Photos by Bruce Damonte

PATRICIA CENTENO DISCUSSES THE BIGGER PICTURE BEHIND

SHIRLEY CHISHOLM VILLAGE

As Shirley Chisholm Village continues to receive national recognition, the conversation around workforce housing is also gaining new momentum. In a recent feature by Multi-Housing News, BAR Architects & Interiors President and Managing Principal Patricia Centeno reflects on the broader ideas shaping the project and why affordable educator housing requires a different kind of long-term thinking.

Developed in collaboration with MidPen Housing, San Francisco Unified School District, and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, the Shirley Chisholm Village community has become a leading example of how design, public-private partnerships, and community investment can come together to address California’s housing challenges. The project was also recognized with the Gold Award for Best Development & Design: Affordable by MHN, alongside the Grand Award for Best Affordable Housing Community at the PCBC Gold Nugget Awards.

Beyond the awards, the article offers insight into the realities behind delivering workforce housing today—from balancing density, livability, and construction constraints to creating communities that support long-term stability for educators and families. Patricia also speaks to the importance of collaboration across agencies, developers, architects, and builders in bringing projects like this to life.

The project has also received recent coverage from publications including Fast Company, alongside regional media outlets highlighting the growing need for scalable housing solutions across California.

Read the full interview on Multi-Housing News HERE to explore how Shirley Chisholm Village is helping shape new conversations around workforce housing, design impact, and the future of public-private collaboration.

Learn more about Shirley Chisholm Village Educator Housing HERE.