The reimagining of two city blocks is helping to shape a new identity for one of San Francisco's bleakest neighborhoods. Mention “the projects” to San Francisco residents and they are likely to think of long rows of low-rise apartment buildings, painted pink and other pastel hues, terraced along the hills on the southern edge of the city.

The Sava Pool, designed for both recreational and competitive functions, is situated at the southern end of a public park between a vehicular thoroughfare and a residential neighborhood.