A large affordable housing development located at 2550 Irving St in the Sunset District is nearing completion. On December 10th, Sunset District Councilman Alan Wong invited several Chinese-language media outlets for an on-site visit.
Accompanying the media tour were Omar Masry, the Multi-Family Housing Loan Programs Manager from the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, Brendan Dwyer, the Director of Building Services from the same office, project architect Chris Ard, and Shreya Shah, Deputy Director of Housing Development at TNDC, who provided detailed explanations to the journalists.
They elaborated on the project details, application process for residency, and post-move-in arrangements.
Masry mentioned that the 7-story residential building, which took more than 20 months to construct, is situated on the former site of the Police Credit Union, thus causing no displacement of residents.
Shah introduced that the project primarily targets families, veterans, and formerly homeless individuals, offering a total of 90 100% affordable housing units, including 24 three-bedroom units, 23 two-bedroom units, 34 one-bedroom units, and 9 studio apartments.
Approximately 20 units will be allocated to veterans of all ages who are eligible for housing subsidies under the federal “HUD-VASH” program, while 22 units will be reserved for homeless families. Shah emphasized that this project is not transitional housing for older youth or senior apartments, but seniors can apply through regular channels.
Shah revealed that nearly 8,000 applications have been received for the project, with the application deadline set for this Friday, December 12th. Next steps include a lottery, qualification assessments, interviews, and on-site visits, with lease signings expected to begin early next year and move-ins scheduled for March.
Ard highlighted the project’s emphasis on natural light and functionality in its design. The open first-floor lobby connects to the main entrance on the street and a lush backyard, with public spaces including an open kitchen/lounge (leading to the backyard), a garage, bike storage for residents, community activity rooms, meeting rooms, laundry facilities, and an office for the Chinese Cultural Area. The rooftop terrace features solar panels with sweeping views of the surrounding neighborhood, Golden Gate Park, and the scenic Marin Headlands, while some higher units offer ocean views. Each residential unit at both ends of the building boasts unique views, such as the tower, Golden Gate Park, etc.
According to the project’s website, the design incorporates elements of the surrounding neighborhood’s architectural style while considering the community environment. The building volume, bay window design, eaves treatment, texture, and color coordination all complement the architectural style of the adjacent streets. The project will be equipped with a comprehensive photovoltaic system, light-filled corridors, and high space utilization puzzle-style parking spaces, each equipped with electric vehicle charging stations.