Kevin Truong

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky <a href="https://twitter.com/bchesky/status/1519831566486147073">took to Twitter</a> last Thursday to officially announce that the company’s workers will not be required to come back to the office, following in the footsteps of other erstwhile tech employers that have gone at least partially remote.&nbsp;

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Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky <a href="https://twitter.com/bchesky/status/1519831566486147073">took to Twitter</a> last Thursday to officially announce that the company’s workers will not be required to come back to the office, following in the footsteps of other erstwhile tech employers that have gone at least partially remote.&nbsp;

“Our business wouldn’t have recovered as quickly from the pandemic if it hadn’t been for millions of people working from Airbnbs,” Chesky wrote. “We also had the most productive two-year period in our company’s history—all while working remotely.”

“Our business wouldn’t have recovered as quickly from the pandemic if it hadn’t been for millions of people working from Airbnbs,” Chesky wrote. “We also had the most productive two-year period in our company’s history—all while working remotely.”

The short-term rental company had previously targeted a September 2022 return for its return to the office, but careful trackers of Airbnb’s real estate moves shouldn’t be too surprised about Chesky’s announcement. The company has continued to <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2021/05/17/airbnb-san-francisco-office-leases.html">shed office space</a> in San Francisco during the pandemic, dropping or subleasing more than 400,000 square feet ​​at sites across the city. It even took a $113 million charge last year in order to exit a lease early.

The short-term rental company had previously targeted a September 2022 return for its return to the office, but careful trackers of Airbnb’s real estate moves shouldn’t be too surprised about Chesky’s announcement. The company has continued to <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2021/05/17/airbnb-san-francisco-office-leases.html">shed office space</a> in San Francisco during the pandemic, dropping or subleasing more than 400,000 square feet ​​at sites across the city. It even took a $113 million charge last year in order to exit a lease early.

The company confirmed it is currently occupying two San Francisco offices at 999 Brannan St. and 888 Brannan St. Employees working remotely won&#8217;t see any changes to their compensation, the company said.

The company confirmed it is currently occupying two San Francisco offices at 999 Brannan St. and 888 Brannan St. Employees working remotely won't see any changes to their compensation, the company said.

The company confirmed it is currently occupying two San Francisco offices at 999 Brannan St. and 888 Brannan St. Employees working remotely won&#8217;t see any changes to their compensation, the company said.

When asked whether Airbnb plans to shift its HQ out of San Francisco or continue its downsizing efforts, a spokesperson said they “don’t have any changes to or updates on our offices to share at this time.”

When asked whether Airbnb plans to shift its HQ out of San Francisco or continue its downsizing efforts, a spokesperson said they “don’t have any changes to or updates on our offices to share at this time.”

Not a great vote of confidence, nor a great sign for the sluggish recovery of the city’s office&nbsp;market.&nbsp;

Not a great vote of confidence, nor a great sign for the sluggish recovery of the city’s office&nbsp;market.&nbsp;

Airbnb joins other blue-chip tech companies like Yelp, Dropbox and Salesforce subsidiary Slack in reducing its San Francisco footprint. Block, another major tech employer that’s gone primarily remote, recently revealed that it’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/square-block-headquarters-jack-dorsey/">removed San Francisco</a> as its headquarters.&nbsp;

Airbnb joins other blue-chip tech companies like Yelp, Dropbox and Salesforce subsidiary Slack in reducing its San Francisco footprint. Block, another major tech employer that’s gone primarily remote, recently revealed that it’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/square-block-headquarters-jack-dorsey/">removed San Francisco</a> as its headquarters.&nbsp;

Hybrid work has persisted despite concerted efforts by the mayor and business groups to get workers back in the office and support struggling downtown small businesses.&nbsp;

Hybrid work has persisted despite concerted efforts by the mayor and business groups to get workers back in the office and support struggling downtown small businesses.&nbsp;

As an example, none of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tales-of-a-tower-salesforce-tower/">five largest tenants in Salesforce Tower</a>, who represent more than 1.2 million square feet of rentable space — currently have plans to bring workers into the office five days a week. Most are at three or fewer days in the office.

As an example, none of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tales-of-a-tower-salesforce-tower/">five largest tenants in Salesforce Tower</a>, who represent more than 1.2 million square feet of rentable space — currently have plans to bring workers into the office five days a week. Most are at three or fewer days in the office.

The city itself has more than <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/Joint%20Report%20FY%202022-23%20through%20FY%202025-26%20FINAL.pdf">doubled its estimate</a> of the proportion of office workers that will be permanently telecommuting from 15% to 33%.

The city itself has more than <a href="https://sfcontroller.org/sites/default/files/Documents/Budget/Joint%20Report%20FY%202022-23%20through%20FY%202025-26%20FINAL.pdf">doubled its estimate</a> of the proportion of office workers that will be permanently telecommuting from 15% to 33%.

Commercial vacancy rates in San Francisco rose to 23.8% during the first quarter of 2022, according to a report from real estate services firm CBRE. That’s higher than the levels seen during the peak of the dot-com crash.&nbsp;For context, previous vacancy highs for San Francisco were 19% in 2003 and 16% in 2010.

Commercial vacancy rates in San Francisco rose to 23.8% during the first quarter of 2022, according to a report from real estate services firm CBRE. That’s higher than the levels seen during the peak of the dot-com crash.&nbsp;For context, previous vacancy highs for San Francisco were 19% in 2003 and 16% in 2010.

Net absorption for the quarter—the amount of new space rented minus the amount of space that became vacant—was at -1.1 million square feet, marking the ninth straight quarter of occupancy losses.&nbsp;

Net absorption for the quarter—the amount of new space rented minus the amount of space that became vacant—was at -1.1 million square feet, marking the ninth straight quarter of occupancy losses.&nbsp;

Vacancy rates also vary widely by submarket in the city’s central business district, ranging from 18.4% in the South Financial District to 41.2% in Yerba Buena.

Vacancy rates also vary widely by submarket in the city’s central business district, ranging from 18.4% in the South Financial District to 41.2% in Yerba Buena.

Airbnb likely isn’t the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">last domino to fall</a>, either: According to CBRE, further adoption of hybrid work “is likely to persist throughout the year.”

Airbnb likely isn’t the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">last domino to fall</a>, either: According to CBRE, further adoption of hybrid work “is likely to persist throughout the year.”

That theory has been borne out by other measures of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">city’s return to work</a>.&nbsp;

That theory has been borne out by other measures of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/return-to-office-sf-london-breed-google/">city’s return to work</a>.&nbsp;

According to office occupancy data provided by keycard company Kastle, the percentage of in-office workers for the week of April 20 hovered around 33%, which puts the city ahead of both the New York and San Jose metro areas, although below the 41% average of 10 major metros across the country.

According to office occupancy data provided by keycard company Kastle, the percentage of in-office workers for the week of April 20 hovered around 33%, which puts the city ahead of both the New York and San Jose metro areas, although below the 41% average of 10 major metros across the country.

Still, real estate observers say signs of a recovery are emerging alongside greater clarity around the pandemic, noting a pickup in square footage requirements of companies in the market for office space.

Still, real estate observers say signs of a recovery are emerging alongside greater clarity around the pandemic, noting a pickup in square footage requirements of companies in the market for office space.

&#8220;Now that returning to the office has started in earnest, companies will get a better understanding of what their office space needs may look like in the months ahead,&#8221; said Colin&nbsp;Yasukochi,&nbsp;executive director of CBRE’s Tech Insights.

"Now that returning to the office has started in earnest, companies will get a better understanding of what their office space needs may look like in the months ahead," said Colin&nbsp;Yasukochi,&nbsp;executive director of CBRE’s Tech Insights.

&#8220;Now that returning to the office has started in earnest, companies will get a better understanding of what their office space needs may look like in the months ahead,&#8221; said Colin&nbsp;Yasukochi,&nbsp;executive director of CBRE’s Tech Insights.

&#8220;This uncertainty, which is related to how hybrid work evolves, will reset the connection between employee growth and office space needs,&#8221; he said.

"This uncertainty, which is related to how hybrid work evolves, will reset the connection between employee growth and office space needs," he said.

&#8220;This uncertainty, which is related to how hybrid work evolves, will reset the connection between employee growth and office space needs,&#8221; he said.

Airbnb’s shift to remote work is another hit to SF’s struggling office market

Christina Campodonico

By many accounts, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-is-downtown-sf-exactly/">Downtown San Francisco</a> is in a so-called “<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/city-economy-doom-loop-17846412.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doom loop</a>,” with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">dying shopping centers</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/san-francisco-union-square-store-closures-pandemic-fallout/?">empty storefronts</a> serving as harbingers of the apocalypse. But where so many see doom and gloom, some with a creative mindset see sparkling opportunity.&nbsp;

By many accounts, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/where-is-downtown-sf-exactly/">Downtown San Francisco</a> is in a so-called “<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/city-economy-doom-loop-17846412.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">doom loop</a>,” with <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/nordstrom-to-shutter-both-san-francisco-downtown-stores-citing-deteriorating-conditions-report/">dying shopping centers</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/research-data/san-francisco-union-square-store-closures-pandemic-fallout/?">empty storefronts</a> serving as harbingers of the apocalypse. But where so many see doom and gloom, some with a creative mindset see sparkling opportunity.&nbsp;

While the City by the Bay’s high cost of living <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/expensive-san-francisco/article/Artists-leaving-sf-bay-area-grass-is-greener-12382578.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is notorious for pushing out artists</a>, it’s the very artists that have been driven out who could be the ones to help save it, with a crush of creative proposals—from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-will-give-you-thousands-to-open-pop-ups-in-empty-downtown-storefronts-heres-how-to-apply/">pop-ups</a> to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Indian dancing nights</a>—put forth to revitalize the city’s economic core.&nbsp;

While the City by the Bay’s high cost of living <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/expensive-san-francisco/article/Artists-leaving-sf-bay-area-grass-is-greener-12382578.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">is notorious for pushing out artists</a>, it’s the very artists that have been driven out who could be the ones to help save it, with a crush of creative proposals—from <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/sf-will-give-you-thousands-to-open-pop-ups-in-empty-downtown-storefronts-heres-how-to-apply/">pop-ups</a> to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Indian dancing nights</a>—put forth to revitalize the city’s economic core.&nbsp;

Partygoers enjoy a Non Stop Bhangra dance event in San Francisco. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5Q9A3956.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147216"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Partygoers enjoy a Non Stop Bhangra dance event in San Francisco. | Courtesy Odell Hussey/Non Stop Bhangra</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/5Q9A3956.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147216"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Partygoers enjoy a Non Stop Bhangra dance event in San Francisco. | Courtesy Odell Hussey/Non Stop Bhangra</figcaption></figure>

Here are three not-so-modest artistic proposals for reviving Downtown—from turning the area into a stage to bringing a bit of Burning Man to its streets. Some are straightforward applications of art to sidewalks and the sides of buildings, while others are novel and a bit lofty—but hey, anything beats dreaming of doom loops, right?&nbsp;

Here are three not-so-modest artistic proposals for reviving Downtown—from turning the area into a stage to bringing a bit of Burning Man to its streets. Some are straightforward applications of art to sidewalks and the sides of buildings, while others are novel and a bit lofty—but hey, anything beats dreaming of doom loops, right?&nbsp;

Proposal 1: ‘Downtown as a Stage’&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-1-downtown-as-a-stage-nbsp">Proposal 1: ‘Downtown as a Stage’&nbsp;</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-1-downtown-as-a-stage-nbsp">Proposal 1: ‘Downtown as a Stage’&nbsp;</h2>

Transforming Downtown into a platform for art events and experiences is one strategy of the <a href="https://downtownsf.org/about/projects-initiatives/public-realm-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Realm Action Plan</a>, which calls for transforming particular areas of Downtown with the expansion of pedestrian-friendly zones, parklets, pop-ups, bike amenities, landscaping, murals and cultural events. One section of the plan is even dedicated to reimagining “Downtown as a Stage” or “canvas.”&nbsp;

Transforming Downtown into a platform for art events and experiences is one strategy of the <a href="https://downtownsf.org/about/projects-initiatives/public-realm-action-plan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Realm Action Plan</a>, which calls for transforming particular areas of Downtown with the expansion of pedestrian-friendly zones, parklets, pop-ups, bike amenities, landscaping, murals and cultural events. One section of the plan is even dedicated to reimagining “Downtown as a Stage” or “canvas.”&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED05_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown.png" alt="" class="wp-image-162099"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Public Realm Action Plan proposes transforming the intersection of Leidesdorff and Commercial streets into an arts-focused space. | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership</figcaption></figure>

The proposal, designed by Sitelab Urban Studio for the Downtown SF Partnership, identified art installations—like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/a-festival-of-lights-lets-glow-sf-and-other-lustrous-displays-illuminate-the-city/">Let’s Glow SF</a>, which brought 51,000 people and $3 million to Downtown San Francisco last holiday season, <a href="https://ctycms.com/ca-downtown-sf/docs/lets-glow-sf-2022-infographic-impact-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to official estimates</a>—as key to revitalizing the city’s core and changing the all-work-and-no-play narrative many associate with the Financial District.

The proposal, designed by Sitelab Urban Studio for the Downtown SF Partnership, identified art installations—like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/a-festival-of-lights-lets-glow-sf-and-other-lustrous-displays-illuminate-the-city/">Let’s Glow SF</a>, which brought 51,000 people and $3 million to Downtown San Francisco last holiday season, <a href="https://ctycms.com/ca-downtown-sf/docs/lets-glow-sf-2022-infographic-impact-report.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to official estimates</a>—as key to revitalizing the city’s core and changing the all-work-and-no-play narrative many associate with the Financial District.

A projection at 301 Pine St in San Francisco a part of Lets Glow SF hosted by Downtown SF on December 9 2021| Elliott Alexander

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elloitt_Lights-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A projection is viewed at 301 Pine St. as part of Let&#8217;s Glow SF. | Elliott Alexander for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elloitt_Lights-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A projection is viewed at 301 Pine St. as part of Let's Glow SF. | Elliott Alexander for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elloitt_Lights-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19229"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A projection is viewed at 301 Pine St. as part of Let&#8217;s Glow SF. | Elliott Alexander for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

To combat that perception, the Downtown SF Partnership will host an array of events this summer, from a Bastille Day celebration at Belden Place in July to a series of drag pop-up performances during Pride, cheekily called “<a href="https://downtownsf.org/do/drag-me-downtown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drag Me Downtown</a>.”&nbsp;

To combat that perception, the Downtown SF Partnership will host an array of events this summer, from a Bastille Day celebration at Belden Place in July to a series of drag pop-up performances during Pride, cheekily called “<a href="https://downtownsf.org/do/drag-me-downtown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drag Me Downtown</a>.”&nbsp;

“Creating invitations to drive people back to downtown is essential not only for downtown recovery, but to avoid falling back into that [9-5 business] mono-economy, ” wrote Laura Crescimano, co-founder and principal of Sitelab, in an email. “Downtown has all the pieces to return to its vibrant self; it just needs reimagining,” Crescimano added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Creating invitations to drive people back to downtown is essential not only for downtown recovery, but to avoid falling back into that [9-5 business] mono-economy, ” wrote Laura Crescimano, co-founder and principal of Sitelab, in an email. “Downtown has all the pieces to return to its vibrant self; it just needs reimagining,” Crescimano added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of Let's Glow SF project. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/OneBushPlaza-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of the Let&#8217;s Glow SF project. | Courtesy Let&#8217;s Glow SF</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/OneBushPlaza-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of the Let's Glow SF project. | Courtesy Let's Glow SF</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/OneBushPlaza-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-161218"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People look at projections outside of One Bush Plaza in San Francisco in 2021 as part of the Let&#8217;s Glow SF project. | Courtesy Let&#8217;s Glow SF</figcaption></figure>

The first pilot project that the organizations will deploy to test this theory is Landing at Leidesdorff, an initiative funded by the City of San Francisco expected to launch later this year. Located at the intersection of Leidesdorff and Commercial streets along the alleyways leading to Transamerica Park, the area will host happy hours and picnics and bring together local restaurants with live music, art and a rotating cast of SF makers and vendors.&nbsp;

The first pilot project that the organizations will deploy to test this theory is Landing at Leidesdorff, an initiative funded by the City of San Francisco expected to launch later this year. Located at the intersection of Leidesdorff and Commercial streets along the alleyways leading to Transamerica Park, the area will host happy hours and picnics and bring together local restaurants with live music, art and a rotating cast of SF makers and vendors.&nbsp;

While final plans for Landing at Leidesdorff are still in development, Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, hopes that the space could offer everything from weekly yoga classes to book clubs. Landing at Leidesdorff will also pay homage to the bohemian history of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/chronicle_vault/article/Iconic-SF-building-was-home-to-Bohemians-for-13340080.php">Monkey Block</a>, a historic building that once sat in the footprint of the Transamerica Pyramid and saw <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=New_Deal_Artists_and_Programs_During_the_Depression">the likes of Mark Twain, Jack London, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo</a> pass through its halls.&nbsp;

While final plans for Landing at Leidesdorff are still in development, Robbie Silver, executive director of the Downtown SF Partnership, hopes that the space could offer everything from weekly yoga classes to book clubs. Landing at Leidesdorff will also pay homage to the bohemian history of <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/chronicle_vault/article/Iconic-SF-building-was-home-to-Bohemians-for-13340080.php">Monkey Block</a>, a historic building that once sat in the footprint of the Transamerica Pyramid and saw <a href="https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=New_Deal_Artists_and_Programs_During_the_Depression">the likes of Mark Twain, Jack London, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo</a> pass through its halls.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FEATURED_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162115"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An outdoor concert entertains a Downtown audience at Battery Bridge. | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership</figcaption></figure>

“We believe that arts and culture—along with hospitality—is really going to help drive a new Downtown economy,” Silver said.

“We believe that arts and culture—along with hospitality—is really going to help drive a new Downtown economy,” Silver said.

As for the pressing issue of the dollar amount for such endeavors, that’s still up in the air.&nbsp;

As for the pressing issue of the dollar amount for such endeavors, that’s still up in the air.&nbsp;

“That is a million-dollar question,” said Silver, noting that the Downtown SF Partnership is actively fundraising and seeking a mix of private and public funds.&nbsp;

“That is a million-dollar question,” said Silver, noting that the Downtown SF Partnership is actively fundraising and seeking a mix of private and public funds.&nbsp;

Proposal 2: Bring Burning Man Downtown&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-2-bring-burning-man-downtown-nbsp-nbsp">Proposal 2: Bring Burning Man Downtown&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/could-converting-empty-offices-solve-sfs-housing-crisis-maybe-but-not-any-time-soon/">Converting vacant office spaces into housing</a> has been floated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/a-blueprint-for-converting-empty-san-francisco-offices-to-housing-already-exists/">as one idea</a> for giving a second life to desolate Downtown. But what about transforming those empty pillars of corporate America into artists’ co-ops, instead—and bringing the collaborative spirit of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/interview-burning-man-ceo-marian-goodell-san-francisco-home-2022/">Burning Man</a> Downtown?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/video/could-converting-empty-offices-solve-sfs-housing-crisis-maybe-but-not-any-time-soon/">Converting vacant office spaces into housing</a> has been floated <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/a-blueprint-for-converting-empty-san-francisco-offices-to-housing-already-exists/">as one idea</a> for giving a second life to desolate Downtown. But what about transforming those empty pillars of corporate America into artists’ co-ops, instead—and bringing the collaborative spirit of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/interview-burning-man-ceo-marian-goodell-san-francisco-home-2022/">Burning Man</a> Downtown?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Office buildings stack against each other in Downtown San Francisco. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FEATURED2_CRESublease040323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF proposes turning vacant offices in Downtown SF into affordable artists&#8217; housing. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FEATURED2_CRESublease040323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF proposes turning vacant offices in Downtown SF into affordable artists' housing. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FEATURED2_CRESublease040323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145762"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF proposes turning vacant offices in Downtown SF into affordable artists&#8217; housing. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

That’s the proposal of P Segal—a writer, <a href="https://journal.burningman.org/2022/02/burning-man-arts/global-art/helping-artist-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of the instigators of Burning Man</a> and a longtime fixture of San Francisco’s underground arts scene—who runs the nonprofit <a href="https://arthousesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ArtHouse SF</a>. The nonprofit wants to purchase empty buildings from landlords through lease-to-own agreements to create co-ops where artists would work in creative commercial businesses on the ground floor of the buildings—think bookstores, galleries, coffee shops—and live in the spaces above while paying affordable rent. Burning Man’s <a href="https://burningman.org/about/10-principles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“communal effort” principle</a>, which values creative cooperation and collaboration, underlies this model.&nbsp;

That’s the proposal of P Segal—a writer, <a href="https://journal.burningman.org/2022/02/burning-man-arts/global-art/helping-artist-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">one of the instigators of Burning Man</a> and a longtime fixture of San Francisco’s underground arts scene—who runs the nonprofit <a href="https://arthousesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ArtHouse SF</a>. The nonprofit wants to purchase empty buildings from landlords through lease-to-own agreements to create co-ops where artists would work in creative commercial businesses on the ground floor of the buildings—think bookstores, galleries, coffee shops—and live in the spaces above while paying affordable rent. Burning Man’s <a href="https://burningman.org/about/10-principles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“communal effort” principle</a>, which values creative cooperation and collaboration, underlies this model.&nbsp;

Landlords would have an incentive to either sell their properties to ArtHouse SF at a future date or partner with the nonprofit on a commercial venture <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-property-owners-file-lawsuit-challenging-vacancy-tax/">to avoid the city’s vacancy tax</a>, offset capital gains, receive a charitable tax deduction or show a loss on their taxes, Segal explained.&nbsp;

Landlords would have an incentive to either sell their properties to ArtHouse SF at a future date or partner with the nonprofit on a commercial venture <a href="https://sfstandard.com/housing-development/san-francisco-property-owners-file-lawsuit-challenging-vacancy-tax/">to avoid the city’s vacancy tax</a>, offset capital gains, receive a charitable tax deduction or show a loss on their taxes, Segal explained.&nbsp;

Pedestrians walk through San Francisco’s Financial District, which has had a surge of vacant storefront properties, on Nov. 17, 2022. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED04_DowntownSF04102023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147241"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF&#8217;s plan proposes a co-op model where artists would work in creative retail spaces on the ground floor of the buildings where they reside. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED04_DowntownSF04102023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147241"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF's plan proposes a co-op model where artists would work in creative retail spaces on the ground floor of the buildings where they reside. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/INLINED04_DowntownSF04102023.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-147241"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">ArtHouse SF&#8217;s plan proposes a co-op model where artists would work in creative retail spaces on the ground floor of the buildings where they reside. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“It’s all about taxes,” she said.&nbsp;

“It’s all about taxes,” she said.&nbsp;

Segal also believes the arrangement would appeal to landlords and investors who want to put a positive stamp on the city and wouldn’t mind some good PR. She acknowledges the model is unusual but believes it could be a solution to the city’s challenging rental market, especially for artists who might have difficulty showing a stream of steady pay stubs totaling three times the monthly rent as often required by a potential landlord.&nbsp;

Segal also believes the arrangement would appeal to landlords and investors who want to put a positive stamp on the city and wouldn’t mind some good PR. She acknowledges the model is unusual but believes it could be a solution to the city’s challenging rental market, especially for artists who might have difficulty showing a stream of steady pay stubs totaling three times the monthly rent as often required by a potential landlord.&nbsp;

“I like to think that we’re suggesting new molds for how to make things work,” she said.&nbsp;

“I like to think that we’re suggesting new molds for how to make things work,” she said.&nbsp;

Burning Man 2019 | Courtesy of Burning Man/Benjamin Langholz

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/INLINE_DanAdams-2019-Art_-Stone-27-by-Benjamin-Langholz-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70286"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ArtHouse SF model is inspired by the creative and collaborative spirit of Burning Man. | Courtesy Burning Man/Benjamin Langholz</figcaption></figure>

Segal first came up with the concept a few years ago after learning that the city has <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/housing/san-francisco-saw-big-increase-in-vacant-homes-new-report-shows/article_5c32fede-5004-11ed-85dc-03f11fbf7fbe.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a relatively high percentage of vacant residences</a> and that <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3060687/artists-who-have-been-priced-out-of-san-francisco-show-the-city-what-its-missing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">70% of artists had left the city</a>, according to one survey. Her own struggles securing housing in San Francisco as a working writer and her history with Burning Man <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/2014/08/11/local-legend-of-the-week-burning-man-founder-host-to-the-sf-cacophony-society-p-segal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as its first host</a> have also shaped the proposal, which she believes could be the shot in the arm Downtown San Francisco needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Segal first came up with the concept a few years ago after learning that the city has <a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/housing/san-francisco-saw-big-increase-in-vacant-homes-new-report-shows/article_5c32fede-5004-11ed-85dc-03f11fbf7fbe.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a relatively high percentage of vacant residences</a> and that <a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3060687/artists-who-have-been-priced-out-of-san-francisco-show-the-city-what-its-missing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">70% of artists had left the city</a>, according to one survey. Her own struggles securing housing in San Francisco as a working writer and her history with Burning Man <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/2014/08/11/local-legend-of-the-week-burning-man-founder-host-to-the-sf-cacophony-society-p-segal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as its first host</a> have also shaped the proposal, which she believes could be the shot in the arm Downtown San Francisco needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“What Burning Man offers is actually art therapy on steroids,” Segal said. “People just feel better when they&#8217;re around art. [&#8230;] When you put that kind of energy in a place intentionally, it&#8217;s like social engineering.”

“What Burning Man offers is actually art therapy on steroids,” Segal said. “People just feel better when they're around art. [...] When you put that kind of energy in a place intentionally, it's like social engineering.”

“What Burning Man offers is actually art therapy on steroids,” Segal said. “People just feel better when they&#8217;re around art. [&#8230;] When you put that kind of energy in a place intentionally, it&#8217;s like social engineering.”

While the group has <a href="https://arthousesf.org/what-we-need" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified some potential buildings</a> and is seeking grants while <a href="https://arthousesf.org/donate-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accepting donations,</a> Segal said the project&#8217;s implementation will depend on finding the right collaborators and properties.&nbsp;

While the group has <a href="https://arthousesf.org/what-we-need" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified some potential buildings</a> and is seeking grants while <a href="https://arthousesf.org/donate-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accepting donations,</a> Segal said the project's implementation will depend on finding the right collaborators and properties.&nbsp;

While the group has <a href="https://arthousesf.org/what-we-need" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">identified some potential buildings</a> and is seeking grants while <a href="https://arthousesf.org/donate-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">accepting donations,</a> Segal said the project&#8217;s implementation will depend on finding the right collaborators and properties.&nbsp;

Proposal 3: Play Up Pop-Ups and Cultural Districts

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proposal-3-play-up-pop-ups-and-cultural-districts">Proposal 3: Play Up Pop-Ups and Cultural Districts</h2>

Over the last seven years, the art nonprofit Kultivate Labs has shown a track record of economic success tied to its long-running <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sfs-largest-filipino-festival-is-now-a-daytime-party/">Undiscovered Creative Market</a>. Once a night market highlighting Filipino food, artists and vendors, the event has transformed into a daytime block party doing the same.

Over the last seven years, the art nonprofit Kultivate Labs has shown a track record of economic success tied to its long-running <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sfs-largest-filipino-festival-is-now-a-daytime-party/">Undiscovered Creative Market</a>. Once a night market highlighting Filipino food, artists and vendors, the event has transformed into a daytime block party doing the same.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Yum-Yams-47-1-2500x1877.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162701"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Born from an abandoned parking lot, Kapwa Gardens is a place where the Filipino community can come together. | Courtesy Kultivate Labs</figcaption></figure>

Last year, the market brought in over 6,000 attendees, and the event series had its most successful year, generating more than $130,000 in economic activity—double its pre-pandemic average of $60,000, <a href="https://www.papalodown.com/lodown/kultivate-labs-catalyzes-a-thriving-community" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to a press release</a>. Over the course of five years, the market’s vendors have generated over $930,000 in sales, and small businesses that have worked with the market since its inception, like Chase Center’s Filipino eatery <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesarapshop/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sarap Shop</a>, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/video/warriors-the-sarap-shop-brings-filipino-american-food-to-the-chase-center/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have grown successful</a> and gained a following.&nbsp;

Last year, the market brought in over 6,000 attendees, and the event series had its most successful year, generating more than $130,000 in economic activity—double its pre-pandemic average of $60,000, <a href="https://www.papalodown.com/lodown/kultivate-labs-catalyzes-a-thriving-community" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to a press release</a>. Over the course of five years, the market’s vendors have generated over $930,000 in sales, and small businesses that have worked with the market since its inception, like Chase Center’s Filipino eatery <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesarapshop/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sarap Shop</a>, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/video/warriors-the-sarap-shop-brings-filipino-american-food-to-the-chase-center/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">have grown successful</a> and gained a following.&nbsp;

Now Kultivate Labs is even more focused on translating such pop-up successes into an established commercial corridor on Mission Street between Fourth and Sixth streets in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/heres-how-san-franciscos-cultural-districts-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District</a>.&nbsp;

Now Kultivate Labs is even more focused on translating such pop-up successes into an established commercial corridor on Mission Street between Fourth and Sixth streets in the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/heres-how-san-franciscos-cultural-districts-work/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District</a>.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED04_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162112"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A Pangalay circle is led by Eric Solano at Kapwa Gardens SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District. | Courtesy Kultivate Labs</figcaption></figure>

“Our whole model is really to uplift and incubate Filipino American small businesses and get them ready to potentially have a brick-and-mortar,” said Gina Rosales, Undiscovered’s co-founder and producer.&nbsp;

“Our whole model is really to uplift and incubate Filipino American small businesses and get them ready to potentially have a brick-and-mortar,” said Gina Rosales, Undiscovered’s co-founder and producer.&nbsp;

Undiscovered Creative Market is scheduled for three dates between August and October and will celebrate 50 years of hip-hop culture as part of its mission to nurture creative small businesses and bring empty streets alive with culture. Rosales points to the market’s ability to draw thousands of visitors to desolate streets as a successful data point.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Undiscovered Creative Market is scheduled for three dates between August and October and will celebrate 50 years of hip-hop culture as part of its mission to nurture creative small businesses and bring empty streets alive with culture. Rosales points to the market’s ability to draw thousands of visitors to desolate streets as a successful data point.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Summer-Jamz_Kapwa-Gardens-2-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162686"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A DJ spins records at Kapwa Gardens. | Courtesy Kultivate Labs</figcaption></figure>

“Look at what we can do with an empty parking lot—bring 6,000 people out to spend money and support small businesses and support artists,” Rosales said. “What if we had a giant space like that to activate and program on a daily basis?”

“Look at what we can do with an empty parking lot—bring 6,000 people out to spend money and support small businesses and support artists,” Rosales said. “What if we had a giant space like that to activate and program on a daily basis?”

Kultivate Labs is also working with The Metreon to fill eight vacant spaces with Filipino pop-up vendors, Kultivate Labs’ executive director Desi Danganan told The Standard. Danganan also hopes that Kultivate Labs’ previous endeavors—from <a href="https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/hundreds-turn-san-francisco-parking-lot-into-healing-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transforming a parking lot into Kapwa Gardens</a> to turning an empty storefront <a href="https://www.kqed.org/arts/13913947/balay-kreative-soma-pilipinas-filipino-heritage-district" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">into a thriving Filipino arts accelerator</a>—can be <a href="https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/can-a-filipino-cultural-district-revive-san-franciscos-downtown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural blueprints for Downtown</a> moving forward.&nbsp;

Kultivate Labs is also working with The Metreon to fill eight vacant spaces with Filipino pop-up vendors, Kultivate Labs’ executive director Desi Danganan told The Standard. Danganan also hopes that Kultivate Labs’ previous endeavors—from <a href="https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/hundreds-turn-san-francisco-parking-lot-into-healing-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transforming a parking lot into Kapwa Gardens</a> to turning an empty storefront <a href="https://www.kqed.org/arts/13913947/balay-kreative-soma-pilipinas-filipino-heritage-district" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">into a thriving Filipino arts accelerator</a>—can be <a href="https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/can-a-filipino-cultural-district-revive-san-franciscos-downtown" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cultural blueprints for Downtown</a> moving forward.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED02_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162106" style="width:670px;height:446px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Performers from 2022&#8217;s Philippine Independence Crawl dance in the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District. | Chan Photos/Courtesy Kultivate Labs</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED02_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162106" style="width:670px;height:446px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Performers from 2022's Philippine Independence Crawl dance in the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District. | Chan Photos/Courtesy Kultivate Labs</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED02_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162106" style="width:670px;height:446px"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Performers from 2022&#8217;s Philippine Independence Crawl dance in the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District. | Chan Photos/Courtesy Kultivate Labs</figcaption></figure>

“With the downturn and the shift in the economy, what&#8217;s going to be that spark that makes San Francisco roar back to life? It&#8217;s going to be arts and culture,&#8221; Danganan predicts. “Whenever there&#8217;s a forest fire, it gives an opportunity for new seedlings to come up.”&nbsp;

“With the downturn and the shift in the economy, what's going to be that spark that makes San Francisco roar back to life? It's going to be arts and culture," Danganan predicts. “Whenever there's a forest fire, it gives an opportunity for new seedlings to come up.”&nbsp;

“With the downturn and the shift in the economy, what&#8217;s going to be that spark that makes San Francisco roar back to life? It&#8217;s going to be arts and culture,&#8221; Danganan predicts. “Whenever there&#8217;s a forest fire, it gives an opportunity for new seedlings to come up.”&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-but-are-these-proposals-viable">But Are These Proposals Viable?</h2>

Some have opined that throwing up light art installations or inviting musicians to play lunchtime concerts is not enough to save an urban swath as large and economically critical as Downtown San Francisco.

Some have opined that throwing up light art installations or inviting musicians to play lunchtime concerts is not enough to save an urban swath as large and economically critical as Downtown San Francisco.

“If you also want a document that offers a realistic blueprint for bringing the city’s Financial District back to life, keep looking,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/downtown-revitalization-plan-17315989.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote The Chronicle’s John King</a> of the Downtown SF Partnership’s Public Realm Action Plan.

“If you also want a document that offers a realistic blueprint for bringing the city’s Financial District back to life, keep looking,” <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/downtown-revitalization-plan-17315989.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote The Chronicle’s John King</a> of the Downtown SF Partnership’s Public Realm Action Plan.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/INLINED01_051923_ArtistsReviveDowntown.png" alt="" class="wp-image-162103"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An aerial view of a mural at Battery Bridge | Courtesy Downtown SF Partnership</figcaption></figure>

But the current proposals involve more than splattering paint on sidewalks, and the use of art to revitalize urban areas is an effective and common strategy, noted Gordon Douglas, an urban planning associate professor at San Jose State and director of its Institute for Metropolitan Studies.&nbsp;

But the current proposals involve more than splattering paint on sidewalks, and the use of art to revitalize urban areas is an effective and common strategy, noted Gordon Douglas, an urban planning associate professor at San Jose State and director of its Institute for Metropolitan Studies.&nbsp;

From <a href="https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2010/09/wrought-from-ruins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the small steel town of Braddock, Pennsylvania</a>, to <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/can-detroits-vibrant-arts-scene-save-the-city" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the megalopolis of Detroit</a>, municipalities across the nation have deployed such creative placemaking tactics to recharge blighted, post-industrial areas—and San Francisco itself offers many promising prototypes of tactical urban interventions, Douglas observed.&nbsp;

From <a href="https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2010/09/wrought-from-ruins" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the small steel town of Braddock, Pennsylvania</a>, to <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/can-detroits-vibrant-arts-scene-save-the-city" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the megalopolis of Detroit</a>, municipalities across the nation have deployed such creative placemaking tactics to recharge blighted, post-industrial areas—and San Francisco itself offers many promising prototypes of tactical urban interventions, Douglas observed.&nbsp;

Parklets line Valencia St. in the Mission. | Sophie Bearman

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0382-2500x1876.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3721"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Parklets line Valencia Street in the Mission. | Sophie Bearman/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

He points to the popularity of the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/restaurant-owners-furious-at-san-franciscos-plan-to-rip-out-parklets/">pandemic-born parklet program</a> and the transformation of <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/sfhistory/article/Hayes-Valley-then-now-photos-Central-Freeway-SF-13186068.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayes Valley</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/car-free-valencia-street-is-back-this-weekend-after-two-months-off/">Valencia Street</a> into vibrant commercial corridors as successful examples. However, he doesn’t think that artists moving into empty buildings is a panacea for all of Downtown’s economic woes.

He points to the popularity of the city’s <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/restaurant-owners-furious-at-san-franciscos-plan-to-rip-out-parklets/">pandemic-born parklet program</a> and the transformation of <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/sfhistory/article/Hayes-Valley-then-now-photos-Central-Freeway-SF-13186068.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hayes Valley</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/car-free-valencia-street-is-back-this-weekend-after-two-months-off/">Valencia Street</a> into vibrant commercial corridors as successful examples. However, he doesn’t think that artists moving into empty buildings is a panacea for all of Downtown’s economic woes.

“Like, how many Salesforce towers can we fill with artists?” Douglas challenged.&nbsp;

“Like, how many Salesforce towers can we fill with artists?” Douglas challenged.&nbsp;

He thinks that the city’s core will need to undergo an urban revitalization <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/10/how-lower-manhattan-turned-into-a-24/7-community-after-9/11-attacks.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as vast and ambitious as that of Lower Manhattan after 9/11 in order to survive</a>.&nbsp;

He thinks that the city’s core will need to undergo an urban revitalization <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/10/how-lower-manhattan-turned-into-a-24/7-community-after-9/11-attacks.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as vast and ambitious as that of Lower Manhattan after 9/11 in order to survive</a>.&nbsp;

More than 50,000 workers have been laid off in San Francisco in the past two years. | Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FEATURED1_CRESublease040323.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-145759"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A smattering of pedestrians meander the streets of the Financial District in Downtown San Francisco. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, for his part, doesn’t seem daunted and thinks that having more creative and cultural programming Downtown is a no-brainer. The SF politician, whose district encompasses the Financial District and Union Square, said that the nexus of transit, open-air plazas and museums in the city’s urban core make it perfectly positioned for a cultural renaissance—and even tossed off the idea that Union Square or Embarcadero Plaza could host an inner-city spinoff of Golden Gate Park’s popular <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/is-this-whos-playing-outside-lands-2023-festival-has-fans-guessing-with-instagram-clues/">Outside Lands Festival</a>.&nbsp;

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, for his part, doesn’t seem daunted and thinks that having more creative and cultural programming Downtown is a no-brainer. The SF politician, whose district encompasses the Financial District and Union Square, said that the nexus of transit, open-air plazas and museums in the city’s urban core make it perfectly positioned for a cultural renaissance—and even tossed off the idea that Union Square or Embarcadero Plaza could host an inner-city spinoff of Golden Gate Park’s popular <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/is-this-whos-playing-outside-lands-2023-festival-has-fans-guessing-with-instagram-clues/">Outside Lands Festival</a>.&nbsp;

Outside Lands attendees scream along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on October 30, 2021. |  Camille Cohen/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OSL-11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-92743"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Outside Lands attendees scream along to Rico Nasty’s music at the Twin Peaks Stage on Oct. 30, 2021. | Camille Cohen/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

“This place is off-the-hook well-situated for bringing concerts [in] like Outside Lands,&#8221; Peskin said. &#8220;Let&#8217;s not have them in the outerlands. Let&#8217;s have them in the interlands.”&nbsp;

“This place is off-the-hook well-situated for bringing concerts [in] like Outside Lands," Peskin said. "Let's not have them in the outerlands. Let's have them in the interlands.”&nbsp;

“This place is off-the-hook well-situated for bringing concerts [in] like Outside Lands,&#8221; Peskin said. &#8220;Let&#8217;s not have them in the outerlands. Let&#8217;s have them in the interlands.”&nbsp;

The San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, aka SPUR, is also bullish on the arts for Downtown San Francisco.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, aka SPUR, is also bullish on the arts for Downtown San Francisco.&nbsp;

&#8220;Investing in long-term and sustainable artistic initiatives not only attracts visitors but also promotes innovation and creativity, making San Francisco a more competitive and dynamic city,” Sujata Srivastava, the SF director of SPUR, wrote in an email to The Standard. “Beyond economic benefits, the arts foster community engagement, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging in our city. By providing affordable spaces for artists in downtown areas, we tap into their creative energy and contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.”

"Investing in long-term and sustainable artistic initiatives not only attracts visitors but also promotes innovation and creativity, making San Francisco a more competitive and dynamic city,” Sujata Srivastava, the SF director of SPUR, wrote in an email to The Standard. “Beyond economic benefits, the arts foster community engagement, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging in our city. By providing affordable spaces for artists in downtown areas, we tap into their creative energy and contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.”

&#8220;Investing in long-term and sustainable artistic initiatives not only attracts visitors but also promotes innovation and creativity, making San Francisco a more competitive and dynamic city,” Sujata Srivastava, the SF director of SPUR, wrote in an email to The Standard. “Beyond economic benefits, the arts foster community engagement, social cohesion, and a sense of belonging in our city. By providing affordable spaces for artists in downtown areas, we tap into their creative energy and contribute to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods.”

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/UNDSCVRD-2019-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-162690"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Filipino community comes together for an Undiscovered Creative Market. | Courtesy Kultivate Labs</figcaption></figure>

But history, Douglas said, may be the ultimate proof of concept for whether the artists’ ways could work. He cited the transformation of SoMa into a hot live-work scene <a href="https://shc.stanford.edu/arcade/interventions/arthistory-how-south-market-became-soma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after artists moved into the neighborhood</a> as a tried-and-true example of creatives making a part of the city attractive and cool.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But history, Douglas said, may be the ultimate proof of concept for whether the artists’ ways could work. He cited the transformation of SoMa into a hot live-work scene <a href="https://shc.stanford.edu/arcade/interventions/arthistory-how-south-market-became-soma" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">after artists moved into the neighborhood</a> as a tried-and-true example of creatives making a part of the city attractive and cool.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It&#8217;s not exactly a novel idea for how to revitalize an area,” Douglas said. “It&#8217;s been the story of urban areas becoming trendy again for a long time.”

“It's not exactly a novel idea for how to revitalize an area,” Douglas said. “It's been the story of urban areas becoming trendy again for a long time.”

“It&#8217;s not exactly a novel idea for how to revitalize an area,” Douglas said. “It&#8217;s been the story of urban areas becoming trendy again for a long time.”

San Francisco’s downtown doom loop may have a silver lining

Jesse Rogala

San Francisco is well known for its vibrant art scene—from murals to museums to public sculptures. However, adventurous San Franciscans or visitors can discover a whole new side to the city by exploring its extraordinary “light art” installations scattered around town.

San Francisco is well known for its vibrant art scene—from murals to museums to public sculptures. However, adventurous San Franciscans or visitors can discover a whole new side to the city by exploring its extraordinary “light art” installations scattered around town.

The city boasts more than 40 light installations created by over 30 artists and installed in 17 neighborhoods. Here’s a list of six works you can check out in a nocturnal adventure. Check out our video to see what they look like.

The city boasts more than 40 light installations created by over 30 artists and installed in 17 neighborhoods. Here’s a list of six works you can check out in a nocturnal adventure. Check out our video to see what they look like.

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