California DMV site, source of long waits & aggravation, will be bulldozed, transformed into housing

Governor Gavin Newsom announced a transformative project in San Francisco that will repurpose a dated Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) building into a modern, mixed-use complex featuring 372 new homes, including units dedicated to low-income families. The project is part of the Governor’s broader initiative to identify state properties that can be converted into affordable housing for Californians.

The existing DMV site, located at 1377 Fell Street, was originally built in 1960 and no longer meets current health and safety standards. Under this redevelopment plan, the new complex will include a state-of-the-art DMV office paired with residential units in the heart of the city, near amenities and public transportation. The project is expected to serve as a model for future state property conversions.

“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.”

The property, centrally located between the Lower Haight, NoPa, and Alamo Square neighborhoods, is in a highly walkable area close to major transit stops and retail districts.

The project is part of the Governor’s broader initiative to identify state properties that can be converted into affordable housing for CA.Photo byJosh HildonUnsplash