1 post tagged “history”

San Francisco's long sought after GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archival Center won't fit in the parking lot adjacent to the current Castro branch library according to this Bay Area Reporter story.

The first of two studies on building the GLBT Historical Society Museum and Archival Center finds that the site on 16th Street near Noe could not fit the estimated 16,550 square feet that would be needed and also gives a hint at what it will cost to construct a "high level of quality" facility, $525 per square foot.

"'We are determined to find a solution that will be decidedly less than that,' said [co-chair of the society's board Don Romesburg]."

"[Paul Boneberg, the society's part-time executive director] added, 'I think it is very high, and obviously, not something ... we are not going to go down a path that requires us to spend $10.6 million.'"

The story notes that District Supervisor Bevan Dufty has already informed library officials who will renovate the library (a 60's/70's still piece of concrete and glass I don't find welcoming or attractive) now that it's been ruled out as a museum site.

So now what? Society officials say they are only interesting in locating along Mission Street's "Museum Row" or in the Castro, but where in the Castro can they find room for a 16,550 square foot facility with room for a museum, theater, bookstore and cafe, along with all the needed office and storage space?