On September 9, Mercy Housing California (MHC) announced the groundbreaking of 7^th and Brannan, an eight-story, 221-home affordable housing community in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. This new affordable community for families and single adults will provide permanent supportive housing for 120 families and individuals who have experienced homelessness, as well as 100 homes for families with low incomes, and one management unit. The building is expected to welcome its first residents in the summer of 2024.

“We’ve got to prioritize preventing low-income families from becoming homeless, or being priced out of San Francisco, just as much as supporting people who are experiencing homelessness,” said MHC President Doug Shoemaker. “This development gives us the unique opportunity to do both at once.”

The site was awarded to MHC by the City and County of San Francisco through the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) as a land donation from Equity Residential, the developer behind the market-rate development at 855 Brannan Street.

“Projects like this are key to the City’s work to provide permanent housing and care needed to truly improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor London Breed, in a press release. “7th and Brannan is just one example of what we are doing to improve this neighborhood. With eight affordable housing projects currently under construction in District 6 alone, and another eight slated to break ground over the next three years, I’m proud of the momentum that is making a difference for San Franciscans.”

7th and Brannan will include 100 studios, 23 one-bedroom, 82 two-bedroom, and 15 three-bedroom apartments, plus the management unit. 100 homes are designated for families earning between 50% and 60% of the area median income (AMI), while 120 apartments with supportive housing services will be available to families earning between 30% and 50% of AMI. Amenities for the building include a community room, laundry room, bike room, and landscaped courtyards, with several offices for management and services.

In accordance with MOHCD’s initiative to support public art, MHC is sponsoring artwork from local artists to adorn the building’s facades. Local artists have submitted proposals for innovative, dynamic works that will have a positive impact on the building’s inhabitants, the local SoMa neighborhood, and all City residents.

7th and Brannan will be managed by Mercy Housing Management Group, and supportive housing services will be provided by Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco. The property was designed by Santos Prescott + Associates and will be constructed by a joint venture between Suffolk Construction and local firm Guzman Construction Group. For more information and ongoing updates on construction activities, please visit https://www.7thandbrannan.org.