The success of this new, mixed-use development rests on its two-acre intensive green roof. Located in the center of San Francisco's North Beach Neighborhood, where land is a precious commodity, the project recaptures this valuable urban space for intensive use and enjoyment. The new development replaces a two block, 1960s public housing community with a mixed-use development program that includes: underground parking, street-level shops and 341 affordable, family and senior apartments. The Landscape Architecture of the green roof was designed by PGAdesigninc to unify the new development and create an oasis for its occupants within the urban environment.

The green roof is made up of courtyards of various sizes and shapes that provide stimulating outdoor opportunities for community gathering and relaxation. The intensive roof garden offers five play areas geared toward children of different ages, and a special childcare play area, all strategically placed through the complex. The courtyards were designed for the universal accessibility of all residents within the community spaces. The inviting green roof is the unifying element for what has been called "the largest mixed-use, mixed-income development effort of its kind in California."

The architect designed a 13 ½ inch project-wide set-down of the structural slab (below the elevation of the adjacent first floor units) which allowed the designers to minimize through-structure penetrations and optimize growing media depth. The landscape design incorporates walkway level changes with planters to add interest and volume to the planting areas. The increased overall soil depth allowed the designers to integrate a rich palette of plants including a dozen different tree species, complimented by 60 other plant varieties. The slab set-down also allowed for lower planter wall heights, resulting in a park-like on-structure garden rather than a courtyard dominated by walls with limited greenery.

The 1.9-acre on-structure green roof was constructed at a cost of approximately $55 per square foot. The on-structure growing media mixes were developed and specified by PGAdesigninc. Two special lightweight growing media mixes were utilized for the growing medium of the on-structure green roof. An organic mix was installed in the planters at a depth of approximately 18 to 24 inches. A non-organic mix was used as a filler, in the bottom of the planters to support the organic mix, when growing media depths exceeded 24". Both soil mixes were designed to be quick draining but also hold essential nutrients and water in the growing medium. Project-wide, growing medium depths ranges from 12 to more than 36 inches.

The waterproofing membrane was a Modified Bituminous Sheet Membrane: Bituthene System 4000, 60 mil. perforated composite sheet consisting of rubberized asphalt and cross-laminated polyethylene film (Manufactured by Grace Construction Products).

At North Beach Place, the green roof serves as a park at the doorstep of every residence. It has become a center of community resources and the focal point of the neighborhood.