The Standard Staff

Large-scale plywood murals from boarded up storefronts are on display during a media preview day of “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective" at Pier 70's historic Building 12 in San Francisco on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

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Shannon Riley Executive Director and co-founder of Paint the Void, poses for a portrait in front of a mural created by Nora Bruhn, at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

"Thank you" mural by Crystal Vielula is on display during a media preview day of “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Meredith Winner, a co-founder and managing director of Paint the Void and a co-founder, COO of Building 180, poses for a portrait at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Artist Jen Bloomer poses for a portrait with her "How We Care Shapes Who We Are" mural. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

A mural by Jordan Herren is on display at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Jose Jimenez a worker of Floor Seal, sands the floor with a machine, in front of "Essential" mural by Mel Waters at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

A mural created by Matley Hurd is on display at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Large-scale plywood murals from boarded up storefronts on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

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Since the start of the pandemic, brilliant murals on boarded-up storefronts across San Francisco have served as both stark reminders of the pandemic’s economic toll on local businesses and colorful signs of hope.

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Since the start of the pandemic, brilliant murals on boarded-up storefronts across San Francisco have served as both stark reminders of the pandemic’s economic toll on local businesses and colorful signs of hope.

Now 49 of those murals—many commissioned by the visual arts nonprofit Paint the Void and painted by local artists to beautify largely shuttered commercial corridors during the pandemic—will be on display as part of a retrospective by the organization, called “The City Canvas,” opening this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now 49 of those murals—many commissioned by the visual arts nonprofit Paint the Void and painted by local artists to beautify largely shuttered commercial corridors during the pandemic—will be on display as part of a retrospective by the organization, called “The City Canvas,” opening this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Billed as the “nation’s largest exhibit of pandemic mural art,” the exhibit at Pier 70’s Building 12 looks back on this array of public art created between San Francisco’s initial lockdown in March 2020 and the subsequent ebbs and flows of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years.&nbsp;

Billed as the “nation’s largest exhibit of pandemic mural art,” the exhibit at Pier 70’s Building 12 looks back on this array of public art created between San Francisco’s initial lockdown in March 2020 and the subsequent ebbs and flows of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years.&nbsp;

The exhibition features massive artworks ranging in size from four to 43 feet long and towering as tall as 11.5 feet. Pier 70’s football field-size Building 12, which once served as a World War II ship-building site, provides an expansive and industrial-scale backdrop for the works, which lean and hang upon the building’s gray columns like paintings in a giant’s warehouse-style live/work loft.

The exhibition features massive artworks ranging in size from four to 43 feet long and towering as tall as 11.5 feet. Pier 70’s football field-size Building 12, which once served as a World War II ship-building site, provides an expansive and industrial-scale backdrop for the works, which lean and hang upon the building’s gray columns like paintings in a giant’s warehouse-style live/work loft.

“I really hope that this exhibition provides people both an opportunity to celebrate sort of where we are,” says exhibit curator Heather Whitmore Jain. “And then I also really want this to be an opportunity for people to come and reflect and remember.” (CC)

“I really hope that this exhibition provides people both an opportunity to celebrate sort of where we are,” says exhibit curator Heather Whitmore Jain. “And then I also really want this to be an opportunity for people to come and reflect and remember.” (CC)

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-canvas-a-paint-the-void-retrospective-tickets-221710240297?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective</a>

<h4 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-canvas-a-paint-the-void-retrospective-tickets-221710240297?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective</a></h4>

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<h4 class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-canvas-a-paint-the-void-retrospective-tickets-221710240297?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective</a></h4>

Pier 70, 588 22nd St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23&nbsp;

Pier 70, 588 22nd St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23&nbsp;

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/012_S1_02094.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-27251"/><figcaption>The FOG Design + Art fair returns to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/knight-vision-productions-llc-37952016393">FOG Design + Art</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fog-design-art"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/knight-vision-productions-llc-37952016393">FOG Design + Art</a></h4>

<h4 id="h-fog-design-art"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/knight-vision-productions-llc-37952016393">FOG Design + Art</a></h4>

Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd. Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 20-23

Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd. Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 20-23

Returning to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion for its eighth iteration (and first since taking 2021 off), FOG Fair boasts a slate of 45 fine art and design galleries from around the world, many local to the Bay Area. The fair also hosts a broad lineup of events, including a performance by photographer Martine Gutierrez, a panel discussion examining the influence of NFTs on visual art, and a screening of the documentary “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” about the effects of gentrification in Berkeley through the story of artist and activist Mildred Howard. (MB)

Returning to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion for its eighth iteration (and first since taking 2021 off), FOG Fair boasts a slate of 45 fine art and design galleries from around the world, many local to the Bay Area. The fair also hosts a broad lineup of events, including a performance by photographer Martine Gutierrez, a panel discussion examining the influence of NFTs on visual art, and a screening of the documentary “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” about the effects of gentrification in Berkeley through the story of artist and activist Mildred Howard. (MB)

<a href="https://www.dusermania.com/">Duser</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.dusermania.com/">Duser</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.dusermania.com/">Duser</a></h4>

Madrone Art Bar, 500 Divisadero Blvd. Thursday, Jan. 20 Opening Night

Madrone Art Bar, 500 Divisadero Blvd. Thursday, Jan. 20 Opening Night

This Thursday, San Francisco visual artist Duser is bringing his latest series of psychedelic paintings to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madroneartbar/">this NoPa watering hole</a>. The series is entitled “Movements” and finds Duser departing from depictions of human and animal figures—opting instead for abstract forms that recall the works of Sadamitsu “S. Neil” Fujita, who many will recognize by the cover art of Dave Brubeck’s cool jazz masterpiece, Time Out. (HL)

This Thursday, San Francisco visual artist Duser is bringing his latest series of psychedelic paintings to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madroneartbar/">this NoPa watering hole</a>. The series is entitled “Movements” and finds Duser departing from depictions of human and animal figures—opting instead for abstract forms that recall the works of Sadamitsu “S. Neil” Fujita, who many will recognize by the cover art of Dave Brubeck’s cool jazz masterpiece, Time Out. (HL)

<a href="https://www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-zara-stone-and-ariel-henley">Author Talk: Zara Stone &amp; Ariel Henley</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-zara-stone-and-ariel-henley">Author Talk: Zara Stone &amp; Ariel Henley</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-zara-stone-and-ariel-henley">Author Talk: Zara Stone &amp; Ariel Henley</a></h4>

Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Ave. Friday, Jan. 21

Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Ave. Friday, Jan. 21

From the 1920s through the 1990s, around half a million imprisoned Americans underwent taxpayer-funded cosmetic surgeries. One of the key drivers behind this controversial program was the idea that “fixing” someone’s looks would help them reintegrate into society. San Francisco author Zara Stone explores the practice—and what it reveals about standards of beauty and the prison-industrial complex—in her book, Killer Looks. Ariel Henley’s book, A Face for Picasso, details her experience growing up with a rare physical condition that caused her and her twin sister to develop physical deformities in their faces. Green Apple Books hosts both authors for a discussion. (PB)

From the 1920s through the 1990s, around half a million imprisoned Americans underwent taxpayer-funded cosmetic surgeries. One of the key drivers behind this controversial program was the idea that “fixing” someone’s looks would help them reintegrate into society. San Francisco author Zara Stone explores the practice—and what it reveals about standards of beauty and the prison-industrial complex—in her book, Killer Looks. Ariel Henley’s book, A Face for Picasso, details her experience growing up with a rare physical condition that caused her and her twin sister to develop physical deformities in their faces. Green Apple Books hosts both authors for a discussion. (PB)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Citron-2016-by-Elise-Ferguson.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-27263"/><figcaption>Citron, 2016 by Elise Ferguson. | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://www.romeryounggallery.com/elise-ferguson">Elise Ferguson: Sequence</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.romeryounggallery.com/elise-ferguson">Elise Ferguson: Sequence</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.romeryounggallery.com/elise-ferguson">Elise Ferguson: Sequence</a></h4>

Romer Young Gallery, 1240 22nd St. Saturday, Jan. 22 Opening Night

Romer Young Gallery, 1240 22nd St. Saturday, Jan. 22 Opening Night

“Sequence,” Elise Ferguson’s latest solo show at Romer Young (her fifth with the San Francisco gallery), doesn’t aim to reinvent the artist’s wheel but further perfect on her unique craft. The New York-based artist employs painting, sculpture, and printmaking techniques in the production of her wall-hanging, geometric abstractions, which are often mathematically inspired. Looking at them, one can imagine impossible road maps and enlarged sine waves or, more obviously, the raked patterns in a Zen garden. Ferguson’s choices of color and form are intriguing and delightful; once you engage them, it’s easy to get lost in the maze-like designs. (MB)

“Sequence,” Elise Ferguson’s latest solo show at Romer Young (her fifth with the San Francisco gallery), doesn’t aim to reinvent the artist’s wheel but further perfect on her unique craft. The New York-based artist employs painting, sculpture, and printmaking techniques in the production of her wall-hanging, geometric abstractions, which are often mathematically inspired. Looking at them, one can imagine impossible road maps and enlarged sine waves or, more obviously, the raked patterns in a Zen garden. Ferguson’s choices of color and form are intriguing and delightful; once you engage them, it’s easy to get lost in the maze-like designs. (MB)

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blankets-wine-comedy-tickets-241493984007?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse">Blankets &amp; Wine Comedy Show</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blankets-wine-comedy-tickets-241493984007?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse">Blankets &amp; Wine Comedy Show</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blankets-wine-comedy-tickets-241493984007?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse">Blankets &amp; Wine Comedy Show</a></h4>

Golden Gate Park, 1232 John F. Kennedy Drive Saturday, Jan. 22

Golden Gate Park, 1232 John F. Kennedy Drive Saturday, Jan. 22

Nervous about the latest surge, but not willing to give up on your social life? The organizers of the Blankets &amp; Wine comedy show know the feeling. Join local standup comics <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chalaboycomics/">Jide Chala</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hardlywholesome/">Chloe Matones</a>—hosts of&nbsp; the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blanketsandwinecomedy/">Jide and Chloe Comedy Shows</a>, as they bring the yuks to the bleachers of the Golden Gate Park polo field. The show starts at 3 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring their own bevvies. (PB)

Nervous about the latest surge, but not willing to give up on your social life? The organizers of the Blankets &amp; Wine comedy show know the feeling. Join local standup comics <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chalaboycomics/">Jide Chala</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hardlywholesome/">Chloe Matones</a>—hosts of&nbsp; the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blanketsandwinecomedy/">Jide and Chloe Comedy Shows</a>, as they bring the yuks to the bleachers of the Golden Gate Park polo field. The show starts at 3 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring their own bevvies. (PB)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/High-Princx-Pageant-1536x944-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27275"/><figcaption>The High Princx Pageant contestants and hosts. | Photo by Chantel Beam</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/princess-presents-the-high-princx-pageant-tickets-229844901287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">The High Princx Pageant</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/princess-presents-the-high-princx-pageant-tickets-229844901287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">The High Princx Pageant</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/princess-presents-the-high-princx-pageant-tickets-229844901287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">The High Princx Pageant</a></h4>

Oasis, 298 11th Street Saturday, Jan. 22

Oasis, 298 11th Street Saturday, Jan. 22

San Francisco’s drag scene was abuzz last month <a href="https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/s-f-s-lady-camden-twirls-from-smuin-ballet-to-rupauls-drag-race-season-14">after word got out</a> that Lady Camden had nabbed a spot on the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But for the organizers of “The High Princx Pageant” the question of who will win the 14th season of America’s favorite gender-bending reality TV show is secondary. Of primary concern is which San Francisco queen will take the top spot—and the $2,022 cash prize—at this locals-only competition. The contest kicks off this Saturday and concludes next Saturday, Jan. 29. Guest judges, including Honey Mahogany, Nikki Jizz and Peaches Christ, will decide the fate of the nine contenders. (PB)

San Francisco’s drag scene was abuzz last month <a href="https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/s-f-s-lady-camden-twirls-from-smuin-ballet-to-rupauls-drag-race-season-14">after word got out</a> that Lady Camden had nabbed a spot on the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But for the organizers of “The High Princx Pageant” the question of who will win the 14th season of America’s favorite gender-bending reality TV show is secondary. Of primary concern is which San Francisco queen will take the top spot—and the $2,022 cash prize—at this locals-only competition. The contest kicks off this Saturday and concludes next Saturday, Jan. 29. Guest judges, including Honey Mahogany, Nikki Jizz and Peaches Christ, will decide the fate of the nine contenders. (PB)

<a href="https://sf.funcheap.com/saturday-sounds-rooftop-folk-concert-at-salesforce-park-sf-2/">Saturday Sounds Rooftop Concert</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://sf.funcheap.com/saturday-sounds-rooftop-folk-concert-at-salesforce-park-sf-2/">Saturday Sounds Rooftop Concert</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://sf.funcheap.com/saturday-sounds-rooftop-folk-concert-at-salesforce-park-sf-2/">Saturday Sounds Rooftop Concert</a></h4>

Salesforce Park, 425 Mission St. Saturday, Jan. 22

Salesforce Park, 425 Mission St. Saturday, Jan. 22

<a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/what-to-do-when-your-citys-tallest-building-looks-like-a-penis/">Say what you will about the Salesforce Tower</a>, the skyscraper’s lower-slung cousin, Salesforc Park, is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon—especially when a talented live band is giving a free concert. The year’s slate of shows just kicked off on Jan. 8 with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodyandtheRoadies/?ref=page_internal">Jody and the Roadies</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jubileenewblue/">Jubilee</a> played last week. It’s hard to know which local artists will pop up on any given Saturday, as the series, but the all-ages environment and open air makes this event a safe bet for a safe family excursion. (PB)

<a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/what-to-do-when-your-citys-tallest-building-looks-like-a-penis/">Say what you will about the Salesforce Tower</a>, the skyscraper’s lower-slung cousin, Salesforc Park, is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon—especially when a talented live band is giving a free concert. The year’s slate of shows just kicked off on Jan. 8 with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodyandtheRoadies/?ref=page_internal">Jody and the Roadies</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jubileenewblue/">Jubilee</a> played last week. It’s hard to know which local artists will pop up on any given Saturday, as the series, but the all-ages environment and open air makes this event a safe bet for a safe family excursion. (PB)

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ica-san-francisco-presents-chris-martin-ancient-as-time-tickets-237852070947">Chris Martin: Ancient as Time</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ica-san-francisco-presents-chris-martin-ancient-as-time-tickets-237852070947">Chris Martin: Ancient as Time</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ica-san-francisco-presents-chris-martin-ancient-as-time-tickets-237852070947">Chris Martin: Ancient as Time</a></h4>

ICA SF, 315 Fair Oaks St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23

ICA SF, 315 Fair Oaks St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23

Between now and its official launch in September, the <a href="https://www.icasanfrancisco.org/">Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco</a> will host a program titled “Meantime,” a series of popup exhibitions and performances in the front half of the Institute’s 901 Minnesota Street location. Oakland-based tattoo and textile artist Chris Martin kicks off the calendar with “Ancient as Time,” a show of fabric sculptures incorporating elements of word art and traditional tattoo flash. “P.S. DON’T LOOK BACK,” 2021, is a massive cloth and aluminum structure, printed with the eponymous phrase, encapsulating the significance of the ICA’s opening and offering visitors an enigmatic proverb. (MB)

Between now and its official launch in September, the <a href="https://www.icasanfrancisco.org/">Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco</a> will host a program titled “Meantime,” a series of popup exhibitions and performances in the front half of the Institute’s 901 Minnesota Street location. Oakland-based tattoo and textile artist Chris Martin kicks off the calendar with “Ancient as Time,” a show of fabric sculptures incorporating elements of word art and traditional tattoo flash. “P.S. DON’T LOOK BACK,” 2021, is a massive cloth and aluminum structure, printed with the eponymous phrase, encapsulating the significance of the ICA’s opening and offering visitors an enigmatic proverb. (MB)

This weekend: Pandemic murals, plastic surgery in prison, an epic drag contest and more

Josh Koehn

Officials for San Francisco, UC Berkeley and the University of California state school system have been quietly meeting this summer to explore options for creating <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/10/sf-doom-loop-convert-downtown-offices-student-housing-uc-berkeley/">satellite housing and classrooms for graduate students in Downtown</a>, The Standard has learned.

Breaking the SF doom loop: Convert downtown offices into student housing

Officials for San Francisco, UC Berkeley and the University of California state school system have been quietly meeting this summer to explore options for creating <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/10/sf-doom-loop-convert-downtown-offices-student-housing-uc-berkeley/">satellite housing and classrooms for graduate students in Downtown</a>, The Standard has learned.

Multiple sources confirmed that the meetings—taking place on a roughly bi-weekly schedule—commenced shortly after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/18/san-francisco-mayor-asks-university-of-california-to-explore-downtown-campus/">Mayor London Breed sent a letter</a> in July to Richard Leib, chair of the University of California Board of Regents, expressing an interest in collaborating on the conversion of vacant properties in the struggling Downtown core.

San Francisco mayor asks University of California to explore downtown campus

Multiple sources confirmed that the meetings—taking place on a roughly bi-weekly schedule—commenced shortly after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/07/18/san-francisco-mayor-asks-university-of-california-to-explore-downtown-campus/">Mayor London Breed sent a letter</a> in July to Richard Leib, chair of the University of California Board of Regents, expressing an interest in collaborating on the conversion of vacant properties in the struggling Downtown core.

Sources said the more exciting conversations have focused on creating housing for UC Berkeley graduate students, as well as potential classrooms for grad students pursuing higher degrees in climate science and artificial intelligence, or AI.&nbsp;

Sources said the more exciting conversations have focused on creating housing for UC Berkeley graduate students, as well as potential classrooms for grad students pursuing higher degrees in climate science and artificial intelligence, or AI.&nbsp;

However, sources noted that UC Berkeley also has shown interest in partnering with other universities to create a higher-ed “village” for graduate students.

However, sources noted that UC Berkeley also has shown interest in partnering with other universities to create a higher-ed “village” for graduate students.

The pandemic has hollowed out commercial towers in San Francisco—the city had a vacancy rate of 34% in the third quarter, according to CBRE—and many are never expected to again reach full occupancy due to the shift to remote work. However, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/05/san-franciscos-real-estate-reset-is-already-happening/">reset in real estate values is underway</a>, and university officials have warmed to the idea of scooping up properties that are selling for a fraction of what they once cost, according to sources involved in the meetings.

San Francisco’s real estate reset is already happening

The pandemic has hollowed out commercial towers in San Francisco—the city had a vacancy rate of 34% in the third quarter, according to CBRE—and many are never expected to again reach full occupancy due to the shift to remote work. However, a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/05/san-franciscos-real-estate-reset-is-already-happening/">reset in real estate values is underway</a>, and university officials have warmed to the idea of scooping up properties that are selling for a fraction of what they once cost, according to sources involved in the meetings.

An advertisement for creative office buildouts for commercial real estate at 130 Sutter Street in Downtown San Francisco on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. Tech sector companies in downtown San Francisco have begun to require staff and employees to return to work in their Downtown San Francisco office after working remote for many years during the Covid pandemic.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DowntownSFRTO092123_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-204744"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An advertisement for creative office buildouts for commercial real estate at 130 Sutter Street in Downtown San Francisco on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DowntownSFRTO092123_009.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-204744"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An advertisement for creative office buildouts for commercial real estate at 130 Sutter Street in Downtown San Francisco on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. </figcaption></figure>

Public universities are exempt from much of the red tape that otherwise stymies development, and UC Berkeley and other public universities could receive substantial tax breaks, making the project financially viable. City officials are keen on finding a way to bring students and new residents into Downtown to not only fill its vacant towers, but also reinvigorate surrounding restaurants, bars and other small businesses.

Public universities are exempt from much of the red tape that otherwise stymies development, and UC Berkeley and other public universities could receive substantial tax breaks, making the project financially viable. City officials are keen on finding a way to bring students and new residents into Downtown to not only fill its vacant towers, but also reinvigorate surrounding restaurants, bars and other small businesses.

“We continue to believe an increased UC presence would anchor a strong future for Downtown by linking UC’s pipeline of talent directly to San Francisco&#8217;s community of entrepreneurs and investors,” Gloria Chan, a spokesperson for the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), told The Standard in an email.

“We continue to believe an increased UC presence would anchor a strong future for Downtown by linking UC’s pipeline of talent directly to San Francisco's community of entrepreneurs and investors,” Gloria Chan, a spokesperson for the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), told The Standard in an email.

“We continue to believe an increased UC presence would anchor a strong future for Downtown by linking UC’s pipeline of talent directly to San Francisco&#8217;s community of entrepreneurs and investors,” Gloria Chan, a spokesperson for the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), told The Standard in an email.

Sarah Dennis-Phillips—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/31/london-breed-hires-economic-development-director-sarah-dennis-phillips-sf-doom-loop/">hired in May to take over as OEWD’s executive director</a>—has been the point person in frequent meetings with university and local nonprofit officials, according to sources familiar with the conversations.

Breed hires new head of economic development to confront San Francisco&#8217;s doom loop

Sarah Dennis-Phillips—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/31/london-breed-hires-economic-development-director-sarah-dennis-phillips-sf-doom-loop/">hired in May to take over as OEWD’s executive director</a>—has been the point person in frequent meetings with university and local nonprofit officials, according to sources familiar with the conversations.

“As part of our Downtown economic development efforts, OEWD has provided information about space availability, local industry growth, capital investment and Mayor Breed&#8217;s revitalization efforts to the University of California as well as to numerous other potential investors and activators,” Chan said. “We will continue to proactively recruit new investment to Downtown, including new businesses, educational uses, housing and the arts.”

“As part of our Downtown economic development efforts, OEWD has provided information about space availability, local industry growth, capital investment and Mayor Breed's revitalization efforts to the University of California as well as to numerous other potential investors and activators,” Chan said. “We will continue to proactively recruit new investment to Downtown, including new businesses, educational uses, housing and the arts.”

“As part of our Downtown economic development efforts, OEWD has provided information about space availability, local industry growth, capital investment and Mayor Breed&#8217;s revitalization efforts to the University of California as well as to numerous other potential investors and activators,” Chan said. “We will continue to proactively recruit new investment to Downtown, including new businesses, educational uses, housing and the arts.”

Dan Mogulof, a spokesperson for UC Berkeley, confirmed that meetings have been taking place but described them as exploratory conversations still in the very early stages.

Dan Mogulof, a spokesperson for UC Berkeley, confirmed that meetings have been taking place but described them as exploratory conversations still in the very early stages.

Ryan King, a spokesperson for the University of California Office of the President, which along with the UC Regents oversees a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers and three affiliated national laboratories, said that “work is underway” in an email to The Standard.

Ryan King, a spokesperson for the University of California Office of the President, which along with the UC Regents oversees a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers and three affiliated national laboratories, said that “work is underway” in an email to The Standard.

Mayor London Breed speaks at a press conference to announce Salesforce’s $20 million grant at George Washington High School in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) will receive $5.5 million each to help prepare students for careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SalesforceAISchools091123_JY_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-199615"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks at a press conference to announce Salesforce’s $20 million grant at George Washington High School in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 11.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SalesforceAISchools091123_JY_006.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-199615"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mayor London Breed speaks at a press conference to announce Salesforce’s $20 million grant at George Washington High School in San Francisco on Monday, Sept. 11.</figcaption></figure>

“I can confirm that the Office of the President has been tasked with exploring the suggestions in Mayor Breed’s letter encouraging the University of California to explore a presence in downtown San Francisco,” King wrote.&nbsp;

“I can confirm that the Office of the President has been tasked with exploring the suggestions in Mayor Breed’s letter encouraging the University of California to explore a presence in downtown San Francisco,” King wrote.&nbsp;

The San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, better known as SPUR, also has been involved in meetings with city officials and different parts of the UC system to figure out what might work for the conversion of vacant Downtown towers into housing and classrooms.

The San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association, better known as SPUR, also has been involved in meetings with city officials and different parts of the UC system to figure out what might work for the conversion of vacant Downtown towers into housing and classrooms.

“We’re not throwing all of our eggs in one basket or one approach,” a source familiar with the conversations said, “but there is a world in which [a Downtown university campus and housing] is a really strong possibility.”

“We’re not throwing all of our eggs in one basket or one approach,” a source familiar with the conversations said, “but there is a world in which [a Downtown university campus and housing] is a really strong possibility.”

One option that appears to be off the table for now, however, is bringing UC Berkeley undergraduates to Downtown San Francisco. Despite having close access to BART and other public transit, school officials believe it would take away from the college experience.

One option that appears to be off the table for now, however, is bringing UC Berkeley undergraduates to Downtown San Francisco. Despite having close access to BART and other public transit, school officials believe it would take away from the college experience.

Mogulof said that Chancellor Carol Christ has made it clear that “living in close proximity to a university campus is an essential element to the educational experience.”

Mogulof said that Chancellor Carol Christ has made it clear that “living in close proximity to a university campus is an essential element to the educational experience.”

San Francisco, UC Berkeley officials discuss housing and climate, AI classes in downtown

Kevin Truong

Sarah Wright

Based on social media rumblings, it seems like there’s a big appetite for converting now-empty San Francisco office buildings into housing. Using the Covid-induced vacancies to help solve the city’s housing affordability crisis and meet state mandates to plan for more than 80,000 new units appears to be a no-brainer.

Based on social media rumblings, it seems like there’s a big appetite for converting now-empty San Francisco office buildings into housing. Using the Covid-induced vacancies to help solve the city’s housing affordability crisis and meet state mandates to plan for more than 80,000 new units appears to be a no-brainer.

But while San Francisco’s downtown core appears rife with opportunity, with <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/San-Francisco-Office-Figures-Q1-2022-FINAL_O4v7.pdf">a record 24%</a> of office space currently vacant—particularly within San Francisco’s bread-and-butter industry, tech—the city’s planning department currently has no pending applications for downtown office-to-housing conversions.

But while San Francisco’s downtown core appears rife with opportunity, with <a href="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/San-Francisco-Office-Figures-Q1-2022-FINAL_O4v7.pdf">a record 24%</a> of office space currently vacant—particularly within San Francisco’s bread-and-butter industry, tech—the city’s planning department currently has no pending applications for downtown office-to-housing conversions.

Turning offices into homes may seem like an obvious solution to the city’s housing crisis—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/elon-musk-twitter-san-francisco-hq-takeover/">Elon Musk even jumped into the fray</a> with a (presumably tongue-in-cheek) pitch to turn Twitter’s headquarters into a homeless shelter—but longtime housing developer Oz Erickson cautions that it’s not so simple.&nbsp;

Turning offices into homes may seem like an obvious solution to the city’s housing crisis—<a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/elon-musk-twitter-san-francisco-hq-takeover/">Elon Musk even jumped into the fray</a> with a (presumably tongue-in-cheek) pitch to turn Twitter’s headquarters into a homeless shelter—but longtime housing developer Oz Erickson cautions that it’s not so simple.&nbsp;

Behind the Scenes of a Successful Conversion&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behind-the-scenes-of-a-successful-conversion">Behind the Scenes of a Successful Conversion&nbsp;</h2>

<h2 id="h-behind-the-scenes-of-a-successful-conversion">Behind the Scenes of a Successful Conversion&nbsp;</h2>

Erickson is chair of the San Francisco-based development firm Emerald Fund. His company’s 400-foot, 418-unit tower at 100 Van Ness is the most significant project in the last decade to successfully convert downtown office space into housing.&nbsp;

Erickson is chair of the San Francisco-based development firm Emerald Fund. His company’s 400-foot, 418-unit tower at 100 Van Ness is the most significant project in the last decade to successfully convert downtown office space into housing.&nbsp;

“It takes a really special building and you have to be willing to give up the current rent of the office space,” said Erickson. “We had an excellent skeleton and it was still quite costly, but way cheaper then than it would be now. It’s hard for me to believe anything pencils nowadays.”

“It takes a really special building and you have to be willing to give up the current rent of the office space,” said Erickson. “We had an excellent skeleton and it was still quite costly, but way cheaper then than it would be now. It’s hard for me to believe anything pencils nowadays.”

Erickson has built thousands of units across the city over his career, but the conversion posed its fair share of unique challenges. For one, the development team had to remove the massive stone facades that encased the former headquarters of the California State Automobile Association.&nbsp;

Erickson has built thousands of units across the city over his career, but the conversion posed its fair share of unique challenges. For one, the development team had to remove the massive stone facades that encased the former headquarters of the California State Automobile Association.&nbsp;

On the plus side for Erickson, the building’s relatively high standard of construction made it an attractive candidate for conversion. And, by reusing an existing structure, the Emerald Fund was able to skirt height limits for residential buildings and fit more units into the project, which raised their profit margin.

On the plus side for Erickson, the building’s relatively high standard of construction made it an attractive candidate for conversion. And, by reusing an existing structure, the Emerald Fund was able to skirt height limits for residential buildings and fit more units into the project, which raised their profit margin.

Where’s the City in All This?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where’s the City in All This?</h2>

<h2>Where’s the City in All This?</h2>

When it comes to conversion projects, it’s not the city’s planning process that’s getting in the way. Dan Sider, chief of staff at the San Francisco Planning Department, said a conversion with no complicated exemptions—an optimistic but not unrealistic scenario—wouldn’t even require a planning hearing and could take as little as three to six months to secure approvals. And even those requiring exemptions don’t face many added hurdles.

When it comes to conversion projects, it’s not the city’s planning process that’s getting in the way. Dan Sider, chief of staff at the San Francisco Planning Department, said a conversion with no complicated exemptions—an optimistic but not unrealistic scenario—wouldn’t even require a planning hearing and could take as little as three to six months to secure approvals. And even those requiring exemptions don’t face many added hurdles.

“The process through our office is fairly straightforward,” Sider said. “The controls are actually set up very well to accommodate housing in the downtown core.”

“The process through our office is fairly straightforward,” Sider said. “The controls are actually set up very well to accommodate housing in the downtown core.”

Jason Ward, a RAND Corporation economist who has studied the feasibility of commercial-to-residential conversions also pointed to an added advantage, particularly in a market like San Francisco: less community opposition.&nbsp;

Jason Ward, a RAND Corporation economist who has studied the feasibility of commercial-to-residential conversions also pointed to an added advantage, particularly in a market like San Francisco: less community opposition.&nbsp;

“It’s a lesser issue than we’re going to knock down these single-family homes and build a 60-unit building,” Ward said. “It’s already there, it usually has parking and it looks more or less the same as it did before.”

“It’s a lesser issue than we’re going to knock down these single-family homes and build a 60-unit building,” Ward said. “It’s already there, it usually has parking and it looks more or less the same as it did before.”

Case in point, developers of The Pacific in Pacific Heights were able to build a 76-unit condo building in a neighborhood with a history of anti-development activism by adapting a former medical office building.&nbsp;

Case in point, developers of The Pacific in Pacific Heights were able to build a 76-unit condo building in a neighborhood with a history of anti-development activism by adapting a former medical office building.&nbsp;

Why Aren’t Conversions Happening?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Aren’t Conversions Happening?</h2>

<h2>Why Aren’t Conversions Happening?</h2>

Here’s the big “why not” when it comes to office-to-housing conversions: Gutting a building and rebuilding the inside as housing is expensive, especially in San Francisco and especially while construction costs are high.&nbsp;

Here’s the big “why not” when it comes to office-to-housing conversions: Gutting a building and rebuilding the inside as housing is expensive, especially in San Francisco and especially while construction costs are high.&nbsp;

Asking rents for downtown commercial leases have dropped around 15% from pre-pandemic peaks, but haven’t dipped further because of the relatively long lease terms signed by commercial tenants, as well as market optimism that the return to office will continue at a gradual pace.&nbsp;

Asking rents for downtown commercial leases have dropped around 15% from pre-pandemic peaks, but haven’t dipped further because of the relatively long lease terms signed by commercial tenants, as well as market optimism that the return to office will continue at a gradual pace.&nbsp;

Essentially, the city and the market aren&#8217;t convinced that empty offices downtown are here to stay.

Essentially, the city and the market aren't convinced that empty offices downtown are here to stay.

Essentially, the city and the market aren&#8217;t convinced that empty offices downtown are here to stay.

“People would need to believe that office uses are going away,” said Louis Cornejo, president and CEO of Urban Group Real Estate. “You talk to 10 people you get 10 different comments. Are we really going to take a chance on our economy based on: ‘Well, it worked for a year or two?’”&nbsp;

“People would need to believe that office uses are going away,” said Louis Cornejo, president and CEO of Urban Group Real Estate. “You talk to 10 people you get 10 different comments. Are we really going to take a chance on our economy based on: ‘Well, it worked for a year or two?’”&nbsp;

What gets built and what doesn’t comes down to a calculation of dollars and cents. The first issue that’s nearly always raised in discussions about office conversions is seismic retrofitting, which can quickly multiply construction costs.&nbsp;

What gets built and what doesn’t comes down to a calculation of dollars and cents. The first issue that’s nearly always raised in discussions about office conversions is seismic retrofitting, which can quickly multiply construction costs.&nbsp;

Older buildings would have to be gutted entirely. As compared to office space, housing requires more kitchens and bathrooms—and the plumbing and power that comes with them. And then there’s city code that requires that every apartment look out onto an open area and include access to open space like a deck or a rooftop. In the case of 100 Van Ness, the designers added a common rooftop for residents to use. These modifications, Sider said, can be difficult to achieve.

Older buildings would have to be gutted entirely. As compared to office space, housing requires more kitchens and bathrooms—and the plumbing and power that comes with them. And then there’s city code that requires that every apartment look out onto an open area and include access to open space like a deck or a rooftop. In the case of 100 Van Ness, the designers added a common rooftop for residents to use. These modifications, Sider said, can be difficult to achieve.

“Most modern office buildings would require a tremendous amount of work,” Sider said.

“Most modern office buildings would require a tremendous amount of work,” Sider said.

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