Commission approves 103‑unit project at 950 Tennessee Street, including publicly accessible mid‑block passage

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a large‑project authorization Dec. 15 for 950 Tennessee Street, allowing demolition of an existing two‑story industrial building and construction of a four‑story, 103‑unit residential building with a basement, 87 off‑street parking spaces and a publicly accessible mid‑block passage.

Staff said the project complies with planning code requirements for the Dogpatch Landmark District and noted the Historic Preservation Commission had issued a certificate of appropriateness. Carlos Wallace, cofounder of project sponsor Oryx Partners, told commissioners the sponsor had worked closely with the Dogpatch Neighbors Association and had committed to a 24‑hour publicly accessible mid‑block passage and in‑kind or small‑sites inclusionary strategies that would place about 34 affordable units within a one‑mile radius of the site. The sponsor also described outreach that included multiple community meetings and design revisions.

Architectural presentation emphasized a hybrid of warehouse and residential forms, ground‑floor entries set back with planters for privacy and a roughly 30‑foot‑wide mid‑block passage designed for all‑day activation. Commissioners praised the collaborative design process and discussed ways to increase ground‑floor activation and pedestrian safety, noting that active uses can include studios or small community uses and need not be limited to retail. The commission moved and seconded approval and voted unanimously (7–0).

What comes next: the sponsor will pursue required permits and final design details; staff and the sponsor said additional vetting would occur with the Eastern Neighborhood CAC and subsequent Planning Commission reviews for details such as streetscape improvements and any in‑kind agreement terms.