San Francisco, August 28, 2025
News Summary
San Francisco has commenced construction on an 11-story affordable housing development at 300 De Haro Street in Potrero Hill, aiming to provide 425 new apartments for low to moderate-income tenants. This project is part of a broader initiative to address the city’s housing crisis and reflects recent legislative efforts to accelerate housing production. Criticism regarding community engagement and neighborhood impact has arisen as some residents express concerns about the project.
Construction Begins on New Affordable Housing Project in San Francisco
San Francisco has officially broken ground on a significant new project, an 11-story affordable housing development located at 300 De Haro Street in Potrero Hill. This initiative aims to address the city’s persistent housing crisis by providing 425 new apartments designated for low to moderate-income tenants.
Targeted Income Levels and Apartment Features
The new housing units will cater to individuals and families who earn between 30% and 70% of the area’s median income, which translates to annual earnings from approximately $41,000 to $95,000. The apartments will primarily be compact studios ranging from 300 to 400 square feet. To optimize living space, these units are designed to incorporate convertible furniture, including features such as Murphy beds.
Legislative Background and Housing Goals
This development is one of the first projects to be executed under the recently passed Senate Bill 35, a legal framework intended to accelerate housing production in cities failing to meet statewide housing requirements. Senator Scott Wiener, the bill’s advocate, highlighted the legislation’s potential to catalyze more affordable housing initiatives, both in San Francisco and across California.
San Francisco’s Housing Challenges
Despite the demand for affordable housing solutions, San Francisco, along with other cities in California, continues to grapple with meeting its housing goals. In fact, the city has only permitted 1,074 new housing units for 2024, marking its lowest output since the Great Recession. The soaring rental prices—averaging $3,280 per month in San Francisco and $2,330 in Los Angeles—underscore the growing disparities in housing affordability for local residents.
Shift in Project Focus and Financial Strategies
The 300 De Haro project initially aimed to provide mixed-income housing. However, changing economic conditions and the availability of financing options, such as low-income housing tax credits, led to a shift in plans, resulting in a fully affordable housing development. This pivot reflects a larger trend among developers who, facing financial pressures, are increasingly turning towards affordable housing as a viable solution.
Community Space and Amenities
Alongside the residential units, the project will feature approximately 6,000 square feet of retail space and several community amenities designed to enhance resident life. These include recreational lounges, fitness areas, and a rooftop deck, all aimed at fostering a sense of community among future tenants.
Housing Requirements and Timeline
San Francisco is under pressure to build an estimated 82,000 new housing units by 2031 to effectively tackle the ongoing housing shortage in the state. The journey to the groundbreaking for the 300 De Haro development has been extensive, taking about six years to finalize due to various economic disruptions, including challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neighborhood Response and Project Impact
As construction begins, reactions from local residents are mixed. Some community members have expressed concerns regarding the project’s height and its potential impact on the neighborhood. Critics have particularly pointed out the rapid decision-making facilitated by Senate Bill 35, which some believe may have sidestepped more thorough community engagement.
A Significant Step Towards Resolution
Despite these concerns, the developer has emphasized that this project aligns with a strategic push to increase the availability of affordable housing in San Francisco, especially given the challenging market landscape. Once completed, the 300 De Haro development is positioned to become the largest affordable housing project in the city since the onset of the pandemic, with an expected completion date of summer 2027. This project represents a crucial effort to mitigate the city’s affordable housing crisis and provide stability for its residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- CBS News: San Francisco Develops 425 Unit Affordable Housing
- SF Chronicle: Affordable Apartments in San Francisco
- The Frisc: Supreme Court and SF Affordable Housing Funding
- NBC Bay Area: New Housing at 300 De Haro Street
- SFYIMBY: Affordable Housing at 301 Alves Lane
- Google Search: Affordable Housing San Francisco
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Google News: San Francisco Housing News
Author: Construction FL News
FLORIDA STAFF WRITER The FLORIDA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionflnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florida and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florida Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Shutts & Bowen LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
