New Sophie Maxwell Building to open, offering affordable, essential housing for middle class SF

The Sophie Maxwell Building is set to open next month, providing 105 affordable housing units in San Francisco's Dogpatch neighborhood. This eight-story apartment complex is named after a former city supervisor who contributed to the area's revitalization by shutting down the Potrero Power Station. Community leaders, including Supervisor Shamann Walton, emphasize its importance for working families striving to stay in the city amid rising rents. The project targets middle-class residents, such as teachers and first responders, who often face housing challenges. Mayor Daniel Lurie stated that each unit represents a chance for families that might otherwise be priced out of San Francisco.

The development is part of a larger waterfront master plan that aims to create 2,000 additional housing units and public spaces. Local advocates view this project as a crucial step in combating the effects of gentrification. The retention of the original power plant's smokestack serves as a reminder of the area’s industrial past while contributing to the new community-focused environment.