Commission backs Special Use District for 175-unit affordable senior housing and banquet-hall restoration in Chinatown

The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval Sept. 19 of a proposed Special Use District for 758 and 772 Pacific Ave that would enable a 175‑unit, 100% permanently affordable senior housing development in Chinatown and restore an associated banquet hall.

Veronica Flores of the Planning Department outlined the proposal — sponsored by Supervisor Aaron Peskin — noting the ordinance would raise the two parcels’ height limit to 155 feet (inclusive of height bonuses) and allow the project to seek concessions and waivers under state density-bonus programs (AB 2011). Staff said the SUD is the department’s preferred path to ensure the project’s feasibility and unique cultural components are preserved.

Speakers representing project partners and Chinatown community organizations emphasized the project’s affordability and cultural importance. Alan Lowe, land-use counsel, called it “the most important project to Chinatown in over 30 years,” and Chinatown CDC staff noted the city-owned site has been in planning for seven years. Speakers highlighted that the development would provide homes targeted at seniors earning below 40% AMI and restore a cultural banquet hall used for weddings, meetings and community celebrations.

Commissioners praised the project’s combination of deep affordability and cultural programming. Commissioner Moore called it “one of the most remarkable projects” and supported the SUD as a reliable pathway that preserves community benefits even if other legislative actions change over time. The commission moved to recommend approval, including a staff-suggested amendment to the SUD title; the motion passed unanimously 7–0.

Next steps: The SUD and accompanying ordinance will proceed through the public hearing process; staff will return with the case report and recommendation for adoption at a future hearing.