California Construction News staff writer
The Jazzie Collins Apartments, a 96-unit permanent supportive housing development – part of a larger mixed-use development at 1629 Market St., also known as the Plumbers Union project – is officially open.
Construction began in March 2021 and was completed in June 2022, two months ahead of schedule. The project created a total of 425 construction jobs and the overall Plumbers Union project is estimated to create 1,200 construction jobs.
“Local 38 is extremely proud to be a part of this development to help formerly homeless move into permanent brand-new housing,” said Larry Mazzola Jr., president, Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 38.
“We are even more proud that these units were built 100% Union. It proves that these types of developments can be built union, with a skilled and trained workforce, in traditional fashion, and come in under budget and be done earlier than expected.”
Local firms David Baker Architects, Suffolk Construction, CMG Landscape Architecture, The Concord Group, and Gubb & Barshay were enlisted by HomeRise and Strada on the project.
The new supportive housing units, along with the construction of an additional 499 units as part of the Plumbers Union project, are a key part of the revitalization of the greater “Hub” neighborhood surrounding the intersection of Market Street and Van Ness Avenue.
“We are continuing to create more opportunities for people to transition off our streets into stable housing, but we know there is more work ahead of us in order to meet the needs of those struggling in San Francisco,” said Mayor Breed. “By expanding housing and having the supportive services to keep people stable, we are getting people on a path that ultimately leads to a safer, healthier life. Jazzie Collins Apartments will change lives and the entire Plumbers Union project is helping our city bounce back from this pandemic by creating jobs and housing to support our economic recovery.”
Dedicated in April 2022 to Jazzie Collins, a Black trans activist who for decades drove positive social change in San Francisco, the Jazzie Collins Apartments is a six-story, fully electric building featuring 96 units of permanent supportive housing for single adults exiting homelessness.
“The opening of the Jazzie Collins Apartments is a major milestone for San Francisco,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, who represents the South of Market, Mission Bay and Treasure Island neighborhoods. “We must continue to build affordable homes across the city that help keep our residents off the streets and provide services for some of our most vulnerable populations.”
The development is a partnership with HomeRise and Strada Investment Group who co-managed the project’s entitlements and development process and co-secured the project’s financing. Strada provided funding and managed construction for the project, while HomeRise is managing all lease-up and operational start-up activities.
“HomeRise’s mission is to create a permanent home for people who have experienced homelessness, and help them become self-sufficient,” said Rich Aubry, CEO at HomeRise. “
“Completing the 96 new units of permanent supportive housing at the Jazzie Collins Apartments less than 10 years after Jazzie’s Place opened in 2015, as the first homeless shelter in the United States for the adult LGBT community, reflects Jazzie Collins’ lasting vision to ensure the homeless LGBT community has a full, sustaining housing continuum to self-sufficiency.”
