One possible frame though which to consider the ongoing evolution of cities like San Francisco: the measures (sometimes) taken to preserve the historic fabric of the city.
A proposed development of a 12-story glass tower on Pine Street in San Francisco has not prompted significant opposition from neighbors, but it has provoked its own kind of controversy, according to an article on Socket City.
The current plan for the site is to "raze the existing garage on the site, a building that’s been deemed to be associated with 'the temporary commercial reconstruction in the aftermath of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire' and San Francisco’s historic Auto Row." Because of that historic lineage, however, "the Historic Preservation Commission would like the existing façade of the 1545 Pine Street building to be preserved and incorporated into the new development, 'to maintain the historic character of the block.'"
The HPC's recommendation for what's known as a facadectomy complicates the nature of historic preservation—and despite the neighborhood opposition, this particular iteration has inspired plenty of commentary on the Socket Site comment board. The larger concept of facadism, however, has long provided a schema for debate about the value of historic preservation, exemplified by an article by Paul Goldberger about a similar situation in 1985.
FULL STORY: A False Sense Of Preservation In SF?
Esoteric No More: Facadism Explained
Facadism is a critical concept for evaluating projects that rehabilitate, renovate, or redevelop historic structures—but it's often considered too esoteric for conversation. It's time we all got on the same page.
San Francisco Mayor Backtracks on Homelessness Goal
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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