555 Larkin

San Francisco CA | Completed 

2022

555 Larkin is a high-density new community bringing 108 new affordable family homes and open space to San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood.

Constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic, 555 Larkin represents affordable housing as an essential service and was made possible with the concentrated collaboration of a wonderful team: non-profit developer Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, structural engineer KPFF San Francisco, general contractor James E. Roberts-Obayashi Corp, and Nibbi Brothers Concrete. 

The new building at the corner of Larkin and Turk is set off with a dynamic 8-story undulating facade clad in local brick. The distinctive curved face is set on a Radius Track framework that brings motion and interest on the street edge. The glassy corner retail space is set to house the Curry Senior Center—also designed by DBA—which will provide services to the larger area. 

555 Larkin is located on the site of a historic structure—the former Keville & Kahn tire shop—which provided repair services and engaged the neighborhood through the thoughtful curation of the corner site’s marquee sign.  Known as the “World’s Biggest Fortune Cookie,” the sign for decades displayed a rotation of inspirational quotes and encouragement, curated by shop owner Bill Brinnon.

The storied marquee has been rehabilitated by DBA_Workshop, our in-house fabrication shop, and installed in the courtyard of the new housing. It will continue to share messages of commentary and encouragement, which are visible through the glassy building lobby.  The history of the site and the sign has also been memorialized in a plaques along the Turk Street sidewalk. 

The building features an extensive sheltered courtyard connected with a flexible community room. The roof hosts a garden that provides fresh produce for developer TNDC’s urban agriculture program as well as sweeping city views for residents.  


Project Details


Project Number
21615

Address

555 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA
United States



Status
Completed
2022

Number of Units
Studio
23
1 Bedroom
21
2 Bedroom
50
3 Bedroom
14

Total 108

Density Ratios
Project
110,000 sf
Site
18,906 sf
Acres
0.43
Units per Acre
251

Parking
Bicycle Parking
114

Construction
Type IA
8 Stories

Certifications
GreenPoint Rated Platinum

Team


Developer
Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation
Architect
David Baker Architects
General Contractor
Roberts-Obayashi Corporation
Landscape Architect
Interstice Architects
Civil Engineer
Luk + Associates
Structural Engineer
KPFF Consulting Engineers
Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer
Tommy Siu + Associates

Keywords


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