California Construction News staff writer
The long-standing Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) field office at 1377 Fell St. in San Francisco is set to undergo a significant transformation, that will convert the 1960 facility into a multi-use, transit-friendly complex with affordable housing alongside a new DMV office. This redevelopment aims to address both the aging structure’s compliance issues with health and safety codes and the pressing need for affordable housing in the city.
Situated in a highly walkable area between the Lower Haight, NoPa, Buena Vista, and Alamo Square neighborhoods, the site is also within half a mile of a major transit stop, making it an ideal location for a mixed-use development. The project is seen as a model for future similar conversions across California.
“This first-of-its-kind project, combining housing with a new DMV Field Office, represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to reimagine spaces for affordable housing,” said Ana M. Lasso, director of the Department of General Services (DGS). “DGS is pleased to take part in this mixed-use development project that will deliver a modern new DMV office while providing hundreds of affordable housing units to support San Franciscans.”
The California and Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation chosen as the lead developers. HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez noted the project’s unique opportunity to modernize a public facility while addressing the critical need for affordable housing.
San Francisco is hoping to make strides in addressing its housing crisis while providing a modern facility for DMV services, showcasing a model that could inspire similar developments throughout California.