“Parkmerced is not the real San Francisco” some might say. But let me tell you its unique story. Parkmerced began in the 1940s. It arose from the postwar housing boom. Returning service members and their families needed homes. MetLife purchased the land. They aimed to provide middle-income housing.
Originally, Parkmerced was envisioned as garden-style apartments. It was designed to be car-friendly. However, the housing shortage of the 1950s changed those plans. A series of high-rise apartment towers were added. This increased the population density of Parkmerced. Fortunately, concrete and steel were readily available. These towers continue to stand strong today.
For decades, Parkmerced gradually declined. Its car-centric layout lacked retail and community services. Deferred maintenance took its toll on the buildings. It was time for a new vision.
In 2006, new owners reached out to the community. They wanted input on revitalization. Over $100 million was invested to repair years of neglect. Community meetings shaped a master plan. The legendary architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill collaborated on the design.
The new vision for Parkmerced aimed high. It would become one of the first net-zero carbon communities in America. The plan tripled the density of quality housing using no more water. Innovative design technology would create a pedestrian-centric, sustainable neighborhood. Parkmerced would become a self-sustaining city within a city.
Different architectural design firms were given sections of Parkmerced to work on. This created diversity in the buildings. It gave the feeling of a neighborhood that grew organically. Landmarks would help pedestrians orient themselves.
In 2011, San Francisco approved the Parkmerced Vision Project. After battling in court, construction phases began. Phase 1 included over 1,000 new apartment homes. New parking garages and redesigned road layouts were also part of the plan.
By 2019, construction began on five new residential buildings. These were designed by five different architects. Parkmerced is modifying its relationship with natural ecosystems. It is restoring original watersheds and replenishing Lake Merced. The goal is to rebuild local wildlife habitats and integrate agriculture into the urban environment. This will reduce the impact on the city’s wastewater treatment plants and prevent erosion.
Looking forward, Parkmerced plans over 5,700 new homes. Transportation improvements include rerouting the Muni M-line into the site. Landscape and outdoor amenities such as sports fields are also planned. Future community improvements include a recreation center and an elementary school. The social heart of Parkmerced will feature retail, office space and community space.
The vision for Parkmerced continues to evolve. Every decision will be underscored by principles of sustainable neighborhood creation. Parkmerced always pushes the limits of what’s possible.
Parkmerced is a unique place. It offers a setting surrounded by city views, parks, Lake Merced, a golf course, and the Pacific Ocean. Robust alternatives to car ownership are available. These include ride-share, car-share stations and shuttles. A major city bus line makes multiple stops within the community. Shops, services, and a full-service grocery store are located right where residents live. The Parkmerced story is one of transformation. It started as postwar housing and became a city within a city.