Some of San Francisco's top architects and developers welcomed VIPs, apartment-hunters, politicians, and press to the ribbon-cutting and celebration of one of the city's newest addresses—38 Dolores in the red-hot Castro/Mission districts.

Guests stayed warm in the new building's common space, dubbed Lounge 38, which featured delicious catering from the building's own Whole Foods store. The third-floor courtyard—with fire pit, herb garden, a fast developing living roof, and a very cool butterfly habitat—also featured a lively soundscape from DJ Dylan Mahoney. Curious attendees explored a variety of model units, one of which featured a fun photo station provided by Live Foto SF… check out the photo strips here!

Another stunning model unit on the seventh floor offered a variety of libations—including a yummy seasonal vodka punch dubbed The 38 Collins—and fantastic treats from San Francisco's own Poco Dolce, which offered vanilla bean-infused sea salt caramels wrapped in dark chocolate. The unit's terrace beckoned guests to stunning views from downtown to Twin Peaks. The building—devoloped by the Prado Group and designed by BAR Architects—itself is registered with the certification goal of LEED® Gold.

38 Dolores at Market, San Francisco, 415-890-3808, 38doloresSF.com

Photos: Quincy Stamper Photography