News Summary
San Francisco has officially broken ground on a new affordable housing project in the Fillmore District, led by MidPen Housing. The initiative will create 167 units aimed at supporting educators, families, and individuals. The project includes on-site amenities and is expected to ease the city’s housing crisis. Mayor Daniel Lurie and other officials attended the ceremony, emphasizing collaboration and the innovative repurposing of state land to address housing needs. Completion of the two buildings is anticipated in two years, with the first residents moving in by 2027.
San Francisco Breaks Ground on Affordable Housing in the Fillmore District
On June 18, 2025, San Francisco celebrated a significant milestone in its fight against the housing crisis by breaking ground on a new affordable housing project in the Fillmore District. This initiative, spearheaded by MidPen Housing, will create a total of 167 units designed to support educators as well as families and individuals.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held at 750 Golden Gate Avenue, where the foundation has already been completed in anticipation of construction. Meanwhile, demolition work at the second site, located at 850 Turk Street, is nearing completion, paving the way for subsequent construction.
The project includes 75 units dedicated to educators at 750 Golden Gate Avenue and 92 units for families and individuals at 850 Turk Street. Both locations will feature on-site amenities and supportive services to enhance the living experience for residents. As part of the effort to ease the housing crunch in the Bay Area, the buildings are designed with community in mind.
The construction of these two buildings is being handled by Cahill Contractors, ensuring that the projects are completed with quality workmanship. The ceremony was marked by attendance from Mayor Daniel Lurie and Secretary Tomiquia Moss, highlighting the strong collaboration between the non-profit developer, city officials, and state representatives.
Support for this affordable housing initiative also came from the California Department of General Services and the Employment Development Department through its Excess Sites Program. MidPen Housing’s President and CEO, Matthew Franklin, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in San Francisco.
The project at 750 Golden Gate Avenue notably marks the first affordable housing development in the city to utilize the California Surplus Land Act. Instead of being left empty, state land is being effectively repurposed to assist those in need.
Designed by David Baker Architects and Min Design Studio, the 750 Golden Gate Avenue project will consist of an eight-story complex adorned with off-white façades and colorful yellow and orange tiling. The financing for this location was made possible through contributions from First Citizens Bank, National Equity Fund, and MidPen Housing Corporation.
Meanwhile, the project planned for 850 Turk Street will also be crafted by David Baker Architects, incorporating elements like a four-story entry portal designed to promote airflow to a central courtyard, as well as open-air balconies. Funding for this site is backed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Bank of America, and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation.
For residents who require parking, the developments will include an on-site garage that will provide replacement parking for the Employment Development Department. Conveniently located near Gough Street and Franklin Street, the project is also in close proximity to Jefferson Square Park and City Hall, making it a desirable area for future residents.
The total projected cost for these developments stands at roughly $170 million, comprising two eight-story buildings expected to be completed within a two-year timeframe. The first residents are anticipated to start moving into their new homes in 2027.
This housing initiative is part of a broader effort launched by California Governor Gavin Newsom to address the ongoing housing crisis through the effective repurposing of unused state-owned land. Looking ahead, there are plans for a future phase that will bring an additional 96 units to the area, further enhancing affordable options for residents.
MidPen Housing has already demonstrated its capacity in addressing housing needs with previous projects like the Shirley Chisholm Village, which opened last year and has already accumulated a waitlist of over 1,000 applicants for its educator housing. The new Fillmore District development represents another step forward in providing vital affordable housing in a city experiencing significant growth and demand.
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Additional Resources
- SFYIMBY: Joint Groundbreaking Ceremony for Affordable Housing
- SF Examiner: SF Civic Center Set for Affordable Housing Double Play
- Hoodline: Governor Newsom Launches Affordable Housing Developments
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Affordable Housing in San Francisco
