The two blocks bordered by 17th, Bryant, 18th and Florida have been converted so many times the property is probably confused about its identity. One assumes the gate to the right of this photo is the entry way for 575 Florida OpenAI center.
HISTORY: Through the 1990’s a Best Food Mayonnaise factory covered two blocks. Train tanks delivered the raw ingredients and when the wind blew from the east the rancid odor kept me from eating mayonnaise for years. (See more on the history of the Best Food factory here: https://www.foundsf.org/index.php?title=Industrial_San_Francisco_in_the_1970s)
When the factory closed, the property was split between the two blocks. The north block is the most stable, with live-work condo along 17th Street, An electric contractor in the middle and a building with light industry /pdr space for artists and a food service on Mariposa and Florida.
The south block has been more experimental and less stable. There was a failed attempt to turn the factory into an arts collective like the one across the street at Project Artaud. The Potrero Brewing Co. burst onto the stage in media gulch with an exciting menu, entertainment and pool tables upstairs opening onto the roof that was connected to the building with non-profit video production studios at BAVC. We were sorry to see the Potrero Brewing Co. go. They were probably a victim of one of the dot busts.
Eventually the space was turned into Charles Chocolates, which was much appreciated while it lasted. The space is not easy to use and it appears to be empty now.
Starbucks is the survivor on the block. They arrived at the corner of Mariposa and Bryant with a lot of bells and whistles establishing themselves as an experimental night bar and artists showroom called Circadia. While it lasted, Circadia was a neighborhood favorite, serving alcohol tasty food, music and art in a comfortable room that featured stuffed sofas and chairs. They showcased local artists. Unfortunately that format ended, and now they are just another Starbucks selling coffee and a few snacks. They were probably closed down by corporate or city policies or both.
According to the below article in SFStandard, AI has talen up residence in the block. There is room to grow if the AI folks last that long and need to expand. We thought there were residences in the buildings, but a review of the SF Planning site does not tell us much about the owner or the uses on the block last time I checked. The most recent permits pulled seem to indicate a lot of work on cables and power systems.
The weird vibe at OpenAI’s office, where secret security guards roam:
By Garrett Leahey : sfstandard – excerpt
Walking around OpenAI’s office in the Mission on Monday afternoon, I couldn’t help but feel like I was being watched.
Near the 575 Florida St. building’s back entrance on Bryant Street, a man wearing sunglasses and a black jacket stood outside the door, tracking my movements as I walked down the block. I tried faking a phone call to see if he would turn away. He did not.
A photographer for The Standard had recently spotted what they believed to be an additional security guard outside OpenAI’s office, leading us to wonder if the tech company was beefing up security. So we decided to check it out.
Though the observant man in shades and others standing guard refused to say whether they were security—or even if the building where they were posted was indeed OpenAI’s office—people who live and work near the building say they most certainly are…
A photographer for The Standard had recently spotted what they believed to be an additional security guard outside OpenAI’s office, leading us to wonder if the tech company was beefing up security. So we decided to check it out.
Though the observant man in shades and others standing guard refused to say whether they were security—or even if the building where they were posted was indeed OpenAI’s office—people who live and work near the building say they most certainly are.
The lack of confirmation only adds to the mysterious presence of one of the most influential tech companies in the historic neighborhood… (more)
It looks like this historic neighborhood can’t help but get caught up in every new tech trend that invades the city. Today it is AI. What will it be tomorrow?
Beaux Artists 