In August of 2023, California pushed San Francisco to build 82,000 units of housing in the next eight years. These new residential units must be spread out throughout the city, and in areas with little housing development. 

One major housing development is in the Sunset District of San Francisco. This proposed 50 story residential tower will include 712 apartments, 113 affordable housing units as well as space for underground parking, retail, a community center, and a gym. This new building would replace an existing garden center. 

Within the last three years, there have been multiple different building plans. The first plan, to create an eight story residential tower containing 213 units, was changed to a 12 story building with 283 units, being promptly put to a stop after 1,500 San Francisco residents signed a petition. 

The third, and most recent attempt, to create 400 units of condos has faced backlash from many residents. “STOP 2700 SLOAT BLVD” is a neighborhood group that is against the building of the planned Sunset tower. 

Sophia Louie ’24, who lives in the Sunset District noted, “There’s probably going to be a lot of residents that will hate that skyscraper, just because we bought most of our homes because of the view of the sunset, but that skyscraper is going to be in the way. Second of all, that skyscraper would not likely be there in the next 10 to 15 years because of the erosion and sea level.” 

 Jeffrey Cong ’24, another student from the Sunset District said, “I don’t care.”

“It’s going to stick out like a sore thumb, as well as many people are moving out of San Francisco so I don’t see the reason why we need to build a, what is it? A 650 unit skyscraper? Yeah, it’s ugly.” Louie also stated.   

The San Francisco Chronicle conducted a survey asking readers if they think San Francisco should allow massive condo towers like this one to get built. Out of more than 4,000 voters, 60 percent of them selected “Yes,” 38 percent selected “No,” while only 1 percent of respondents selected “Not sure.”

The Sunset Residential Tower developers sued the city, stating officials are misunderstanding and violating the state law to create more affordable housing as well as charging fees. The Board of Supervisors mutually agreed and voted to block the development proposal, which according to the city’s planning department said was not compatible with state and city laws since it is taller than the regulations for the neighborhood.