A long-neglected piece of North Beach real estate might finally transform from an urban eyesore into much-needed housing. The Verdi Building at 659 Union Street, a century-old property that has been a burned-out shell since two devastating fires in 2013 and 2018, could soon become an eight-story apartment complex with 89 units.

Developer Jeff Jurow and his partners have been wrestling with the property’s redevelopment for eight years, facing significant bureaucratic challenges and local preservation efforts. Their latest proposal leverages state housing laws to circumvent local restrictions, potentially breaking through the neighborhood’s historically complex development landscape.

The proposed development would not only replace the current abandoned structure but also introduce 15 affordable housing units targeting residents earning between 50% and 120% of the area’s median income. The project would include 5,700 square feet of ground-floor retail and even feature one of North Beach’s only rooftop restaurants.

Jurow’s strategy involves using state legislation like Senate Bill 330 and Senate Bill 423 to streamline the approval process. These laws are designed to help developers navigate local zoning restrictions and expedite housing projects in cities struggling to meet housing targets.

Concurrently, local preservationists are attempting to designate North Beach as a historic district, which would typically impose additional restrictions on new developments. However, Jurow’s approach using state laws could potentially override these local preservation efforts.

The property’s history is complex. The initial fires displaced 32 rent-controlled tenants and a local liquor store. Jurow argues that preserving the building’s original brick facade would add $20 million in costs and delay construction by a year.

As San Francisco continues to grapple with a severe housing shortage, projects like the Verdi Building redevelopment represent critical steps towards addressing the city’s ongoing housing crisis. The proposal now awaits approval from the city’s Planning Department, with potential to transform a long-abandoned site into a vibrant, mixed-use development.