Shirley Chisholm Village is officially open in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the completion of a groundbreaking housing development aimed exclusively at educators. The project — the first of its kind in the city — delivers 100% affordable units for teachers and school staff, with a mission to make living in San Francisco attainable for those who educate its children.
Located at 1360 43rd Avenue, the development is the first fully affordable housing complex built in the Outer Sunset in over a decade. The site, once used as a storage facility by the school district, was transformed through a partnership between MidPen Housing and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development. After years of planning and overcoming funding and zoning challenges, the result is a housing community designed to support educators who are too often priced out of the city they serve.
The five-story building features 135 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, prioritizing families and working professionals. Residents will also have access to shared gathering spaces, including outdoor courtyards, a fitness room, a community room, and on-site laundry facilities. The goal is to foster a sense of community and stability among educators, rather than simply offering a place to live.
Designed by BAR Architects and Interiors, the building’s exterior presents a mix of white, gray-blue, brown, and natural wood tones, echoing the coastal character of the Outer Sunset. Cement panels and wood elements form the façade, with dedicated space incorporated for murals and public artwork that will further visually connect the development to its neighborhood.
Positioned one block from the N Muni line and within walking distance of Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park, the location offers residents convenience and access to outdoor recreation. Secure bike parking further supports transportation options beyond driving.
The ribbon-cutting featured remarks from key city leaders. San Francisco Mayor Lurie applauded the project as “a symbol of a city that is welcoming working families instead of pricing them out,” while Superintendent Su emphasized that giving educators a stable place to live “strengthens schools, supports families, and builds a more resilient, connected city.”
Beyond housing, Shirley Chisholm Village will offer on-site community services, including after-school and summer youth programs, economic mobility initiatives, homeownership education, and adult learning opportunities — reinforcing its mission to nurture both educators and the broader community they serve.
