Seligman Western planned to move the tenants to the lower-floor levels or other of its buildings and charge them below-market rents while it conducted its renovations on the upper levels. Some of the tenants have agreed, but the Grant Building Tenants Association, which represents some of the others, has rejected the offer.

Some tenants not involved with the owners' association are taking the offer. Owner Seligman Western says it will file unlawful detainer complaints against the remaining tenants. San Francisco attorney Randy Shaw, who represents the Grant Tenants Association, was not immediately available for comment.

Seligman representative Dan O-Leary says the owners agreed to the tenant's terms, offering the tenants leases ranging from one- to five-year terms at rates of $2.00 to $2.50 per sf. Market rate for this building are significantly higher. Additionally, the owners made space available at its other buildings throughout the city at the same below-market rents offered at the Grant Street structure.