Mint Plaza Sleeping-Pod Commune May Be Getting Evicted, But Guy Behind It Is Planning Something Bigger

The sleeping-pod residence at 12 Mint Plaza in San Francisco faces eviction as operator James Stallworth accrues $150,000 in unpaid lease payments. After the city reduced occupancy from 30 to 13 pods due to building violations, Stallworth has managed to fill 26 pods in the complex. He signed a lease that grants the landlord 80% of profits, raising questions about the sustainability of the business. Stallworth expressed surprise at the landlord's eviction suit despite the ongoing challenges. He remains committed to the sleeping-pod concept, currently negotiating for a larger facility that could house 100 pods.

This renewed interest in affordable housing coincides with an influx of tech workers seeking budget-friendly living arrangements. The original pod complex has become a symbol of the changing rental landscape in San Francisco post-pandemic. The trend echoes similar developments during the Web 2. 0 boom, as innovative housing solutions reemerge in the city.