OCII approves schematic design for Mission Bay South Block 9, a 141‑unit supportive housing building

The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure on Jan. 15 conditionally approved the basic concept and schematic design for Mission Bay South Block 9, a 141‑unit affordable rental building that will include supportive services for formerly homeless adults and one manager's unit.

OCII Development Specialist Kim Obstfeld told commissioners the project will sit between Mission Rock Street and China Basin Street adjacent to the Public Safety Building and include a resident-only courtyard, a public community garden accessed from Bridgeview Way, a community room with kitchen, and bicycle parking. "Block 9 is a 141 unit affordable housing development with supportive services that will house formerly homeless households," Obstfeld said.

The commission was asked to approve the schematic design and related environmental findings under the Mission Bay final subsequent environmental impact report and program EIR. Staff said the project team — led by Bridge Housing and Community Housing Partnership with partners including HealthRight 360, Letty/Stacy Architects, and Cahill as general contractor — will next refine designs, pursue building permits and submit financing applications. Staff recommended approval subject to standard conditions, including further review of materials and colors, courtyard fencing, trash and recycling, and mechanical screening.

Designers described a U‑shaped, modular-friendly massing oriented around a central courtyard with storefronts at the ground level and a landscape plan that evokes the area's tidal marshes. The architect said bay windows would be floor-to-ceiling and large: "Our bay windows are 9 feet tall and they're floor to ceiling windows," the design team said, adding many exterior walls were planned as significant window area to maximize light in small studio units.

Commissioners focused on modular construction procurement and local hiring. Staff said the agency will issue an RFP in February to select a modular manufacturer; initial estimates presented at the meeting projected approximately 10 percent construction cost savings and about four months of reduced vertical construction time. Vice Chair Bustos pressed for prioritizing San Francisco‑based subcontractors and asked staff to provide bios of proposed subcontractors so commissioners could track SBE (small business enterprise) participation.

Public comment included concerns about racial equity in housing allocations. Ace Washington told the commission he had been denied housing in a past case and urged the agency to ensure developers meaningfully serve Black residents, requesting audits and community engagement.

Commissioner Singh moved to approve the schematic design, Commissioner Rosales seconded, and a roll call vote recorded four ayes and one absence. The commission approved the schematic design, with staff to return later for gap loan and ground lease approvals in advance of an anticipated construction start in early 2020.

Action taken: conditional approval of schematic design for Mission Bay South Block 9. The commission also directed continued outreach and further design review per the staff conditions.