Planning commission approves revised Potrero Flats project after neighborhood refinements

The Planning Commission voted unanimously April 28 to approve a revised large‑project authorization for Potrero Flats, a mixed‑use project at 1301 Sixteenth Street in Potrero Hill. After a multi‑year design process and intensive community meetings, sponsors agreed to a set of refinements including an increase in ground‑floor commercial area, four PDR spaces (totaling roughly 3,764 square feet), sixteen flexible ground‑floor units to allow accessory commercial uses, and an on‑site affordable component at the rate then required (16–17% depending on trailing legislation).

Sponsor Workshop1 and architect Mike Pittler described significant massing revisions and a U‑shaped design organized around a deep landscaped courtyard and multiple rooftop terraces; the project includes 280 bicycle parking spaces (about 1.5 spaces per unit) and 111 automobile parking stalls in stacked configuration. Staff said the changes were made in response to concerns from neighborhood groups and recommended conditions that require refinements to south elevation materials, rooftop detailing and construction mitigation processes. The Patrol Boosters and Grow Potrero Responsibly representatives reported progress in addressing outstanding design and construction concerns and sought a post‑approval community review process for roof and south‑elevation details; the sponsor agreed to community design review conditions and to a single point of contact for construction outreach.

The Commission added conditions to require custom rail detailing on balconies and to incorporate the Entertainment Commission’s recommendations on nearby venues; the motion incorporated updated affordable housing unit‑mix language to reflect potential changes under pending inclusionary housing legislation. The motion passed unanimously 7‑0. Staff said the project adds family‑sized units and new commercial frontage while preserving some PDR capacity and includes First Source hiring commitments and streetscape improvements to serve the emerging corridor.