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Entertainment Commission approves Fillmore Heritage Center permit to activate vacant theater through December
Summary
The commission granted a place-of-entertainment permit (grant, not conditional) to Urban Solutions’ Fillmore Heritage Center at 1330 Fillmore St., enabling community-focused events through December 2016 with funding support from the mayor’s office and Supervisor London Breed’s office.
The San Francisco Entertainment Commission voted unanimously to grant a place-of-entertainment permit to the Fillmore Heritage Center at 1330 Fillmore Street, authorizing community programming there through December 2016.
Lisa (Urban Solutions), who presented the application, said the project was designed to "activate the former Yoshi's" and to provide space for neighborhood events, rehearsals and small festivals. "For 22 years, Urban Solutions helps build better neighborhoods 1 business at a time," she said, describing outreach to merchants, a program of low rental rates and a package that includes security and janitorial services for renters. The commission was told the project would be funded in part by the mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development and supported by Supervisor London Breed’s office.
Supporters from the Fillmore community told the commission the activation responds to long-standing gaps in neighborhood event space. Community speakers said the project had already hosted events since May and that organizers had lined up dozens of programs including graduations, Juneteenth and arts events. Connor Johnston, staff to Board President London Breed, said Breed allocated budget funds to keep rental prices low so community groups can use the space.
Commissioners asked about the post-December future of the site and the planned city RFP to sell the building; Urban Solutions said the activation is intended to demonstrate the venue's viability to future buyers and that the city would issue an RFP in late September. Commissioners noted the importance of community benefits being enforceable in any sale.
The commission approved the grant following a motion and roll-call vote. The permit was described as a grant rather than a conditional grant because staff reported the premises had passed required inspections. The commission attached the Entertainment Commission’s good-neighbor policy and standard police conditions to the approval.
Next steps: Urban Solutions will continue programming through December 2016 while the city prepares an RFP for the property's sale; commissioners and community members said they will monitor how any future buyer honors community-benefit commitments.
