days of the opening in our interior courtyard from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

For more information, visit http://web.mac.com/kellyannart/

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Flu Clinic

Dear Employers of the Tenants at 685 Market Street,

With the holidays just a turn of the seasons away, and the temperatures dropping on barometers and economic forecasts across the country, the time is ripe for that perennial thief of productivity: the 24-hour-flu.

Each year, this flu spreads in selective endemics among certain employees, defying all the laws of a normal outbreak. Certain highly susceptible cases (we won't name names here, you know who they are) may even fall prey to this virus multiple times! But dispair not, for there is hope.

Each year we offer a Flu Vaccine Clinic, which knocks out pesky excuses of "feverish sweats", "vomiting" and "coma".

In all seriousness, however, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting sick over the upcoming flu season by getting inocculated. The vaccines for this year are being offered at $25 through Test-Med, a company that coordinates vaccinations by local registered nurses for businesses in the financial district.

A clinic was held this past Tuesday, September 26, and another will be held in October, also on a Tuesday, in suite 620, from the hours of 12 noon -2pm for anyone who was unable to make the first appointment. The first hour of the clinic will be by appointment only, so if you'd like to sign up for a spot, please contact the building office. The second hour will be first-come, first serve. Thank you for your cooperation with this. For further information, please don't hesitate to contact the management office at 415-344-0004.

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

New Art by Griffin Davis



Announcing: New Art at 685 Market Street's Monadnock Building.

For the next three months, we will be showcasing the photographic artwork of three rising stars in the bay area art-scene: Quing Wu, Ed Lim and Michael Crawford.

We are planning a gala-reception for the artists on August 3rd, which will take the place of the monthly "First Thursday" receptions we have held in the past.

For more information on the opening, the artists, and Griffin Davis, please visit: www.griffindavisart.com/monadnock.


Brain Freeze, Please!



If our new property manager, Maryann, knows how to do one thing, it's throw a party! Witness: the ice cream social we had this past Thursday. Testify!

Pulling some inside strings, Maryann got Baskin Robbins to make an appearance with their mobile ice cream cart, which kept the strawberry, vanilla, cookies and cream, and jamocha almond fudge crisply cold. The toppings were spread out in a veritable smorgasboard of culinary confetti. We had everything from gummi bears to sprinkles, chocolate chips to maraschino cherries, to choose from and cans of whip cream to top them off.

We're happy that so many people were able to stop by! But if you missed out for some reason, don't feel sad! We're already planning our next event for this summer- coming to a building courtyard near you. Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

The Card Reader Cometh

Some of you may have noticed that some changes have been happening downstairs on our main lobby doors. But for those of you whose faces have been buried in your newspaper or your latte while you sprint through the lobby to the elevators, let me fill you in on what's going on.

A Card Reader security system is being installed in the front door and hooked up to a single elevator, which will allow after-hours access to your floor. One swipe will get you in the building. Another swipe in the elevator will get you to the floor that your card gives you access to. After that, it's back to the good old-fashioned key to get into your suite. This system, once we implement it, will hinder people from coming in after-hours and wandering from floor to floor.

Along with this project, we've taken the liberty of upgrading a few non-compliant building features for ADA access. New braille has been installed in all of our passenger elevators. We are also retro-fitting the main lobby doors with new panic-hardware, which will allow fail-safe mechanical egress of the building's front doors in the event of an emergency.

Allowing for a few more kinks to be worked out of their implementation, we expect to have the ADA items finished and the Card Reader up and running by mid-July.

Stay tuned for an announcement about training for the Card-Reader access system called OneFacility, which we will announce before the system is put into operation.

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Out with the Old, in with the New.

No it's not New Years... that only comes once every year.

It's the end of an era. The era of Sonnenschein, Nath and Rosenthal's tenure at 685 Market Street.

As most of our tenants may have noticed, Sonnenschein, Nath and Rosenthal moved out last month over Memorial Day Weekend. They are now located "downtown" at 525 Market Street, in another Cushman & Wakefield managed building (see, it wasn't us! really!).

As much as we regret seeing them leave, we were very happy to welcome a new tenant to our building last month: JTB USA and JTB International. According to it's website "Since its establishment in 1964, JTB USA, Inc., a US subsidiary of JTB Corp., has grown from a travel information service bureau for Japanese travelers to the US to a full-service travel management company meeting the needs of all travelers.
Today, with access to a worldwide network of affiliates, JTB USA provides global travel management services for business and leisure travelers in the US markets. Travelers appreciate JTB USA's superior service capabilities in all areas of the world
".

So if any of you have been itching to plan a trip to Japan, stop by suite 200 and meet your new neighbors!

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Artist of the Month- Muffin Hyche

Posted by Picasa

This month we are pleased to feature Muffin Hyche, named Best Local Artist by San Francisco Magazine's Best of the Bay survey, at the Monadnock Building's monthly "First Thursday" Art Opening.

A reception will be held on the 3rd floor lobby at 685 Market Street to host Muffin. Her work will be showcased on the 5th floor. Stop by between 6PM and 8PM to meet this rising star in the San Francisco art scene!

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Happy Holidays 2005


A special thanks to everyone who turned out for our Holiday Party this past Thursday!

Although the weather outside was less than auspicious, we moved our reception into the lobby and had a great time mingling in its dry and cozy confines.



The food and wine were great, but the company really made the party one to remember.

Thanks for your support throughout the year, we wish you all the best in this holiday season and beyond!


Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

2005 Toy Drive Gears Up!

This year, we're working with the Building Owners and Managers Association (hereafter, BOMA) to help the San Francisco Firefighters Annual Toy Drive. We have two collection barrels in the lobby that we'd love to see stuffed with Toys by the time they're due for a pickup. We have until December 19th to the 23rd to make a small donation and a huge difference in the lives of some cute kids! So let's do it!

Also, Jeffrey's Toys is offering a discount to all tenants at the building who purchase toys to support the drive! Talk to a cashier for details!

Thanks for your support.

Art Opening this Thursday

This year, treat yourself to an early Christmas Present!

On Thursday, our holiday decorations will be going up, and our final art opening for the artists currently on exhibit will be held from 6-8PM. Stay late, browse the art, enjoy the lobby decor and some light refreshments provided by John of Griffin Davis Art, and kick off the holiday season!

Also, for the month of December, Griffin Davis will offer special pricing on all their work! It's the perfect time to give the gift of art or get that painting you've had your eye on these past months. Proceeds of every sale go to benefit Art for Healing, so you can count that as a good deed, too!

For more information, visit www.griffindavisart.com or call John McNamara @ 415/ 902-7393.

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Thanksgiving Breakfast

Our Annual Tenant Appreciation Thanksgiving Breakfast was bigger and better than last year's, and we still ran out of food by 9:00.

Thankfully, this year's event was catered by our friends at O La La*. They kept the fresh coffee, pastries, orange juice, fruit and eggnogg coming long after we had gone through the first round.

We'd like to extend a special thanks their way for the extras they sent over "on the house".

Also, we thank our tenants for making the Monadnock Building their "home away from home". Without your hard work throughout the year, we couldn't be here to put on these great events.

So on behalf of the ownership, and the management and staff at 685 Market Street, have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!


*O La La serves breakfast and lunch 7 days a week. They are available for catering and special events in the Monadnock Building. For further information, contact Steve Aziz @ 415/ 904-8088.Posted by Picasa

& Music

As usual, entertainment was provided by the incomparable Brian Moran. Posted by Picasa

Friday, November 11, 2005

New Freight Elevator

Plans to install a new Sidewalk Elevator are in motion and rapidly moving forward.

The new elevator (pictured here) went in this week, and on Monday new concrete is scheduled to be poured.

The job went very smoothly thanks to coordination by Skyline's Brent Halley. Also, our project team led by the incomperable D'Anna Bradley, our Fearless Leader, Warren Mead, and Tom Harras of OTIS Elevators helped us rush this project through within budget and just in time for those big deliveries of presents!

Special thanks to George Von Klan for consulting, Chris Yamashita for writing this, and to the guy in the picture who's face we have omitted for aesthetic purposes. Just kidding. He was a nice enough looking guy. Posted by Picasa