High-profile security keeps mixed-use center in San Francisco safe and welcoming

Embarcadero Center in San Francisco is one of the largest mixed-use complexes in the western U.S. The complex was designed for easy access, with an open-air shopping mall and multiple entrances and exits to each office building – a situation that now presents security challenges.

The Center’s five high-rise towers contain four million square feet of office and retail space spanning five blocks in the heart of San Francisco’s prime commercial district. Boston Properties manages all five office towers, and owns and manages the four towers interconnected by three shopping levels containing more than 100 retail stores and restaurants, as well as a five-screen cinema.

“This is a major center of activity that attracts thousands of people every day and night,” says Joe Chiamparino, Boston Properties’ Director of Security and Safety.  “A high-profile, uniformed security and police presence helps keep the environment safe for everyone.”

A team of 59 Securitas officers staff lobby consoles in the five towers and patrol the shopping levels and underground parking areas around the clock.  During retail business hours, Securitas patrols are augmented by one uniformed, on-duty police officer and several off-duty, plain-clothes police officers.

To effectively control access to the office towers, a state-of-the-art system is used that restricts tenants to specific floors and elevators. Each of the approximately 14,000 office workers authorized to enter one of the four high-rise buildings is issued a specially programmed, photo ID badge that is swiped for entry into the assigned parking garage and building, and for access to specific areas within the building.

The system documents each time a person’s card is used, and identifies misuse. For example, the card won’t allow a person to reenter an area if it hasn’t been used previously by the person to exit.

From security consoles in the lobby of each building, Securitas officers monitor the access control system, as well as the CCTV, alarm and fire systems.  All emergency calls from building tenants are received by the console operators, who dispatch response services as required.

The officers also register visitors and provide them with appropriate access to specific elevators and floors, and often field questions from shoppers and tourists.

“Embarcadero Center remains a very popular destination for dining and entertainment, and is considered a great place to work,” said Chiamparino.  “That’s due, in large part, to the efforts and professionalism of our Securitas team in helping maintain a secure and welcoming environment.”

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