Groundbreaking Held for 94-Unit Affordable Artist Housing on San Francisco’s Market Street

An official groundbreaking ceremony has taken place for a 15-story mixed-use tower located at 1687 Market Street in San Francisco. This development, a collaboration between Mercy Housing and Artists Hub on Market, is set to deliver 94 affordable units specifically for artists, alongside a black-box theater and a ground-floor cafe at the intersection of Market and Gough Street.

Modified plans for the project were submitted in September 2025, resulting in a slightly shorter structure and a reduced residential capacity. The building is now designed to reach 151 feet, encompassing 104,440 square feet of total area, with approximately 80,000 square feet dedicated to housing and 19,330 square feet for arts activities. The residential units will be deed-restricted for artists and families earning up to 80% of the area’s median income.

Mark Cavagnero Associates is responsible for the architectural design. The San Francisco Arts Commission has expressed support, highlighting the city's forthcoming Artist Housing Certification Program, expected to launch in early 2027, which will help artists access such housing lotteries. The project, backed by a significant $100 million donation, anticipates completion by Spring 2028, adding vital affordable housing and cultural space to the city.