1633 Valencia

Following the success of Tahanan Supportive Housing—which streamlined provision of permanent supportive housing through innovative financing and construction—the team has reunited for the design of 1633 Valencia, a stable, supportive community intended for San Francisco seniors.

The project team—Mercy Housing; the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund (SFHAF); David Baker Architects; and Cahill Contractors—aims to refine our process for an increasingly efficient and effective building, drawing on lessons learned through the development, construction, and post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of Tahanan.

Privately funded by SFHAF’s Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund, the all-electric building utilized SB35 to qualify for additional units and a streamlined approval process. 

Using a 100% Design-Build approach, this project represents a close collaboration between DBA and Cahill Contractors throughout all design and construction phases. With an accelerated construction schedule of just 19 months, half of the major subcontractors were brought on after the Schematic Design phase to determine major systems early and establish project costs to meet and maintain a target budget. 

Replacing a surface parking lot near the corner of Valencia and Cesar Chavez, the building’s design is distinguished by a thin brick facade accented with glazed tile along Valencia Street, creating a dynamic presence in the neighborhood. The welcoming entry will feature a broad glass storefront, custom ceiling by DBA_Workshop, and sculptural ceramic pieces by DeBakker Clay. The courtyard will serve as a central hub, connecting the community room, lobby, resident services, and wellness clinic.