Plaza Apartments

Plaza Apartments in downtown San Francisco provides 106 affordable studio homes for low-income adults, many of whom were once chronically homeless and living with serious health or mental health issues. Each 30-square-metre studio includes a private bathroom and kitchenette to support independent living, while shared spaces such as a courtyard, roof deck, and community rooms encourage connection. On-site support services help residents improve their health, stability, and financial well-being.
The project aims to combine permanent supportive housing with environmentally sustainable design. Solar panels, energy-efficient heating, recycled and low-toxicity materials, and a rainwater-friendly courtyard reduce environmental impact and lower operating costs. Construction diverted 98% of waste from landfills and the building cuts energy use by 26%.
Housing each resident costs about $10,000 per year, far less than the $60,000–$100,000 the city previously spent on emergency services for chronically homeless individuals. By providing safe, stable housing, Plaza Apartments has improved health outcomes, created a sense of community, and freed city resources to support more housing initiatives.
This project is now a model for combining sustainability with social impact. It demonstrates that high-quality, eco-friendly housing for vulnerable people can reduce costs, revitalize neighbourhoods, and offer long-term solutions to homelessness.