OpenAI: First Office in San Francisco for Sale

The First OpenAI Office Up for Sale

The very first workspace of OpenAI, located at 2977 21st St. in San Francisco, is currently on the market for $1.5 million. This place, which was once the residence of Greg Brockman, one of OpenAI's co-founders, is now available for purchase.

This location recently opened its doors to potential buyers during an open house. Interest in this property continues to grow, largely due to its unique history. Comprising two floors, the residence offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two outdoor terraces. For those who can afford it, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of artificial intelligence history.

In 2015, when OpenAI was founded, its founders, including Sam Altman, did not yet have an official office. They began their work from this loft apartment in the Mission district. Today, this space is listed for $1,545,000, and recently hosted its first open house.

Shane Ray, a real estate agent at Compass, told Business Insider that some visitors are already familiar with the history of this unit, which is located in a Victorian house built in 1885. Others, however, are simply drawn to the apartment's design and are pleasantly surprised to learn of its connection to one of the world's most influential companies.

Ray explained: "Real estate combines logistics and transactions, but there is also an emotional dimension for everyone." He added that even though this is not the exact place where OpenAI started, any story associated with a location always enriches our perception of it.

Building Features

The building located at 2977 21st Street is a Victorian house constructed in 1885 and underwent a complete renovation in 2015.

The upper unit, which spans two floors, occupies about two-thirds of the total space of the building. It was renovated by the current owner in 2015. The ground floor also houses a commercial unit and another apartment, respectively occupied by an architecture firm and a long-term tenant.

According to Shane Ray, the current owner of the building is a photographer who initially bought the property with the idea of setting up his studio. However, he later changed his mind, and Greg Brockman became his first tenant. Brockman vacated the premises during the pandemic.

Interior Layout

The apartment, covering 1,816 square feet, includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two outdoor terraces.

The floor plan is designed around a spacious open-concept main level, featuring a large vaulted living room, exposed beams, and wide-plank white oak flooring. Upper windows allow abundant natural light to flood the ground floor.

Upstairs, the master suite has direct access to a terrace overlooking a shared garden, accessible to all residents of the building. Two additional bedrooms are located at the back of the main level, accompanied by a second full bathroom.

Ray described the interior of the unit as "a lovely blend of old and modern," with Victorian features such as honeycomb windows, but a bright and open modern interior with updated appliances.

The interior also includes a washer and dryer, an open kitchen with an island, wooden beams, a bathtub, and built-in closets in the master bedroom on the second floor.

Pricing and Availability

An outdoor terrace offers a view of a shared garden, allowing residents to enjoy nature in the heart of San Francisco.

According to Ray, the owner has listed the entire building for just under $2 million, while also offering the option to purchase only the upper unit. There are no homeowners association fees for the building, as all units are owned by a single person. However, if only the upper unit is sold, a condominium plan will be put in place.

Ray stated: "We are likely planning to set an offer date later this week. Most interested parties seem to want to buy the entire building, and we have had a lot of interest."