"Outdated," Despied California DMV branch to be turned into Affordable Housing Complex

“I’m particularly proud of this site for bringing affordable housing to the heart of San Francisco in a diverse and thriving neighborhood.”Photo byGovernor's Press Office

SAN FRANCISCO – In a significant step towards addressing California's housing crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today the redevelopment of a dated Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) building into a mixed-use complex featuring 372 new homes, including affordable housing for low-income families. This project aligns with the Governor's executive order directing state agencies to identify properties suitable for affordable housing development.

The existing DMV Field Office, built in 1960, does not meet current health and safety codes or DMV standards. The new complex will house a modern DMV office alongside a variety of affordable housing options, centrally located near amenities and public transportation.

“We will continue to use all our tools to create more affordable housing throughout California — including by converting underutilized state property into homes,” said Governor Newsom. “I’m particularly proud of this site for bringing affordable housing to the heart of San Francisco in a diverse and thriving neighborhood.”

Located at 1377 Fell Street, the project is strategically positioned between the Lower Haight, NoPa, Buena Vista, and Alamo Square neighborhoods. It is in an EPA-designated Highly Walkable area and is within half a mile of major transit stops, making it a prime location for residents.

Ana M. Lasso, Director of the Department of General Services (DGS), highlighted the project's significance: “This first-of-its-kind project, combining housing with a new DMV Field Office, represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to reimagine spaces for affordable housing.”

The redevelopment will be led by The Related Companies of California and the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, with support from the DGS, Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and DMV. HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez expressed optimism about the project’s potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives statewide.