Central SoMa informational review: 500‑unit project presented with 78 on‑site affordable units

Planning staff presented an informational review of a proposed Central SoMa housing project that would replace existing PDR buildings at 555 and 585 Bryant Street with a 160‑foot, mixed‑use tower of approximately 500 dwelling units.

Xin Yu Liang of the Planning Department told commissioners the project would include roughly 500 units, 20,600 square feet of PDR space, 125 accessory parking spaces, and 78 on‑site affordable units to meet the inclusionary requirements of Section 4.15 of the Planning Code. The sponsor seeks expedited ministerial approval under the Central SoMa Housing Sustainability District and an individually requested state density bonus that increases residential floor area by about 42 percent. Staff emphasized that the commission’s role in this hearing is advisory and limited to comments on design; the director will handle ministerial approval.

Will Goodman, managing director at Strata Investment Group, and the sponsor team walked commissioners through facade and streetscape revisions, courtyard and roof‑deck amenities, and alternatives that would rely on affordable‑housing fee credits from South Beach Marina. The sponsor said design work included additional balconies on the Wells Street elevation and interior courtyards with enhanced light and air.

Public comment focused on long‑term affordability enforcement and on conditions to ensure BMR units remain affordable "for the life of the project," with Sue Hester asking the commission to identify who will enforce income qualification and long‑term compliance (Planning Department, DBI, or the Mayor’s Office). Commissioners raised technical questions about courtyard dimensions, bike parking counts (the sponsor reported 200 Class‑1 and 30 Class‑2 spaces), and opportunities for more family‑sized units.

Because this was an informational review, no formal approvals were requested or taken.