Revitalizing Downtown San Francisco: The Return of Occupied Storefronts
There is an invigorating buzz of energy in downtown San Francisco, emanating from a long-missed source: occupied storefronts. Among the new additions to this vibrant scene is Paper Son Coffee, a unique coffee roaster celebrated for its flavors that resonate with Latin and Asian American communities. This charming establishment has been serving the South of Market neighborhood since June, bringing warmth and excitement to an area that had seen its share of empty spaces for nearly three years.
“People who work or live in the neighborhood often stop by and exclaim, ‘Wow, there is something here!’” shared Alexander Pong, one of the proud owners of Paper Son. “It’s heartening to see their excitement.”
Paper Son is more than just a coffee shop; it plays a crucial role in an initiative aimed at revitalizing San Francisco and restoring the vibrancy that once characterized its streets before the pandemic took a significant toll. This initiative, known as Vacant to Vibrant, was launched last year by Mayor London Breed and seeks to breathe new life into the numerous vacant spaces scattered across downtown, particularly in the Financial District and South of Market neighborhoods where the concentration of empty storefronts is alarmingly high.
“Historically, retail rents in the Financial District have been exceptionally high,” explained Santino DeRose, a principal at Maven Commercial, a distinguished real estate brokerage with a presence in both San Francisco and Chicago. “Now, however, these businesses have a unique opportunity to test the waters and assess the viability of their concepts in these prime locations.”
Under the Vacant to Vibrant program, city and business leaders have come together to provide invaluable support to aspiring entrepreneurs. This includes offering free rent for up to six months, along with various funding options to cover business expenses. Additionally, participants benefit from incentives such as technical assistance and help with navigating business permits, which can often be daunting for new business owners. This comprehensive approach not only encourages entrepreneurship but also contributes to the overall rejuvenation of downtown San Francisco.
