Casa Adelante at 1515 South Van Ness

Designed in partnership with YA Studio, Casa Adelante at 1515 South Van Ness will be the largest new affordable family housing development built in the Mission District in over a decade. The project replaces a former commercial building—most recently used as an emergency shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic—with 168 affordable homes for families and vibrant, community-serving ground-floor spaces.

The new building is directly connected to the existing senior housing next door through a shared, terraced courtyard—a green space where residents of all ages can gather, play, and grow food together. With shared ownership and operations, the two buildings will work together as one intergenerational community.

Two ground-floor commercial spaces will serve the Mission’s families and workers. Wu Yee Children’s Services, an early childhood education center, anchors Shotwell Street and opens onto the courtyard. Nuevo Sol, a nonprofit serving day-labor and domestic workers, will have a new space on South Van Ness. Both organizations are deeply rooted in the neighborhood.

The nine-story building is clad in a mix of glazed and unglazed tile, with vibrant hues inspired by the Mission District’s textures and dynamic color palette.

On-site amenities include a community room, co-working spaces, computer labs, and secure parking for 120 bicycles. A rooftop terrace and shared laundry room offer additional communal spaces with sweeping city views. Together with the adjacent senior housing, the project creates a connected, intergenerational community of affordable homes— bringing years of advocacy by Mission District residents, organizers, and housing leaders to life.