This week marked the grand opening of 1633 Valencia Street, a new permanent supportive housing community providing 145 affordable homes for seniors aged 55 and older in San Francisco's Mission District.
Developed by Mercy Housing California, designed by David Baker Architects, and supported by the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, the project reflects what can be accomplished when mission-driven partners align around a common goal: delivering much-needed housing efficiently, responsibly, and at scale.
For Cahill, the project also demonstrates the value of an integrated design-build approach in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing affordable housing today. With escalating construction costs, complex funding requirements, and urgent housing needs, the project team recognized early that achieving both cost certainty and schedule certainty would require a different approach to project delivery.
Delivering Value Through Early Collaboration
As design-builder, Cahill led preconstruction efforts with a focus on managing design decisions to the project's budget and schedule objectives from the outset.
Working closely with David Baker Architects and key trade partners, the team engaged specialty contractors early to help inform design decisions, coordinate systems, and establish pricing before design completion. In-house experts provided constructability input on exterior assemblies, structural systems, and framing strategies, while BIM coordination advanced ahead of traditional milestones to reduce downstream conflicts and field revisions.
The team also leveraged prefabrication opportunities for framing and MEP systems, helping streamline installation and accelerate construction activities once work began.
Results That Matter
The collaborative, front-loaded process produced measurable benefits throughout both design and construction.
Project budgets remained stable from schematic design through GMP development with minimal value engineering and no significant scope reductions. Early coordination reduced RFIs and field conflicts, allowing project teams to focus on execution rather than problem-solving in the field. Minimal change orders helped preserve contingency funds, creating opportunities to enhance resident-focused features rather than address unforeseen costs.
Most importantly, the project delivered meaningful outcomes for both the owner and future residents:
Building Stronger Communites Together
Projects like 1633 Valencia Street succeed because of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to community impact.
Cahill is grateful to Mercy Housing California, David Baker Architects, the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, Felton Institute, Mission Action, and the many trade partners whose collaboration made this project possible.
Together, we delivered more than a building. We helped create a permanent home and supportive community for seniors in San Francisco while demonstrating a delivery model that can help address the region's ongoing housing challenges.
