San Francisco faces a new challenge
High-rises on hold: What to do with empty lots?
One of a new challenge that the city of San Francisco needs to face is what to do with empty spaces that recession has caused. For instance, South of Market district has a lot of large development empty spaces and some are covered by asphalt. By looking back in history, we can conclude these lots will be simply fenced off or used as parking spots until the better time for development comes.
But what can change and even bring short-term investment and income to the city is to enhance the image of San Francisco as an innovative city by landscaping it with trees and shrubs or displaying arts and offering empty spots for social events. There is no one clue but all off the ideas need to be approved in advance by landowners. None is likely to be constructed anytime soon. As Planning Director John Rahaim said that with the credit crunch and the housing down "we are seeing a lull." In meantime the empty spaces may be used as parking lots by interim.
According to Rahaim the city looks for creative and innovative short-term imaginative possibilities. He said "The challenge is to make these parcels visually attractive while still sending a message that they're temporary. It's incumbent on us to work with developers to clean them up, make sure they're sage and not a haven for illegal acts."
The district South of Market offers incredible and remarkable ways to create innovation. There is blend of culture, commerce, and housing and there is certainly more room to bring something fresh to it.
SF Gate -7/6/2009