5 posts tagged “sf”
The SF Chronicle was at the courthouse for the California Supreme Court ruling today for reactions. You can spot San Francisco City Hall, where all of this began four years ago, kitty-corner in the background.
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?
My districts supervisor, Bevan Dufty, recommended me to the Mayor after a few conversations about Muni problems. With an interaction design background, I view Muni's biggest problem (and I mean that in the sense of being very visible, there are operational and financial problems less obvious) is that of signs, maps and other information. Bevan got there would be a lot of benefit for little costs. Take a look at The Wayfinding Project to see what can be done by just changing the signs.
I was surprised when I got a call one morning from the Mayor's office, after just one meeting, letting me know it was pretty much a done deal and he was appointing to the CAC.
Gavin Newsom had some kind words for me at the swearing in ceremony and Bevan has reminded me more than once that Gavin himself started his career with an appointment to the DPT CAC.
