No one did density better than 19th century Paris. This S.F. neighborhood rediscovered that magic formula
We’re honored to be mentioned in a recent San Francisco Chronicle opinion piece on housing in San Francisco.
The article highlights 1180 Fourth Street, designed by Mithun and Kennerly Architecture, as part of a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood in Mission Bay—with affordable housing, public school, retail, and easy access to everyday needs.
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There, a collection of architect-designed multifamily buildings — many of them affordable, including Five88 by David Baker Architects and 1180 Fourth Street by Mithun and Kennerly Architecture — have recently been built alongside resident-serving retail, a pre-kindergarten to fifth-grade public school, cafes, restaurants and a plethora of new public space. People don’t need to drive to shop. They live on top of the Gus’ Market, its produce spilling out onto the sidewalk to lure people in.
It feels like a real neighborhood.
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We believe great design supports community, connection, and everyday life. Thank you to the Chronicle for recognizing this work.
View the full article: No one did density better than 19th century Paris. This S.F. neighborhood rediscovered that magic formula, which appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle on April 5, 2026.
is The San Francisco Chronicle’s Opinion Columnist. Email: allison.arieff@sfchronicle.com