Construction is expected to start in the Spring or Summer of next year for the 15-story affordable senior LGBTQ+ housing proposal at 1939 Market Street in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood. The development recently secured funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Mercy Housing and Openhouse are joint developers for the project.
1939 Market Street aerial view, design by Paulett Taggart Architects and YA Studio
The 159-foot-tall structure is expected to yield around 145,280 square feet, with 93,070 square feet for housing and 1,700 square feet for commercial space. Parking will be included for 23 bicycles and no cars. Unit types will vary, with 106 studios, 80 one-bedrooms, and a two-bedroom unit. There will be two units designated for on-site management staff, occupying a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom residence. A handful of projects will include specialized equipment to meet the different needs of residents, with 19 units for communication, 94 units for mobility, and 93 units with roll-in showers.
Tiffany Bohee, President of Mercy Housing California, shared, “by pairing affordable, service-enriched housing with climate-conscious design and transit access, 1939 Market will offer homes for LGBTQ+ seniors while contributing to a healthier, more resilient San Francisco. This AHSC award affirms our shared commitment to sustainability and equity and provides critical resources to make this vision a reality.”
1939 Market Street residential entry, design by Paulett Taggart Architects and YA Studio
Co-founder of Openhouse, Dr. Marcy Adelman, stated that, “With the addition of 1939 Market Street, Openhouse will exponentially expand the number of safe, accessible, affordable, and supportive environments where LGBTQ+ older adults can live and thrive in community. Well done, everyone!”
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie shared in a public statement shared by the developers, “we are excited that this project at 1939 Market has officially received funding and is moving forward. This is an important step for LGBTQ seniors who deserve stability, dignity, and access to housing in the city they call home.”
1939 Market Street overlooking the thoroughfare, design by Paulett Taggart Architects and YA Studio
Paulett Taggart Architects is responsible for the design in partnership with the associate architects, Y.A. Studio. The project conforms to a triangular parcel with a knife-edge corner overlooking Market Street and Duboce Avenue. The white-clad complex will be framed with a vertical rectangular grid and a colorful rainbow window pattern rising above the main lobby door.
1939 Market Street, image via Google Satellite
New building permits were filed in late 2022 and issued in October 2023. The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development is the current property owner and will transfer site control to Mercy Housing via a long-term ground lease. Swinerton and Rubecon will form a joint venture as general contractors during construction. The development is expected to cost at least $117 million and could be completed as early as Spring 2028.
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1939 Market Street Mayor Daniel Lurie Mercy Housing Openhouse Paulett Taggart Architects Rubecon General Contracting Swinerton Y.A. Studio