SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — In the midst of a housing affordability crisis in San Francisco, a controversy is brewing. It surrounds a plan to reimagine a legendary grocery store in the city’s Marina District.
The site of the original Marina Safeway could become a 25-story housing development, with 790 apartment units, if a real estate development company has its way. But there’s already pushback to the large project.
If a grocery store could be legendary, San Franciso’s Marina Safeway might be it. Just ask the locals.
“I’ve been coming to this Safeway for two decades. it got us through COVID. It’s known for its Monday nights, where singles can meet. Such a reputation and incredibly iconic,” said Elliott Robbins.
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Now a joint venture between Safeway and Align Real Estate Partners could re-develop the midcentury-era supermarket into a 25-story, two tower U-shaped apartment complex with a jagged gray wall on one side and almost 800 apartments, with a brand new Safeway store on the ground floor.
“I would block the view of the bridge for some people. I don’t think it’s that great of an idea,” Nona Nersisyan said.
We showed artist renderings of the proposal to neighbors.
“It looks like Dubai or something. Doesn’t look like San Francisco,” said Paul Casellini.
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“That’s a lovely picture of Miami, but I’m not sure it fits into our neighborhood in the Marina,” Robbins said.
“I don’t think anyone doubts we need more housing,” said Eric Kingsbury, president of the Marina Community Association. “It would be amazing to have housing over this grocery store. It’s something that should be pursued, but at a scale that makes sense.”
Align Real Estate Partners is already looking to redevelop three other Safeway stores in San Francisco by adding housing. The Marina has the most units so far.
In a statement, Align said, “With 790 total residential rental units, more young people and working families — many of whom have been priced out of the neighborhood due to a shortage of quality apartments will be able to call the marina home.”
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SF Yimby Action (yes in my backyard) said the project helps with the city’s housing affordability crisis.
“It’s a nice-looking building, and it does a lot to address our needs. II’m) excited for it,” said Dane Willette from SF Yimby Action.
The Marina Safeway proposal would be bigger than the Fontana Towers at Aquatic Park, which sparked controversy with they were built in the 1960s.
Mayor Daniel Lurie said he wants to see more housing across the city but opposes the current size of the Marina Safeway project.
“We’ll work with anyone to get the right kind of building, but that one is not in line with what we’re doing in San Francisco,” Lurie said.
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