DR. GEORGE W. DAVIS VISION AND LEGACY
This vibrant building is the realization of a multi-decade dream pursued by the late Dr. George W. Davis—a community activist and head of Bayview Senior Services—to build housing and a community hub that would support seniors to age in place in this under-served San Francisco neighborhood. Dedicated posthumously, the supportive, permanently affordable homes and community center round out a quartet of new buildings transforming disused site into a diverse neighborhood along the Third Street Corridor.
DEMONSTRATED NEED
The building received more than 4,000 applications for the 120 new homes, highlighting the critical need for affordable senior hous- ing in the area. Seniors displaced by the redevelopment of nearby public housing as well as those with a history in the local ZIP code were given first priority for the new building, and many friends were reunited after years of separation. Twenty-three homes are re- served for formerly chronically homeless seniors, and two units offer supportive transitional housing for seniors leaving incarceration.
RESIDENCES AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Served by a private, secure entrance, the 121 one- and two-bedroom apartments occupy four levels above active ground floors in both the east and west wings of the building. The ground floor of the east wing is devoted to residential service and shared spaces. Residents enjoy a private common room with a fireplace and an event kitchen, a fitness center, and an upcoming beauty salon. A dedicated staff provides a wide range of on-site social services and case management. Each residential floor features informal loung- es and a laundry room. Shared decks at the second and fourth levels overlook the sunny courtyard.
COMMUNITY CENTER
The 14,000 sf neighborhood-serving Senior Center is the go-to place for seniors in the Bayview Hunters Point community to connect with each other and to access critical services. Occupying the ground floor of the west wing of the building, the bustling new Center serves as a social hub and meeting place—a true community center where seniors can relax, catch up with friends and neighbors, play pool and dominoes, and drink coffee. The commercial kitchen serves more than 500 lunches daily. Classrooms offer cooking demonstrations, exercise and wellness classes, arts and crafts, and other activities. Game nights, pool tournaments, monthly birthday celebrations, and a popular evening jazz series keep the energy up throughout the week.
AFRICAN-INSPIRED DESIGN
Based on the desires and sense of identity of the local community, the building incorporates a wide range of African-inspired design elements. The curved natural organic form of the central tower, as well as the earth-tone palette and textured façades, draw inspira- tion from traditional village structures. African textiles informed the bright accent colors and patterns: Traditional Ghanaian kente cloth is referenced in the railings, while Malian mud-cloth inspired the color blocking on the elevations. The landscape paving and plantings reflect African fractal patterns, and the interiors feature a donated African sculpture collection and adinkra tribal symbols.
resilience and sustainability Designed with principles of social resilience and environmental stewardship, the project employed a wide range of complementary strategies to achieve LEED for Homes Platinum certification.