City Plans 62 Residential Units with Historic Site Preservation at 770 Wolsey

In a recent government meeting, San Francisco officials discussed a proposed residential development project that aims to transform a site currently occupied by unused greenhouses into a new community space. The project plans to demolish most of the existing structures and construct 62 residential units, including 31 duplexes, along with essential amenities such as vehicle and bicycle parking, and streetscape improvements.

A significant aspect of the proposal is the inclusion of 12 affordable housing units, addressing the city's ongoing housing crisis. Additionally, the project promises to create approximately 11,210 square feet of private common open space and 17,170 square feet of publicly accessible open space. The latter is envisioned to feature event spaces, open lawns, seating areas, and areas for growing plants, enhancing community engagement and green space in the area.

However, the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) raised concerns regarding the historical significance of the site. It concluded that the project site is eligible for listing in the California Register for Historic Places due to its association with the Italian American community and its status as a rare small-scale family-operated nursery. The demolition of the greenhouses and associated structures would result in a substantial adverse change to these historic resources, despite proposed mitigation measures such as documentation of historical resources and a salvage plan.

The Draft EIR also explored alternative development scenarios, including a full preservation alternative that would retain more of the existing greenhouses and reduce the number of new dwelling units to 24. This alternative would maintain the character of the historic resources and avoid significant impacts, unlike the proposed project.

As the city moves forward with this proposal, community members and stakeholders will be closely monitoring how these developments balance the need for housing with the preservation of San Francisco's rich cultural heritage. The discussions from this meeting highlight the ongoing challenge of addressing housing needs while respecting the historical context of the neighborhoods involved.