Could Converting Empty Offices Solve SF’s Housing Crisis?
Written by Jesse RogalaPublished Feb. 23, 2023 • 3:04pm
Video
Downtown San Francisco | Camille Cohen/The Standard
If you read the major headlines these days, San Francisco is known for two things: having the most deserted downtown district in America and its bleak housing crisis.
Housing advocates and urban watchdogs have long advocated for addressing San Francisco's cost of living crisis with a seemingly simple solution—utilizing vacated offices and other commercial spaces to house multifamily dwellings.
While the plan seems like a home run on its face, the reality is much more complicated. Building code restrictions and the sheer cost of the conversions present daunting barriers.
However, a local architectural firm recently presented research that might make at least some conversions possible. Watch the video above for a breakdown on the firm's vision and the hurdles it needs to overcome.
Jesse Rogala can be reached at [email protected]
