San Francisco Chronicle Architecture Critic John King dives into the economic and planning dynamics behind the remarkable transformation of 10th and Mission in San Francisco.
John King writes about a specific corner of San Francisco emblematic of the fundamental nature of the city's recent changes. According to King, "if one spot in the city convinces me that these changes run deeper than the usual cycles of boom and bust, it’s the corner of 10th and Mission streets."
"Here, at an intersection where the only real sign of life for decades was the procession of highway-bound automobiles, construction crews are at work on two squat housing towers that together will hold 325 residential units. Already to the north is NEMA, where a daunting 754 apartments opened a year ago and rental prices for a studio apartment start at $3,255."
One cause identified for the revitalization of 10th and Mission is the location of Twitter, which is now located at 10th and market. King notes, however, that affordable housing policies also had a hand in the overhaul of the intersection. "The spark that brought the corner to life wasn’t Twitter, or NEMA, but a gilt-edged project in another part of town: Lumina, a pair of luxury condominium towers now rising at the base of Rincon Hill. That project includes a requirement for 163 units of affordable condominiums, and developer Tishman Speyer approached TNDC about the 10th and Mission site."
FULL STORY: 10th and Mission an intersection at crossroads of S.F. revival
S.F. Bay Area Megaprojects Not Coming to Fruition
Plans for numerous large-scale developments in the region mean thousands of housing units should be on the way, but constant delays and setbacks have left projects nowhere near completion.
Why Big Tech Billions Won't Dent California's Housing Crisis
New multibillion-dollar affordable housing commitments from leading tech firms may build out thousands of units, but that's nothing next to California's gargantuan housing shortage.
Is Portland the Next San Francisco?
Now that tech companies have "discovered" Portland, Oregon, longtime residents question whether the progressive city has done enough to protect them from displacement. Sound familiar?
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie