Casa De La Raza Apartments
Our Project
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Casa De La Raza made history as the first residential public air rights project on the West Coast. The new construction was situated atop a 400 space public parking garage, within minutes to 24th Street BART Station.
HDNPC constructed 51 units, featuring gardens, a playground and childcare facility in 1984.
Under the direction of Al Borvice, HDNPC orchestrated the complicated financing and development strategy, leveraging funds from local and state agencies and the HUD Section 8 Multifamily Program. This project aimed at providing very low income family housing utilizing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds and working with the California Housing Finance Agency.
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Built atop a city-owned parking garage purchased for $1.00, HDNPC served as the sole developer of the $5.5 million housing component, coordinating its construction with the San Francisco Parking Authority’s development of a $2.5 million, 400-car parking structure.
A Complex Vision Brought to Life
Under the leadership of Al Borvice, HDNPC crafted a sophisticated financing and development strategy combining local and state resources with HUD Section 8 Multifamily funding. HDNPC served as the sole developer of the $5.5 million housing component while coordinating construction with the San Francisco Parking Authority’s $2.5 million, 400-car garage. The project was completed in 1985 and includes a community and recreation hub with on-site child care.
A Trailblazing Air-Rights Development
Casa de la Raza stands as the first residential public air-rights affordable housing project on the West Coast. Built above a city-owned parking garage acquired for just $1.00, the project set a precedent for innovative urban land use and public–private collaboration.
A Peaceful Oasis in the Heart of the Mission
Stepping onto the grounds of Casa de la Raza feels like entering a sunny sanctuary far removed from the bustle of the city. Elevated above the Mission District streets, its spacious courtyard features community gardens, benches, and well-designed lighting that ensures safety and comfort after dark.
A Walkable Community Designed for All
A winding pedestrian pathway connects the entire 1.5-acre site, where 51 attractive and spacious townhomes offer subsidized housing for families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Casa de la Raza fosters an inclusive community where all residents are welcome.
A Powerful Economic Catalyst for the Mission
Beyond delivering 51 subsidized homes, Casa de la Raza generated construction jobs, strengthened small businesses through increased parking access, and infused nearly $20 million of investment into the neighborhood—boosting the Mission’s long-term economic vitality.
A Tribute to Community Empowerment
Casa de la Raza is dedicated to Gary B. Borvice, whose life’s work centered on strengthening the Latino community. The project reflects the evolution of decades of community activism, honoring the young organizers of the 1970s La Raza en Acción movement and their continued leadership into the 1980s.
Facts & Logistics
San Francisco, California
LOCATION
Casa de la Raza apartments are located in the vibrant, culturally significant neighborhood of the Mission District in San Francisco. Within walking distance from San Francisco City College and 24th Street Mission BART Station, Casa de la Raza is centered in the heart of the Mission.
1985
COMPLETED
Using CHFA, HUD and CDBG funding and partnering with Section 8 Multifamily housing program.
Residential/ Air Rights
CATEGORY
The family and handicapped accessible apartments at Casa de la RAza were built atop a 400-car public parking structure as the west coat's first affordable residential public air rights project at the time.
Significance
Casa de la Raza’s significance lies not only in creating 51 new units of subsidized housing, but also in its strong impact on the economic health of the neighborhood. The project brought construction jobs, opportunities for small businesses to thrive with the support of the parking structure and close to $20 million of investment into the Mission.
Casa de la Raza is dedicated to Gary B. Borvice, who saw as his life’s work the empowerment of the Latino Community. In many ways, the project represents the evolution of the Latino community struggle – a tribute to the young la Raza activists who organized during the 1970s under the banner of La Raza en Accion Local and came to maturity in their work in the 1980s.
Have a question about this property? Send an inquiry:
268 Bush Street P.O. Box 3966
San Francisco CA 94104
(925) 438-0016
