680 Folsom designed by SOM. Photo © Cesar Rubio
If there’s an architectural version of the extreme makeover, it’s the redo of four buildings in northeast San Francisco, where chunky concrete coats have been swapped for gowns of sleek, clear glass. The repackaging hits the spot. Once-homely boxes have a fresh sheen. The renovations include changes on the ground that should connect the buildings to their surroundings in welcome new ways. …The most elegant conversion is Skidmore’s 680 Folsom St., taut tailored glass with metal accents on the west and north.