A Mission District parking lot that’s sat empty for more than three decades could soon be transformed into a triangular apartment complex reminiscent of New York’s Flatiron Building.
Proposed plans for the lot, located at 3230 24th St., imagine an eight-story, wedge-shaped building with 35 apartments — five designated for low-income residents. Fourteen of the units would be studios, another 14 would have one bedroom, and the rest would be a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments. The first floor would be reserved for commercial use, with plans for a cafe and another retail space the developers hope to fill with a florist.
The proposed project would utilize a state law that allows developers to build beyond local height limits if they reserve a portion of apartments as affordable. The lot is otherwise subject to a 55-foot limit.
The lot is owned by Trigona LLC, led by Peter Logan and his mother, Marcy Wong (opens in new tab), who are partners at the Berkeley architecture firm Wong Logan Architects. The firm designed the building’s plans, but Logan said in an email that it operates independently from the ownership group.
The lot has sat vacant since at least 1995, according to aerial photos from the Planning Department, and Google Streetview photos show it has been fenced off since at least 2021. Trigona LLC bought the property Oct. 17 for $1.15 million and submitted initial plans to the planning department on Dec. 4.
It could take months to years before plans for the lot are approved, and even longer before construction breaks ground.
The building would have 35 apartments, with some of the larger units inside the building’s corner overlooking 24th and Capp streets. | Source: Wong Logan Architects
Logan said the lot’s prime location in the Mission and its proximity to BART made it a “good sale” that will deliver much-needed housing. The lot’s previous owners once proposed a five-story apartment building that never materialized.
“We think it’s going to be a great project,” he said. “It’s housing density in a city that needs it.”
Despite Logan’s enthusiasm for the project, reactions from nearby businesses were split. Josiah Aldrich, manager of Cali Barber Shop and Salon, located across the empty lot, said he would welcome the extra foot traffic from new residents, but worries about how the mostly market-rate project could drive up rents.
“I’m feeling half and half about it,” he said.
The Napper Tandy owner Marissa Browne was more optimistic about plans to convert the otherwise empty space into something new.
“I don’t mind. It’s nothing right now,” she said. “The more units the better.”
Two businesses currently operate out of the lot: Juanita’s Flowers and a food truck called Birrieria Lucas. Logan confirmed the two vendors would have to relocate while the project is under construction.
Barrera’s Taqueria owner Rosa Meija said she spoke with Logan last week and is aware of the housing plans, but doesn’t know where she’d take her business, which she has run at the lot for the past five months and holds a valid permit to operate. She plans to apply for a street food vendor permit next week, she said.
“I don’t have any plan for where to go,” she said. “I’m a little nervous.”