This 9-story, mixed-use building re-animates the abandoned corner of Sixth and Howard streets with 67 affordable family apartments, including 14 units for developmentally disabled adults. The housing units sit over restaurant/retail and community space at the ground floor.
To resonate with the rhythms of the surrounding historic district, the design begins with a double-height commercial space above which the building breaks into two brick-clad volumes, the taller marks the intersection as a tower; the other steps down with a roof terrace. Residential amenities include private balconies, two common roof gardens, day-lit corridors, and flexible spaces for community gathering, offices, and child play.
The building required a storm water retention system which required residential toilets to be operated with reclaimed water and compliance with mitigation measures driven by the building contributory to the historic district, Article 38 compliance, ERRC compliance, and SF Fire Department two way calling system – all within a 10,000 s.f. lot on one of the busiest corners in San Francisco.
Green Design: Green-Point certified Gold at 127 units, Bill Sorro Community provides an ambitious combination of energy efficiency, air-quality, storm-water management, and gray water re-use.
Project Honors: 2019 AIA National Housing Award in Multi-Family Housing &
2017 Winner of Kerby Ward Fitzpatrick Award presented by the Architectural Foundation of San Francisco
