Every generation in every city, mourns the loss of the places of our youth that had become the essentials of our childhood memories. I am now "mid-century"... a term used to describe me, aluminum xmas trees and Doelger houses. I have seen so many things that seemed like "essential San Francisco" torn down, closed-up or remuddled. My parents probably would have their own list, and their parents would have such a list, without question. This is a living city and thus, is dynamic and in flux. Somethings that have disappeared are for the better and their loss is truly progress. So ...how much can we lose and still be the undiluted San Francisco? Should any native San Franciscans be reading this- test out my list with your own. Should visitors to our city be checking in, perhaps it will allow you to appreciate what has survived even more.
Gone- and Lamented:
The Montgomery Block- One of the city's most historic buildings... a haunt of Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde... where they made Pisco Punch (let's talk about what that is!). I actually like the Pyramid that replaced it. Just too bad it couldn't have been placed elsewhere.
The City of Paris- OK they did keep and restore the gorgeous rotunda- but that is the only thing good about the new Nieman Marcus that replaced the venerable COP. Sorry Mr. Johnson.
Fun House at Playland at the Beach. Playland was getting a bit tattered and dangerous- but this fun house was the best. Laughing Sal (now at the Wharf), the slide (awesome!), the barrel, the spinning disk, the compressed air blasts, house of mirrors, and undulating walkways. Santa Cruz funhouse is cool - but a second best!
Bernstein's Fish Grotto- This restaurant on Powell Street near O'Farrell had an old ship prow that jutted out into the street. As a kid I thought it was the coolest place to eat. The ship still exists! I saw it in the basement of Frank Lembi's, Hotel Union Square, across the street.
The Fox Theater on Market. What were we thinking when we allowed this to be torn down for a hideous 60's tower. I remember seeing "The Greatest Show on Earth" here with my Nana just before it was torn down.
The Compass Rose at the St. Francis- a recent loss. This was the perfect place to come for a drink after shopping or after theater. It was a place that children were taken during the holidays while out looking at the lights. Formerly a mix of elegant Asian and English decor. It is now just a bland space filled by a very fine and expensive restaurant.
The Old Ferries- I barely remember these. My Nana took my brother and I on one of the last runs across the Bay. Ironically, ferries are back on the bay in force- though not quite the same.
The Belli Buildings- were so important they were among the first buildings in SF deemed 'landmark'. They had both historical and architectural significance. Famed attorney, Melvin Belli's last wife apparently didn't think so. In defiance of preservation and historical groups she ripped off the roofs (reportedly to begin preservation) then let them go derelict. She outwitted everyone and basically demolished all but the facades.
The Western Addition- In the 1960's hundreds of blocks of Victorians were demolished to make way for progress. The black community in San Francisco was largely ousted. Hideous replacements were erected before the insanity was haulted. When people see the remaining Victorians that have been restored today, it is hard to believe that we threw away so much perfectly good, and uniquely San Franciscan, housing.
The Tonga Room- Just recently on the chopping block. Yes it is a bit goofy... rainstorms, a band on a raft floating in a swimming pool lagoon- but it was fun and so well-done! I am not sure if the battle is over yet.
The Carnelian Room- Great views, Ok food, private dining rooms... and lots of prom memories. Just closed.
Jacks- Along with the Tadish Grill, counted as the oldest San Francisco restaurant dating back to the Gold Rush.
Sutro Baths- This is the first place I went ice skating. My grandfather probably swam here. It was Victorian at it's height... hothouse, pools, museum, ice rink (in later years) and stairs, stairs, stairs! It burned just as they were tearing it down. Do I remember a mummy?
Doggie Diners- OK, just a run of the mill hot dog/hamburger chain... except for the giant fiberglass dachshund heads with chef's hats on.
The Arcade Passageway at the old Emporium: Parallel with the sidewalk, there used to be a covered arcade passageway at the old Emporium. It was closed-up many years ago before the Westerfield Center morph. It was the perfect place to display all the wonderful Christmas decorations of the 50's. Though not a perfect re-do, I am thrilled developers saved the facade and the dome of the old Emporium.
St. Mary's Cathedral on Van Ness and St Paulus on Eddy: both grand and gorgeous. Both survived the big fire of 1906, but they eventually succumbed to flames in the late 20th century.
Good Riddance!:
The Embarcadero Freeway- What were they thinking when they put this up? God knew what He was doing when he shook it down, (weakened it so it had to be torn down, actually), in the Loma Prietta earthquake in 1989! When it was built it completely shut the city off from the beautiful waterfront. It could have been worse. the original plan was to have the entire city encircled with freeways.
The Ferry Building (before it's current and glorious renovation)- Through most of my 50+ life, the Ferry Building was to be appreciated only from the outside. It was completely an underutilized gem. There was a dreary club, the World Trade Center, (I believe it was called), which filled much of the interior. Three cheers to those who designed this sensative and imaginative renovation!
The "Pink Palace" and much of the substandard 60's housing. After tearing down hundreds of homes in the Western Addition, unsightly, oftentimes dangerous, and substandard public housing was erected. Most of it didn't last 35 years and has since been torn down.
Honorable mention of some of our greatest victories: All the remaining Victorian homes, the Museum of Modern Art, the restored Conservatory of Flowers, 31 Alta Street (wow! great renovation of a rare 1850's home), Casebolt Mansion, Fisk mansion, 813 Grove, 824 Grove, 722 Steiner (owners all get a prize for good stewardship!), the Windmills at the Beach (in progress), The Beach Chalet, Hyde Street Pier, Maritime Museum restoration, City Hall retrofit and restoration, Geary and Orpheum theater restorations, Old St. Mary's retrofit, the Palace Hotel, (better than ever), Mission Dolores, Notre Dame de Victoire church retrofit,
Sorry, we will have to live with these for awhile: The new DeYoung Museum (looks like an airport), The Cal Pacific Medical Center (Pac. Heights and Davies Campuses), the Fontana East and West, The Summit and all other 60's buildings out of scale for their neighborhoods and which block so much light and the views to the bay. The Vallencort (sp?) fountain argh!), the new State building (love the green thing but god awful ugly!), ,
These could go either way: The Japan Center, The proposed Fairmont condo tower, The timeshares at Ghirardelli Square, the old Jack Tarr Hotel (ugly before- now with lot's of potential to go either way), the Mission/Octavia corridor, the old U.C. extension (at Haight/Laguna), the Nightingale House at 201 Buchanan, Julius' Castle, the Payne Mansion.
Posted by George
http://www.sfgoldenbear.net/
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