Residential Development Adding to Market-Octavia Rehab

SAN FRANCISCO-Construction is well under way for 8 Octavia, a residential development that will help anchor the Market-Octavia Plan.

DDG and DM Development began construction in May on the condominium community in the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood. 8 Octavia will further transform the Market-Octavia area that began its renaissance when the Central Freeway was torn down in 2002.

“8 Octavia is another vital cornerstone of the Market-Octavia Plan, and will be an integral asset to one of our most vibrant neighborhoods,” San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said in a statement when construction commended. “I'm thrilled to see it under way.”

Designed by award-winning Stanley Saitowitz | Natoma Architects, 8 Octavia will feature 47 residences and serve as a gateway along Octavia Boulevard, the pedestrian-friendly corridor that replaced the Central Freeway.

Floor plans at 8 Octavia include a “pod” concept, which maximizes living space by containing the kitchen, bath and washer/dryer within a single module. The “flex space” floor plan can be portioned into multiple rooms with movable panels. Innovations at 8 Octavia include keyless entry via smartphones and user-controlled louvers to modulate heat and privacy.

“We wanted the building to have landmark qualities and fit into the fabric of the neighborhood,” says Mark MacDonald, co-founder of DM Development, who is working in partnership with DDG. “We believe Stanley's design achieves both goals.”

Danielle Dignan, co-founder of DM Development, added “the building also incorporates important energy efficiency and sustainability features, including exterior louvers that allow residents to manage interior temperatures.”

8 Octavia merges DM Development's local development expertise and operating experience with DDG's design, development and operating expertise in San Francisco and New York.

“8 Octavia represents a major transformation for Hayes Valley and the bordering neighborhoods and will be a gateway to San Francisco,” says DDG chief executive Joe McMillan.

“We expect 8 Octavia to be soon followed by our joint-venture projects at 400 Grove Street and 450 Hayes Street,” says Chris Prokop, chief operating officer of DDG.

8 Octavia is a public-transit-first community, with a central location near major BART and San Francisco Muni hubs, close to The Castro, The Mission, Duboce Triangle, Civic Center and the Mid-Market district.