2024 Summer Issue of Urban Land - 71

Freedom West Homes redevelopment in San Francisco comprises 382 co-op-owned housing units over four city blocks.
In San Francisco's Fillmore District,
Freedom West Homes' next iteration will
stand as a beacon of equity and inclusivity,
rooted in a storied history of community
resilience. Established in the 1970s,
amid the aftermath of redlining practices
and urban renewal policies, the development
was envisioned as a bastion of
affordable housing and socioeconomic
stability to counteract the displacement
caused by redevelopment efforts.
Today, with 382 co-op-owned housing
units spread over four city blocks,
Freedom West Homes remains a testament
to the enduring spirit of its residents.
In collaboration with the co-op
and its commitment to revitalizing the
neighborhood, the project will embark
upon a transformative journey. DLR
Group's design approach prioritizes community
empowerment and social cohesion.
The reimagined and renewed Freedom
West Homes will honor its legacy
while modernizing for future residents of
the community.
The reimagined development, through
DLR's partnership with renowned landscape
architect Walter Hood of Hood
Design Studio, will transform Octavia
Street into a vibrant community space,
establishing the Founders Circle Plaza
as the heart of the co-op and extended
community. Designed with balconies
facing the plaza, the development will
be impactful and a beacon to the community.
From
the creation of contemporary,
accessible housing units to the integration
of community spaces and amenities,
as well as the lasting economic opportunities
that will lay the foundation for
wealth accumulation and socioeconomic
advancement, the revitalized development
will provide residents with a
renewed sense of pride and belonging in
their neighborhood.
Challenge meets opportunity
The integration of placemaking principles
in housing projects represents a transformative
approach to urban development,
but it also presents challenges and
complexities. Balancing the competing
demands of economic viability, social
equity, and environmental sustainability
requires careful planning and collaboration
among stakeholders. And if that's
not challenging enough, the implementation
of placemaking strategies may face
resistance from established interests or
regulatory barriers.
As cities grapple with the challenges
of rapid urbanization, climate change,
and social inequality, these challenges
can also present opportunities for innovation
and creativity in housing design
and development. By attaching the
collective resources of communities,
designers, policymakers, and developers,
cities can overcome these obstacles
and create housing projects that truly
embody the principles of placemaking.
For the future, the integration of
placemaking into housing design offers a
promising path forward, where every resident
can find a sense of belonging and
opportunity in their built environment.
Through collaboration and creativity, we
can unlock the full potential of place-led
housing to shape the cities of tomorrow
into vibrant, resilient, and inclusive
spaces for all, without compromise. UL
JOSE SANCHEZ is an experienced mixed-use design
leader at DLR Group, focusing on retail, entertainment,
housing, and mixed-use properties.
SUMMER 202 4
URBAN LAND
71
INDUSTRY VOICES
DLR GROUP

2024 Summer Issue of Urban Land

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2024 Summer Issue of Urban Land