This project is located in the South of Market (SoMa) District in downtown San Francisco, California, just south of Interstate 80. The redevelopment of a former auto mechanic shop into the Quincy Apartments showcases modern advancements in urban design and construction.
The development consists of a 501-unit residential building with sixteen above-grade stories and three levels of below-grade parking. The building rises approximately 160 feet above street level and occupies a footprint of roughly 0.75 acres surrounded by major streets.
In total, the project comprises:
This mixed-use design reflects a thoughtful integration of residential living with functional urban infrastructure.
ENGEO performed both geotechnical and environmental hazmat consulting services for project design. ENGEO’s contributions were critical in addressing the complex subsurface and environmental challenges of this high-density urban redevelopment project.
This project stands out for its innovative approach to urban redevelopment in a dense, seismically active area. To enable basement construction adjacent to zero-lot-line buildings and buried utilities, the team implemented a sophisticated cutter soil mix system that served as both shoring and groundwater cutoff. This system, paired with internal dewatering wells and an internal bracing system, provided a robust excavation support to protect neighboring historic structures and major public infrastructures. ENGEO’s advanced seismic hazard analysis further optimized the structural design by refining seismic loads, resulting in a more efficient and accurate seismic design.
Environmental mitigation efforts addressed legacy contamination from prior site use within the City’s Maher Ordinance. Lead-impacted undocumented fill required specialized off-haul and disposal procedures, while elevated mercury in groundwater and PCE in soil vapor demanded targeted remediation strategies. The project team’s proactive engagement in shaping California Senate Bill 328—aimed at reforming hazardous waste fee structures—demonstrates leadership beyond the site itself. By transforming a brownfield into a high-performing residential development, the project contributes to sustainable urban growth and serves as a model for resilient engineering in challenging urban environments.
