The Shirley Chisholm Village in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, celebrating the completion of a first-of-its-kind project for San Francisco. The 100% affordable units are designated as a community for educators working in San Francisco, with the goal of making housing more accessible within the city limits.
Located at 1360 43rd Avenue, the project marks the first 100% affordable housing development in the Outer Sunset for more than a decade. The site was previously used as a storage facility by the school district. With the help of MidPen Housing and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, the project overcame its obstacles to reach completion.
The building itself consists of a five-story development, with 135 units ranging in size from studio to three bedrooms. In addition to the units, the site has various communal areas, including outdoor courtyards, a fitness room, a community room, and on-site laundry rooms.
Shirley Chisholm Village Site Plan, image by BAR Architects and Interiors
Shirley Chisholm Village Sample Unit Plans, image by BAR Architects and Interiors
The design of the building is by BAR Architects and Interiors, showcasing a variable façade design with areas of white, grey-blue, brown, and natural wood coloring making up the exterior. Materials for the façade include cement panels and wood paneling that tie in stylistically with the surrounding area. Space has also been provided for artwork and murals on the building’s exterior.
Shirley Chisholm Village Finished Building Street View, image via MidPen Housing credits to Bruce Damonte
The building’s location is ideally placed, only one block away from the N Muni line, and it lies within walking distance of both Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park. Secure bike parking is also provided on site, helping future residents meet their transportation needs.
The ribbon cutting was attended by several notable speakers, each with positive things to say about the project. San Francisco Mayor Lurie described the building as “a symbol of a city that is welcoming working families instead of pricing them out.” Meanwhile, Superintendent Su emphasized that “By creating a place where educators can live in the city where they work, we’re doing more than providing housing—we’re strengthening our schools, supporting families, and building a more resilient, connected city.”
In addition to the notable accomplishment of providing housing, the Shirley Chisholm Village will also provide on-site community services, including academic-based after-school and summer programs for youth, economic mobility programs, homeownership education, and adult education classes.
Shirley Chisholm Village Aerial View, image via BAR Architects and Interiors
Shirley Chisholm Village Site Location, image via ArcGIS Online
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This is great. I assume SFUSD has plenty of other real estate assets which are being underutilized. With SF continuing to be expensive, and people having fewer kids in general, those assets will likely be growing in the next twenty years. I’m sure consolidation and closing of schools is coming and entire city blocks will be empty. I have no problem with the idea of more teacher housing being built, until upwards of 50% of all educators have access to these units.