South of Market Health Center

South of Market Health Center (SMHC) is a nonprofit community clinic providing quality healthcare to under-served members of this San Francisco neighborhood. Accepting the position of Executive Director in 1990, Charles Range has led SMHC with the philosophy that all people deserve the same high level of health care. With the support of key community stakeholders, Mr. Range set his vision to construct a new community clinic that elevates the health care delivery experience for all: patient, caregiver and staff member.

Mr. Range believes that a calming, functional environment, state-of-the-art equipment and organizational tools, and talented staff are fundamental to providing top quality health care. These elements create a healing, positive experience, strengthen the patient/caregiver relationship, which ultimately leads to desired outcomes. Polytech Associates partnered with SMHC to bring their vision to reality. The design program for the 20,000 sf clinic combines modern, clean lines with a light color palette, rich textures, and an open space plan that allows natural light to punctuate the space. Each of these design elements was carefully selected, and lend an element of comfort and calm to the building. The open plan allows SMHC the flexibility to increase the number of patients and services they provide.

Funding for South of Market Health Center was a true community effort. SMHC teamed with Mercy Housing to create Westbrook Plaza, a mixed-use development that comprises the health clinic and housing for low-income families. A public-private partnership was formed, giving SMHC access to funds from the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, multiple federal agencies, NCB Capital Impact (a nonprofit organization providing capital to under-served communities), and their own capital campaign.