Construction is making significant strides at the 1633 Valencia Street site in San Francisco. Since the July groundbreaking ceremony, crews have been hard at work, bringing the affordable housing project closer to completion. Mercy Housing is at the helm as the project developer, with Cahill serving as the general contractor responsible for the construction.

Transforming San Francisco with Affordable Housing

First-Floor Concrete Podium and Wood-Frame Structure

During our recent site visit, it was remarkable to see the first-floor concrete podium already completed. The wood-frame structure has reached up to the third floor, leaving three more floors to go until the topping out. This progress showcases the dedication and efficiency of the construction team. Some exterior composite wood has been attached, adding to the visual appeal of the project. However, no facade pieces have been spotted on-site yet, leaving us eager to see the final design come together.

Construction is expected to cost around $84.6 million, with a targeted completion by late 2025 and move-ins by May 2026. Mercy Housing aims to replicate the success of Tahanan with a sub $1 million-per-unit price tag, which is a significant achievement considering the high costs of most affordable construction projects in San Francisco.

As Mercy Housing president Doug Shoemaker mentioned at the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this year, "Our success with modular housing at Tahanan showed that San Francisco absolutely can build affordable housing quickly and cost-effectively... now, we’re bringing many of those innovative cost-saving efforts to site-built housing." This commitment to innovation is evident in every aspect of the project.

Six-Story Affordable Housing Structure

The six-story structure is set to create 145 units of affordable housing for "seniors experiencing or at risk of homelessness," as per the city's requirements. Apartments will be priced for households earning no more than 50% of the area's median income, with exact rents not exceeding 30% of income. Residential amenities will include a community room, on-site property management, supportive service suites, and bicycle parking, ensuring a comfortable living environment for the future residents.

David Baker Architects is responsible for the design, and the illustrations show a brick-clad facade with an offset pattern of sawtooth bay windows facing northwest over Valencia Street. The metal panel accents and textured cement finish on the first floor add a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

Mercy Housing got involved with the project through an invitation from Sequioa Living, who are planning to build a seven-story affordable senior complex at 3485 Cesar Chavez Street next to 1633 Valencia Street. The taller 126-unit project is expected to start construction in 2026, further enhancing the affordable housing landscape in the area.

Site History and Future Accessibility

The roughly one-acre parcel at 1633 Valencia Street was previously a Sears parking lot, overlooked by the CPMC Mission Bernal Sutter medical campus. The site is bounded by Mission Street and Cesar Chavez Street, providing convenient access to various amenities. Future residents will be just a nine-minute walk or a four-minute bike ride from the 24th Street BART Station, making commuting a breeze.

This affordable housing project is a significant step forward in addressing the housing needs of the community. It offers hope and a better quality of life for seniors in need. With its innovative design and construction methods, it sets an example for other affordable housing projects in San Francisco.