A former Academy of Art University residence hall near Lafayette Park is now home to startup founders and researchers working on robotics, video production and other projects. The four-story building at 1916 Octavia St., once known as Coco Chanel Residence Hall and designated for women students, is one of three Academy-owned properties leased to The Residency. The organization provides housing and workspace for about 20 entrepreneurs, researchers and academics at a time, with participants staying for three months as they develop companies or pursue research. About 20% of residents are women. Inside the former dorm, a sunroom holds robotics equipment, while an upstairs room has been converted into a video studio. The Academy has leased the three San Francisco buildings to The Residency for two years. The other locations are 2209 Van Ness Ave. and 1153 Bush St. The Residency operates four locations in the city and promotes its program as a way for participants to focus on their projects while living and working in a shared setting. All three addresses were named in a 2016 lawsuit filed by the city, which alleged that the university had illegally converted housing into university buildings. The allegations concern the properties’ earlier use; the available information does not establish the outcome of the lawsuit or the current legal status of the buildings. The Academy declined to comment on the arrangement. In an earlier statement, a spokesperson said the university was seeking a leadership role in creative artificial-intelligence opportunities, including adding AI skills to its existing curriculum.