In San Francisco, where average rent often exceeds $3,000 per month, a $700 pod rental offers a rare affordable housing option. Brownstone Share Housing founder James Stallworth developed these sleeping pods in a former bank building, accommodating tech entrepreneurs who prioritize building startups over high rent. However, following a viral response in 2023, the project faced closure due to missing city permits. “There was never a safety concern with the pods, just a lengthy process to update the building’s zoning status,” said Stallworth, noting the city’s year-long delay in issuing final approvals.
Residents, many recent grads with startup ambitions, find the pods affordable and community-driven. “It’s affordable and strengthens the startup ecosystem here,” said resident Ben. With new approvals in place, Brownstone plans to open a larger, five-times-the-size pod building in San Francisco next year, hoping for an expedited permit process to support future growth.