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Planning commission approves India Basin Block H1 100%-affordable building with design conditions
Summary
The commission approved major modifications to India Basin Block H1A on a hillside parcel to allow a six-story, 179-unit, 100%-affordable building, but directed the sponsor to refine facade materials and a top-level datum and to work with staff on color and public-realm treatments.
The Planning Commission on May 1 approved major modifications to the India Basin Special Use District design guidelines to permit a six-story, 179-unit, 100%-affordable building on Parcel H1A, a hillside site in the larger India Basin mixed-use redevelopment. The vote was unanimous.
Project and requested changes: The proposed building would include 179 affordable family units plus two manager units, ground-floor residential support spaces and about 3,200 square feet of retail frontage on New Hudson Avenue. The sponsor requested major modifications from three SUD standards: the percentage of required active frontages along the New Hudson frontage, the top-floor step-back requirement and a minor variance for a retail frontage longer than the guideline—s 75-foot recommendation.
Why modifications were requested: The sponsor said site geometry and technical requirements (including transformer and electrical-room placement, garage access, and the need for two separate residential cores) reduce the length of continuous active retail frontage the plan can provide along New Hudson West. The sponsor also argued that a six-story building without a seventh-floor setback yields better perceived height and pedestrian comfort than a seven-story building with a step-back, and that a six-story structural approach (a single level of concrete podium with wood-frame upper floors) is substantially more cost-effective for a 100%-affordable project.
Commission action and conditions: After discussion the commission approved the requested major modifications, finding that the departures remain consistent with the SUD—s objectives and that mitigation and urban-design measures compensate for the departures. Commissioners directed the sponsor and staff to continue refining facade treatments, to adopt a lighter, less institutional exterior palette, and to develop a differentiated top-floor datum or other modest modulation so the building reads with human-scaled elements at the top. The commission specifically asked for: more articulated facade treatment to avoid a monolithic institutional appearance; design options for activating non-retail frontage (art, landscaping or green walls); and a detailed plan showing how retail and lobby access would operate with PG&E transformer and garage requirements.
Public comment: Build Inc., housing advocates and labor groups urged approval and highlighted the project—s role in unlocking master-plan infrastructure financing and meeting affordable-housing milestones at India Basin. The project sponsor emphasized affordability, large-family unit designs (many two-bedrooms or larger), and the developer—s experience delivering similar 100%-affordable projects.
Next steps: The commission—s approval allows the project to proceed to building-permit review and final design approvals, subject to the more detailed facade and public-realm refinements the commission requested.
