LIVININTHELOIN

So, you’re walking around the city, and whilst dodging the cyclists that ride on the sidewalk, and reciting your mantra “sorry, I don’t have any change” – you notice that what was there…just isn’t there anymore. That building that was on the corner is now an empty lot. There may even be some construction equipment lurking around. Is that a new foundation already?

You may have noticed a variant of this scenario on the corner of 8^th and Market. The Trinity Plaza Apartment building is still there, but there is construction happening right beside it. Walk down 8^th, and hang a left on Mission…notice the construction equipment lurking around the lot. Is that a new foundation already? Wonder what’s being built here? Clutch the pearls! Could it be housing?

Don’t do “the clutch” too long, a passer by might administer the Heimlich maneuver. It could happen (see Good Urban Experience).

What you’re looking at is the early stages of the Trinity Plaza Project (1177 Market). From what I’ve read, there will be 1,900 rental units (some rent controlled, and some “affordable” units) – I know you want to do “the clutch” again – this could be a first for San Francisco. New construction, with rent controlled units as part of the mix. I think there is even going to be some retail space. Please, no more check cashing joints. Go ahead, say it out loud, PREDATORY LENDING.

Google “Trinity Plaza Project”, and you’ll get plenty of hits. Also, check out the rendering of what the project will look like at: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=24868

As a home owner in the lower-outer-Tenderloin (I live in the Book Concern Building), I’m hoping this project is going to take the mid-Market area far. Maybe that row of boarded up buildings along Market might come to life again. With so many new folks living in the area, there may even be some meaningful action (from City Hall) to address some of the concerns in the neighborhood. Ok, now I’m clutching the pearls – no Heimlich necessary, thank you.