Presidio Plans Its First New Housing in 20 Years

For the first time in two decades, San Francisco’s Presidio is building brand-new homes, a 196-unit apartment complex that marks a major step in the park’s long-term vision to stay self-sufficient and welcoming to everyone.

The new Letterman Residential Project will rise on 4.6 acres near Lincoln Blvd. and Girard Rd., on the site of old 1970s-era buildings and a parking lot. It’s designed as six low-rise, walk-up buildings that echo the simple, wood-sided architecture of the Presidio’s historic Letterman Hospital district.

The mix of studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms will fill a big gap since about 75% of Presidio housing has three or more bedrooms. The homes will be built to LEED Gold standards and located steps from MUNI, Golden Gate Transit, and the Presidio GO Shuttle.

Beyond adding housing, the project aims to revitalize the area leading from the Marina Gate into the heart of the park, with safer paths for walkers and bikers, native plantings, and green stormwater landscaping.

Because the Presidio Trust doesn’t receive annual taxpayer funding, rent from these new homes will directly support park operations, from trails and historic buildings to visitor centers and open spaces. Last year, residential rents made up nearly 35% of the Presidio’s annual budget.

Environmental review starts next week, with a public meeting on November 18. Construction could begin as soon as 2027.

The Letterman project is part of a larger “Presidio Forward” effort that includes upgrades to open spaces, infrastructure, and new places for people to live and work. It will be the park’s biggest wave of improvements since the Letterman Digital Arts Center (Lucasfilm HQ) opened in 2005.

h/t: SF Chronicle