This fall marks a significant milestone for UCSF Mission Bay Housing as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of providing a welcoming and supportive environment for UCSF learners, faculty, and staff. Since its establishment in 2005, Mission Bay Housing has grown to become a cornerstone of the UCSF campus, fostering community, advancing sustainability, and enhancing the living experience for thousands of residents.
A Vision for Mission Bay
The development of UCSF Mission Bay Housing was a bold and forward-looking endeavor, planned and built during the earliest days of the Mission Bay campus. At that time, Mission Bay was still in its infancy, with construction crews working to transform the area into the thriving hub it is today.
The original plan for UCSF’s Mission Bay campus did not include any housing, but housing was added when it became apparent that the university needed access to units more quickly than the private sector could develop around the campus. Kevin Beauchamp, Executive Director of Campus Planning, noted, “Adding housing greatly enhanced the vibrancy of the early campus by providing a 24/7 population and also made it possible for UCSF to provide below-market rental rates for residents.”
The housing complex was among the first developments in the neighborhood, setting the stage for the growth and transformation of the Mission Bay community. When the housing complex first opened, residents enjoyed unobstructed views of iconic San Francisco landmarks, including the dome of City Hall and the Bay Bridge. Most of the neighborhood was comprised of massive and empty parking lots. In 2005, there were no restaurants in Mission Bay, and residents relied on food trucks serving construction crews.
The housing complex itself opened in phases, reflecting the steady growth of the campus. The West Building was the first to open in August 2005, providing much-needed living space for UCSF’s growing community. Over the next few months, additional buildings followed, with the Hearst Tower (East Building) being the last of the four to open its doors in January 2006. These buildings laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and welcoming community in the heart of Mission Bay.
“Another important consideration was incorporating campus-serving retail into the ground floor of the complex,” Beauchamp added, “which has been popular not only with Mission Bay Housing residents but the entire UCSF campus community as well.”
Gene Friend Way, Mission Bay Housing
A Legacy of Community Building
At the core of UCSF Mission Bay Housing is its emphasis on community. From its earliest days, the housing complex has offered residents more than just a place to live—it has provided a space to connect, collaborate, and thrive. Programs such as resident-led workshops, wellness initiatives, and networking events have brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, strengthening bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.
“Mission Bay Housing has always been about more than just providing housing,” said Todd McGregor, Director of Housing Administration, who was present on opening day. “It’s about creating a space where people feel supported, valued, and connected to the greater UCSF mission. The past 20 years have been a testament to the power of community in transforming lives.”
The students, trainees, faculty, and their families who live in campus housing benefit greatly from the location. Classrooms, hospitals, clinics, laboratories, childcare facilities, and shuttle stops are all within a short distance. The City of San Francisco continues to grow, and it has recently added a new public school to the neighborhood.
As UCSF Mission Bay Housing celebrates its 20th anniversary, the focus remains on the future.
This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to envision what’s next,” said McGregor. “We are excited to continue serving the UCSF community and evolving to meet the needs of future residents.
As UCSF Mission Bay Housing enters its next chapter, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide a welcoming and inclusive space where the UCSF community can live, learn, and grow.
