'Alchemy By Alta,' 55 Laguna's Market-Rate Housing Complex, Nears Completion

'Alchemy By Alta,' 55 Laguna's Market-Rate Housing Complex, Nears CompletionRenderings: Alchemy by Alta
Rose Garrett
Published on October 21, 2015

After years of construction, 55 Laguna, the massive development on the block bounded by Buchanan, Haight, Laguna and Hermann, is nearing completion. In addition to Mercy Housing's "LGBT-friendly" senior housing, the building includes hundreds of market-rate apartments, which could be hitting the market as early as next month.

Called "Alchemy by Alta," (neé Alta Laguna), the complex could begin rolling out units on Nov. 20th, with the remaining units hitting the market on Feb. 19th, 2016, according to pricing information we found linked to the official siteHolly Langbein, Alchemy's PR rep, declined to confirm any timeline, square footage or pricing details.

We do know that Alchemy features 330 units, of which 50 are below-market-rate units that will be a mix of studios, 1-bedrooms and 2-bedrooms. Pricing is not yet publicly available, but according to an online pricing sheet, units appear to range from $2,085–$3,170 for studios, $2,560–$5,139 for 1-bedrooms, $4,588–$7,215 for 2-bedrooms (with two bathrooms in the higher-end units), and $7,242 for two units listed as 3-bedroom, 2-baths.

A model unit. 

The units include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, "beautiful wood style flooring" and carpet in the bedrooms, as well as "thoughtfully designed kitchens for entertaining or quick culinary creations."

But Alchemy really aims to sell itself with its amenities, which include a music room with piano and instrument storage; a bike workshop; a lounge with a coffee bar and conference space; a 24-hour fitness center and yoga studio; a rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and BBQs; and lots of services, from dry cleaning and housekeeping to personal training and dog-walking.

Bike shop rendering.

"Expansive outdoor communal areas" are also promised, including a 10,000-square-foot community garden and "Waller Park." "Details for Waller Park and the Community Garden are still being finalized," said Langbein, "but these are being created so that residents that can enjoy a unique environment that connects them to the culture of the neighborhood."

Open houses are being planned, but none are scheduled as of yet.