Edwin M. Lee Apartments for an integrated, equal and sustainable community in the Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco

A collaboration between Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, Saida + Sullivan Design Partners, Swords to Plowshares, and Chinatown Community Development Center resulting in this 124,000-square-foot housing development to offer 62 apartments to formerly homeless veterans and another 57 to low-income families. The Edwin M. Lee Apartments houses ground-floor amenities for both families and veterans and neighbors for the entire extended community

Balancing civic scale with a sense of home, the building enables sustainable lifestyles for its residents by prioritizing outdoor views and natural light, as well as using alternative forms of energy and fostering connections to nearby public transportation. The design frames a large indoor garden that balances a series of areas for introspection, interaction and play

With a GreenPoints Rated Platinum certification, the project includes abundant photovoltaic and solar hot water panels to reduce operating costs and provide sustainable energy. The photovoltaic renewable energy system is proudly on public display and thus becomes a distinctive feature of the building's design. The materials and technology adopted by Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects in the project follow biophilic design principles; durable material selections and well-considered details aim to reduce long-term operating and maintenance costs

The building is dedicated to the late mayor of San Francisco; the Edwin M. Lee Apartments is a lasting tribute to his goal of ending homelessness among U.S. military veterans