Property owner Group I is moving forward with plans to build 62 homes on the former nursery at 770 Woolsey Street in Portola, San Francisco. The proposal will reshape the 2.2-acre property with housing and a community center in two replica greenhouses. The news comes as the owner would not sell the site to Greenhouse Project, a community organization.
The revelation was first reported yesterday by J.K. Dineen for the San Francisco Chronicle. The decision comes after a steady pace of planning department progress by Group I. New building permits were filed in mid-March of this year for all 62 units across 31 duplexes.
770 Woolsey Street corner building view, rendering by Iwamotoscott Architects
The conditional use authorization application was approved in February, and the project profile closed in April. The transportation demand management remains under review, and the Monitoring Conditions and Mitigation Measures documents were filed last Tuesday.
The local organizer Greenhouse Project has hoped to purchase the lot from Group I to build an urban farming center and agricultural education facility. Berkeley firefighter Dave Gabriner, co-founder of the organization, shared with the San Francisco Chronicle that they raised the $15 million initially agreed upon two years ago, but that Group I could not agree on the price.
770 Woolsey Street existing greenhouses, image courtesy Iwamotoscott Architects
770 Woolsey Street green walkway, rendering by Iwamotoscott Architects
Group I is the project developer, taking over from the now-closed L37 Partners after the two founders, Eric Tao and Joy Ou, announced the firm’s conclusion. Joy Ou is continuing with Group I, while Eric Tao will create L37 Development.
Iwamotoscott Architecture is responsible for the design. The buildings will have alternating angled roofs to mimic the gabled roof style of the greenhouse nurseries. The edifices will be clad with plaster or fiber cement siding and corresponding wood slats in varying colors from black, grey, and white. The unpainted wood slats visible in each rendering will create a cohesive tone across the development.
Fletcher Studio is responsible for the landscaping. The plan includes a community center at the corner of Woolsey Street and Hamilton Street. The center includes two greenhouses, gathering space, storage, and seating. A central paseo will run through the center of the block, functioning as a greenway spine for residents and the public alike.
770 Woolsey Street, landscaping map by Fletcher Studio
The construction timeline is estimated at 24 months. The project team has not yet replied to a request for comment.
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Great that there is a plan for more housing. Since it was a nursery, How much removal for possible polluted soil, cost, will be necessary to be toxic free?