Texas Money Saddles Up in San Francisco: Why Lone Star Investors Are Betting Big on Union Square
San Francisco’s commercial real estate market has been through the wringer—but in a twist nobody saw coming, the cavalry has arrived from Texas. Investors from the Lone Star State are scooping up discounted buildings in Union Square and downtown SF, transforming the city’s post‑pandemic slump into a bargain‑hunter’s dream.
According to a recent report from The SF Standard, Texas capital is flowing into major commercial properties, including the seven‑story One Union Square building and potentially the massive 360,000‑square‑foot tower at 600 California Street—once a key part of WeWork’s empire. Dallas‑based Lone Star Funds is widely believed to be the buyer, though the company isn’t talking. Yet.
Why the Sudden Texas Invasion?
The answer lies in timing and opportunity. Derek Daniels, research director at Colliers, says San Francisco’s ongoing recovery has reignited national interest. The city’s once‑struggling “boom loop” is showing signs of life, and investors across the country are tuning in.
“As the recovery gains momentum, we’re seeing renewed interest from investors outside the region,” Daniels said. He credits Mayor Daniel Lurie for boosting confidence through consistent messaging that SF is back in business.
Union Square: From Ghost Town to Golden Opportunity
Once overshadowed by pandemic closures, Union Square is rapidly regaining traction thanks to rising office leasing activity and renewed foot traffic. Kelly Glass of Avison Young says a new wave of buyers is stepping in with enthusiasm.
“There’s a new investor pool focused on the area,” she said. “Whenever I speak to them, they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re getting us excited,’ because the volume is there.”
Not Just Texas: A Coast‑to‑Coast Buying Spree
New York investors, Alaskan groups, and buyers from Southern California have joined the surge, snapping up prime downtown assets. Uris Acquisitions alone has purchased three buildings along Powell Street since May.
Lacie Ravina, vice president at Colliers, puts it simply: “We’ve bottomed out, and investors know it’s time to acquire buildings at historic lows.”
What This Means for Real Estate Professionals
For real estate pros—whether in Florida, Texas, New York, or anywhere in the U.S.—San Francisco’s comeback is a masterclass in market cycles. Markets rarely stay down forever. The savviest investors understand how to spot a bottom, predict a rebound, and act boldly when others hesitate.
At Cameron Academy, we train aspiring and seasoned professionals to recognize these patterns, interpret trends, and make smart, informed decisions. Whether you’re pursuing or renewing a license in real estate, mortgage, insurance, finance, or other fields, education is—and always will be—your most powerful investment.
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