From The San Francisco Standard · · 1m
SF startup founders live in Academy of Art University dorms
SF startup founders now live in former Academy of Art University dorms.
In brief
SF startup founders now live in former Academy of Art University dorms. SF startup founders are using former Academy of Art University dorms as short-term residencies to build tech companies. Originally reported by The San Francisco Standard.
Former dorms now host startup founders
Academy of Art University's Octavia Street building now houses 20 startup founders for three-month residencies.
20% of founders are women
The residency program has 20% women, above the startup industry average.
Academy of Art University leased three buildings
The university leased three buildings to The Residency for AI-focused founder residencies.
2016 lawsuit over housing conversion
The city sued the university in 2016 for illegally converting affordable housing to dorms.
Residency program costs $2,000/month
Residents pay $2,000 per month or equity in their companies for the program.
Superhero Hotel rebranded for founders
The Commodore Hotel was sold in 2025 and rebranded as the Superhero Hotel for startup founders.
The essence
SF startup founders are using former Academy of Art University dorms as short-term residencies to build tech companies.
