Demolition Permits Filed for 860–880 McAllister Street San Francisco

Freedom West 2.0: A New Chapter for Historic San Francisco Housing

This article details a major development in San Francisco’s Fillmore District, focusing on the Freedom West housing cooperative. Demolition permits have been filed to begin the first phase of the Freedom West 2.0 master plan.

This step involves replacing three existing apartment buildings with a modern, seven-story complex. The project aims to revitalize the area and provide new housing.

The proposed structure seeks to balance the spirit of the original mid-century development with a vision for the future.

The Dawn of Freedom West 2.0: A Modern Vision for Fillmore

The Freedom West housing cooperative, a landmark of San Francisco’s history, is preparing for a transformation. Developers MacFarlane Partners and Avanath Capital Management are leading the Freedom West 2.0 master plan, starting with a new building at 880 McAllister Street.

This project is a key step in modernizing and expanding the cooperative. The goal is to ensure its continued relevance for years to come.

A Closer Look at the Proposed Development

The first phase of Freedom West 2.0 will feature a seven-story building, about 73 feet tall, at McAllister and Laguna Streets. This location will include roughly 104,500 square feet of new development.

Most of the space, about 103,300 square feet, will be for residential units. There will also be 1,200 square feet for street-level retail.

The project focuses on sustainable and contemporary living, aiming to bring new energy to the neighborhood.

Design Principles and Unit Mix

DLR Group leads the design, with Hood Design Studio handling landscape architecture. The new building offers a modern take on the existing late-modernist complex.

The design echoes the original color palette and strong rectilinear forms of Freedom West. This approach respects the established look while adding modern touches.

The building will offer 115 housing units, including:

• 80 one-bedroom units
• 35 two-bedroom units

There will also be parking for 15 bicycles, supporting sustainable transportation options.

The Demolition Aspect: Balancing Progress and Preservation

The project requires demolishing three existing three-story apartment buildings at 860, 870, and 880 McAllister Street. These buildings currently house 108 residential units.

The new building will mainly replace the buildings at 870 and 880 McAllister Street. Demolishing 860 McAllister is planned to make room for future phases of redevelopment.

This phased approach helps keep the cooperative operating and reduces disruption for residents.

A Nod to History: The Original Freedom West

The original Freedom West cooperative is an important part of San Francisco’s architectural history. Built between 1973 and 1975, it was developed by Jack Baskin and designed by Krisel/Shapiro & Associates, with landscape design by Royston, Hanamoto, Beck & Abey.

The Freedom West 2.0 project aims to build on this legacy, blending modern needs with the spirit of the original. The nearby Bethel AME Church will remain a key landmark within the site.

What’s Next for Freedom West?

As demolition permits are filed, the excitement for the future of Freedom West 2.0 is palpable.

While no official construction timeline has been established yet, this initial step shows progress toward realizing the master plan.

The project highlights the ongoing need for innovative housing solutions in urban environments.

It demonstrates how redevelopment can honor historical character while embracing contemporary design and community needs.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Demolition Permits Filed For 860-880 McAllister Street, San Francisco