The proposed project at 360 5th Street would transform a long-vacant, underutilized site in South of Market into a 21-story residential building featuring 278 new homes, including both market-rate and affordable units. By revitalizing this neglected property, the development would help address San Francisco’s housing shortage while taking advantage of its location in a transit-rich area. The project would also enhance neighborhood safety and vitality by activating the streetscape and bringing new residents to the community.
A previous plan for an eight-story, 127-unit building was approved in 2018 but was abandoned during the pandemic after the builder excavated the foundation. That led City Attorney David Chiu to sue the owner, charging that the property had become a blighted hole in the heart of the South of Market area marred by graffiti, garbage, mosquito infestations, and standing water.
The project team is led by Thompson Builders, the project sponsor, a Marin‑based real estate development firm with decades of experience delivering large-scale urban residential projects across California. Development is supported by DM Development, headquartered in San Francisco and specializing in urban infill mixed‑use projects known for distinctive design and community focused development. The project is being designed by Handel Architects, a renowned firm with deep experience in mixed‑use residential, commercial, and housing projects throughout San Francisco. Together, the team shares a commitment to design excellence and thoughtful urban development.
Thompson Builders acquired the 360 5th Street property in early 2025 after a prolonged period of vacancy during which the site was impacted by recurring flooding. Upon purchasing the site, Thompson Builders completed early stabilization work, including backfilling the excavation site, to bring the property into compliance with City code and prepare the site for redevelopment. Thompson Builders has an option to purchase the adjacent 2,000‑square‑foot parcel at 214 Clara Street, but has not yet completed the transaction.
The project is designed for an urban, high-density area and is consistent with zoning and height allowances enabled through State housing law. Its location near transit, jobs, and services makes it well suited for residential use.
The project delivers new housing, including meaningful onsite affordability, in an area where limited housing has been built in recent years. It replaces a long vacant, blighted site with an active residential building, improves the streetscape, and supports City goals related to housing production, sustainability, and infill development.
360 5th Street offers 278 rental units, featuring 67 studios, 119 one-bedroom apartments, and 92 two-bedroom units to accommodate a variety of household types.
Forty-two of the 278 homes are designated as below‑market‑rate units for moderate‑ and very‑low‑income households. These homes are provided onsite, are deed restricted, and are integrated within a mixed income development.
The site is in a transit-rich, highly walkable area with convenient access to neighborhood‑serving retail, employment centers, and public transportation. The project includes 80 total parking spaces.
Residents will have access to shared indoor amenity spaces and outdoor open space, including an outdoor deck on the fourth floor and a larger outdoor deck on the twenty-first floor with views. Planned amenities include community gathering space, a fitness room, and shared work/lounge areas, along with seating and landscaped outdoor areas.
The project includes a Conditional Use (CU) authorization to remove an existing non-historic unit at 214 Clara Street and incorporate that parcel into the overall project site. The residential development at 360 5th Street is currently under planning review through a streamlined process pursuant to California’s State Density Bonus Law and SB 330.
The CU applies to the removal of the existing single-unit building at 214 Clara Street and the incorporation of this smaller adjacent parcel into the overall project site. The authorization is limited to this action and does not otherwise affect the design or primary approvals for the 360 5th Street residential project.
As part of the CUP process, the project team will host two neighborhood meetings, one in person and one virtual, to share information, answer questions, and gather community feedback. The team will also continue outreach to neighborhood groups to ensure residents have ongoing opportunities to stay informed and engaged. A San Francisco Planning Commission hearing to consider the CUP request is expected to be scheduled later this year.
A professional shadow study was completed in accordance with City standards. The analysis found limited new shadow affecting only the Gene Friend Recreation Center. Existing surrounding buildings already account for the majority of shadow on the site, and the project would add a very small increment—approximately 0.049% annually.
Project-related shadow would occur on a limited number of days between mid-April and late August, primarily during early morning hours before 8:00 a.m. At its maximum, approximately 4,399 square feet would be affected briefly around 7:30 a.m., with durations of about 36 minutes. No new shadow would occur during midday or afternoon periods when park use is typically highest.
No. The project is anticipated to qualify for a Community Plan Evaluation under CEQA, based on the 2022 Housing Element Update Environmental Impact Report. Based on this framework, separate approval from the Recreation and Park Commission is not required.
We are continuing to move through the City’s planning process and anticipate that project approval will be finalized later this year. If approved, the next step will be to apply for the necessary building permits.
Construction timing will depend on final approvals and permitting. Once construction begins, the project is expected to take approximately 24–30 months to complete. Throughout this period, our team is committed to being a respectful and transparent neighbor, keeping the community informed with regular updates, minimizing disruptions wherever possible, and maintaining open lines of communication.
Construction will be required to comply with all City regulations related to noise, dust control, traffic management, and construction hours. The project team will implement standard best practices to minimize disruption and will provide a clear point of contact for construction-related questions or concerns.
