Avanza 490, located in San Francisco's vibrant Mission District, is the first fully affordable housing project to break ground in the area in a decade. Designed with an emphasis on wellness and livability, this seven-story, mixed-use building provides 81 affordable apartments for formerly homeless and extremely low-income families and individuals. The design of 490 South Van Ness balances the need for maximum unit density with a focus on creating a family-friendly environment. Key features include a central courtyard and playground visible from the laundry room, offering parents a chance to monitor their children while giving kids the freedom to play. Partnering with local organizations like BRIDGE and Mission Housing, we also integrated comprehensive on-site support services, including health and wellness resources, stabilization programs, and leadership training. These services ensure that residents have access to the help they need without leaving the building. The building’s location, just a block from public transit, further enhances its accessibility for residents. The architectural design of 490 South Van Ness responds to the neighborhood’s historic brick structures, with bricklike tile used on the first two floors and a warm, earthy palette of browns and beiges throughout. The interiors feature sealed concrete floors and wood-paneled walls, nodding to the area’s midcentury industrial roots. The inclusion of rooftop solar panels underscores our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, anticipating a lower-carbon future while enhancing the building’s performance. Avanza 490 is more than just a place to live—it is a community-focused solution designed to uplift residents and provide them with the stability and resources they need to thrive.