California Construction News staff writer
The grand opening of a new 100% affordable housing project in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to expand affordable housing options. The nine-story, 38,500-square-foot building, located on a formerly vacant lot at 180 Jones St., offers 70 new permanently affordable homes, including 35 units reserved for adults who were formerly homeless.
This project is part of a broader initiative to transform the Tenderloin into a safer, more vibrant neighborhood and is being called an important step in San Francisco’s ongoing housing strategy to address the growing need for affordable housing, particularly for low-income and vulnerable populations.
“Building more affordable housing is a key part of making San Francisco a more affordable city for everyone,” a city spokesperson said. “To reach our goal of building 82,000 new homes under the state’s Housing Element, we must be aggressive in how and where we build housing. 180 Jones Street is just one of the many projects we’re working on to provide stable, long-term housing for our most vulnerable residents.”
As part of Mayor London Breed’s Housing for All strategy, the project reflects efforts to streamline housing approvals and increase the supply of affordable homes and underscores the city’s commitment to accelerating housing delivery.
“We’re proud to see this project come to fruition as part of our ongoing commitment to housing stability in San Francisco,” said Gustavo Velasquez, director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). “The combination of affordable housing and supportive services here sets a model we hope to replicate statewide through programs like Homekey+.”
The new building includes a range of amenities designed to improve residents’ quality of life, including a ground-floor community room, on-site social workers, bike parking, and free fiber internet provided through the city’s Fiber to Housing program. The development also features a landscaped courtyard on the second floor, open to the street, providing a welcoming outdoor space for residents. 180 Jones Street achieved LEED Gold Certification, one of the highest standards for sustainable construction, and is powered by 100% renewable energy through CleanPowerSF.
“By providing safe and stable homes, we empower our most vulnerable residents to build a pathway toward lasting stability,” said Shireen McSpadden, executive director of the San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. “The supportive services available at 180 Jones are critical in helping people transition from homelessness to permanent housing.”
The development was made possible through a combination of public funding sources, including financing from the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The project received a $23.8 million award from California’s Housing Accelerator program, which helps fund critical housing projects more quickly. This program is part of the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund, made available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
“We are proud that our programs, such as the Housing Accelerator and the Multifamily Housing Program, are helping bring critical housing online faster for residents most in need,” Velasquez said.
The development of 180 Jones Street came out of a community-driven effort. The Tenderloin community negotiated a benefits agreement with a nearby market-rate developer to create “step-up housing” for long-time residents of single-room occupancy (SRO) hotels. The Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (TNDC) was selected to develop, manage, and provide supportive services for the building.
“180 Jones is more than just affordable housing,” said Katie Lamont, interim co-CEO and COO of TNDC. “With supportive services, community spaces, and a shared courtyard, we are helping residents build stability and opportunity. This project strengthens our community and provides homes for those who need them most.”
The project was designed by San Francisco-based Van Meter Williams Pollack LLP and constructed by Cahill Contractors, Inc. Local firms such as Waypoint Consulting, California Housing Partnership, and Gubb & Barshay also played key roles in the development.
The opening of 180 Jones Street adds 70 new affordable homes to San Francisco’s housing stock, but it’s part of a broader strategy to address the city’s housing crisis. There are currently 143 affordable units under renovation across the city, with another 47 units slated for renovation next year.
“We are committed to delivering more affordable housing, and 180 Jones Street is a prime example of what can be achieved when public, private, and community partners work together,” a city spokesperson said. “By continuing to build projects like this one, we can ensure that every San Franciscan has a place to call home.”
