Preliminary Permits For Cliffside Apartments in Vista Del Mar, San Francisco

Preliminary permits have been filed for a new apartment enclave in the Vista Del Mar neighborhood of San Francisco. The project, dubbed Sutro Cove, would replace two cliffside homes at 641-645 48th Avenue with twenty new for-sale apartments. Stanley Saitowitz Natoma Architects is responsible for the application and design.

645 48th Avenue street view, rendering by Stanley Saitowitz Natoma Architects

645 48th Avenue overlooking the garages, rendering by Stanley Saitowitz Natoma Architects

645 48th Avenue vertical cross-section, illustration by Stanley Saitowitz Natoma Architects

Illustrations show the complex will feature a familiar design from the high-tech architecture firm. The street-facing facade will feature floor-to-ceiling glass and solid panels, such as cast-in-place concrete, with a sloped driveway that provides residents and pedestrians with a stunning view of the ocean over the lower structure. The lower building’s western facade, visible from the Great Highway, features protruding bowed windows and inset balconies, offering residents a panoramic view of Ocean Beach.

The development is expected to produce three four-story buildings. The complex will include 20 units, of which two will be deed-restricted as affordable to households earning around 80% of the area’s median income. Dwelling sizes will vary with six studios, eight two-bedrooms, four three-bedrooms, and two four-bedrooms. Parking will be included for 18 cars across several covered garages.

645 48th Avenue internal driveway, rendering by Stanley Saitowitz Natoma Architects

645 48th Avenue site map, illustration by Stanley Saitowitz Natoma Architects

645 48th Avenue, image via Google Street View

The 0.7-acre property is located at the corner of 48th Avenue and Sutro Heights Avenue, within the Vista Del Mar neighborhood of the Outer Richmond. The cliff-side property is next to protected open space maintained by the National Park Service, ensuring residents will have stunning views. The nearest grocery store is Safeway at 850 La Playa Street, where Align Real Estate plans to add more than 500 apartments.

The preliminary application invokes Senate Bill 423 to streamline the approval process for a future formal planning application.

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