The project team gathered late last week for the ceremonial grand opening of the Kelsey Civic Center at 240 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. Doors are now open for the 112 units of affordable housing above a Disability Cultural Center. The development is a joint venture between Mercy Housing and The Kelsey.
The now-complete project rises 84 feet tall with 112 units for individuals earning 20% to 60% of California’s area median income, and roughly 1,400 square feet for the Disability Cultural Center. Unit types will vary, with 80 studios and 32 two-bedroom apartments. Parking is included for 62 bicycles.
The Kelsey Civic Center ribbon cutting view, image courtesy the project team
The Kelsey Civic Center courtyard view, image by Bruce Damonte
A quarter of all units are designated for disabled applicants who use Home and Community-Based Services, i.e., HCBS. The Disability Cultural Center opened in July as a gathering venue for all to connect and learn from the gallery, a space for pop-up disability-forward businesses, and a co-working space.
Micaela Connery, co-founder and CEO of The Kelsey, said during the grand opening ceremony, “we’re proving that even in one of the nation’s toughest housing markets, accessible, inclusive, beautiful, and sustainable homes are possible. This movement is co-led by people with and without disabilities, across housing, advocacy, philanthropy, and sustainability, and we’re proud to have this community in a city with a rich history in all of the above.”
The Kelsey Civic Center rooftop deck, image by Bruce Damonte
The Kelsey Civic Center, image by Bruce Damonte
WRNS Studio and Santos Prescott & Associates co-designed the project. The L-shaped structure is clad with vertical bands of textured fiber cement panels and vertical copper-anodized aluminum fins. The structure wrapped around an open-air central courtyard with planters and seating.
Cahill Contractors started construction on The Kelsey Civic Center in mid-2023, with the structure topped out in August 2024. According to The Kelsey, the construction cost around $88.3 million, with support from a $57 million investment from the State of California and additional financing from J.P. Morgan Chase, Federal Home Loan Bank, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. Housing lottery applications launched last year.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Be the first to comment on "Grand Opening For Kelsey Civic Center at 240 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco"