San Francisco CA | Completed
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, and general contractor James E. Roberts-Obayashi Corp.
The new building at the corner of Larkin and Turk is set off with a dynamic 8-story undulating facade clad in locally glazed 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
555 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA
United States
Total 108
