Inclusive Design Standards in Use: The Kelsey Civic Center

The Kelsey Civic Center, a white and brown paneled building with windows, stands next to San Francisco City Hall. Traffic is artistically pictured streaming past the building.

The Inclusive Design Standards consist of over 300 elements that support cross-disability access while advancing affordability, sustainability, racial equity, and safety. These partner profiles are examples of these elements in use. 

Location: San Francisco, California

Architect: WRNS and Bruce Prescott

Developer: The Kelsey and Mercy Housing California

The Kelsey Civic Center offers 112 affordable, accessible units to people with and without disabilities in the heart of San Francisco. Residents enjoy amenities including an interior courtyard, a rooftop patio overlooking San Francisco’s city hall, onsite laundry, secure bike parking, and multiple community rooms. 25% of the units are set aside for people with disabilities who use home and community-based services. The Kelsey’s Inclusion Concierge staff supports residents in connecting with each other and the greater community around them. 

Explore living at The Kelsey Civic Center at thekelseyciviccenter.com

Learn more about the Inclusive Design Standards at thekelsey.org/design.

Example Elements

2.8 – Protected Green Spaces. A beautiful exterior courtyard, which includes a pet relief area, is at the heart of the building. Planted trees provide shade and cover to protect people from the elements. Various seating options are available for people with different preferences and access needs, and paving changes assist with wayfinding.

The Kelsey Civic Center interior courtyard. Colorful panels and balconies line the building walls around the courtyard, people lounge in various seating, and greenery can be seen around the courtyard.
Photo Credit: Bruce Damonte

4.2 – Elevator Foot Controls. Elevator foot controls are installed inside and outside of the elevators. This feature benefits those using mobility devices, people with their hands full, or anyone who wants to avoid touching buttons.

Elevator buttons and elevator foot controls on the inside of an elevator at The Kelsey Civic Center.

3.5 – Window Location. Large picture windows are featured at the ends of corridors to bring in natural light and assist with orientation and wayfinding.

A large window looking out to greenery at the end of a hallway at The Kelsey Civic Center.