The State of California has helped secure new funds for 1515 South Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco’s Mission District. The Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded $37.9 million towards a 168-unit affordable housing proposal for the vacated site. Chinatown Community Development Center and the Mission Economic Development Agency are jointly responsible for the project.
1515 South Van Ness Avenue seen along Shotwell, rendering by David Baker Architects and YA Studio
Lennar first acquired the property from McMillan Electrical in 2014. The developer submitted plans for a 160-unit infill, including some affordable housing. The project won approval in 2016, but the developer eventually sold 1515 South Van Ness to the city for $19 million in 2019. From there, the city would start the process of selecting the developers and providing funding.
Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director at CCDC, reflected on the project’s history, sharing that “a strong, long-term push by Mission advocates to make this site 100% affordable is now paying off, with 168 family units that include services and childcare. People of color communities know what they need, and we are excited to be in partnership with a team consisting of MEDA, CCDC, and MOHCD, that listens.”
1515 South Van Ness Avenue aerial view with facade treatment, drawing by David Baker Architects and YA Studio
1515 South Van Ness Avenue commercial space along 26th, rendering by David Baker Architects and YA Studio
The project will aim to give housing to low-income families, formerly homeless families, and people living with HIV. Apartment rents will aim to be affordable to households earning anywhere from 25-80% of the Area’s Median Income.
Construction will bring a nine-story structure spanning nearly 200,000 square feet, with 179,500 square feet for housing and 2,530 square feet for a community non-profit. Unit types will vary greatly, with 15 studios, 32 one-bedrooms, 77 two-bedrooms, and 44 three-bedrooms. Parking will be included for 120 bicycles.
1515 South Van Ness, image via Google Street View
David Baker Architects and YA Studio are collaborating on the design. Facade materials will include glazed tiles, stucco, sunshades, and decorative metal screens. The top will be capped with green roofing and solar panels. GLS is responsible for landscape architecture.
The proposal will rise next to Casa Adelante at 1296 Shotwell Street, another affordable housing complex developed by CCDC and MEDA. Construction is expected to start in late 2025 and last around two years. The estimated final cost for the project has not been shared.
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Openly admitting this housing development is for “people of color communities”. There was a time not too long ago that this would’ve been called discrimination, but I guess this is just where we are as a society.
They cannot discriminate who can rent the building once complete…
It’s about income levels. There is such a thing as demographics.
Yes, they are aware of but cannot discriminate based on that.
I realize it’s more complicated than just ‘acquiring land’ and then building affordable housing, but the various non-profits and activist types are fairly bad at getting housing built once it’s been commandeered (looking at 16th + Mission, 18th and Mission). That said, I’m happy to see this one finally make progress and solid architects attached.
More affordable housing in a transit Ridge area is great