San Francisco, CA – Maximus Real Estate Partners has concluded its controversial decade-long pursuit of a market-rate housing development at the prominent 16th and Mission Street site in San Francisco’s Mission District. The developer’s withdrawal follows years of intense community opposition, ultimately leading to the property being acquired for a 100% affordable housing project. This outcome marks a significant shift for a site long at the center of the city’s housing debates.
Maximus Real Estate Partners initially proposed a large-scale, market-rate residential complex, dubbed by opponents as the "Monster in the Mission," at the transit-rich intersection. The project, which included hundreds of units, faced immediate and sustained backlash from local residents and advocacy groups concerned about gentrification and displacement in the historically working-class Latino neighborhood.
Community organizations, notably the Plaza 16 Coalition, spearheaded a fierce campaign against the development. Their efforts involved numerous protests, public meetings, and persistent advocacy, arguing that the site should instead be used for desperately needed affordable housing to serve existing residents. This sustained pressure became a defining characteristic of the project's long and contentious history.
A recent tweet from MissionLoco highlighted the perceived tactics that led to Maximus's departure, stating, > "Maximus, forcing them to walk away from 16th and Mission. This tactic, once thugs realized they could get away with it, was used again and again. It’s likely illegal and definitely unethical. I don’t get why Maximus and others haven’t sued the City and these sleazy nonprofits." While the tweet alleges "illegal and unethical" tactics and questions the lack of lawsuits against the City or nonprofits, public records indicate Maximus's exit stemmed from prolonged community resistance and internal legal disputes with its investment partners regarding the property's sale.
Ultimately, the property was put up for sale by Maximus and subsequently acquired by developers committed to building 100% affordable housing. This resolution is seen as a major victory for community advocates who fought for years to prevent market-rate development and ensure the site would address the city's critical need for affordable homes, aligning with the community's vision for the future of 16th and Mission.