The Sunnydale Redevelopment in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley is defined by a deep commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable community. Sunnydale is the City’s largest public housing community and is transforming into a mixed-income development of new affordable and market-rate housing with open space and community services. By tripling density, the existing 775 public housing will be replaced, while adding low-income and market-rate units. Construction is phased so residents can remain on site and take part in the transformation of their communities.

We were the Sustainable Infrastructure/Low Impact Development Consultant for this showcase project that raises the bar for integrating ecological infrastructure into the San Francisco Bay region. Echoing the flows of a historic stream that ran through the site, the proposed widened right-of-way along Sunnydale Avenue showcases a “stream” stormwater amenity that defines and shapes a shared use path. Along the flatter, north-south streets, water is slowed and given the opportunity to infiltrate in bioswales and rain gardens. Several of these minor streets are envisioned as “home zones” where cars are slowed and kids can play while their parents supervise nearby.