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Commission clears two Union Street eateries and retail tenants at the landmark Metro Theater building
Summary
The commission approved conditional-use permits for an Earth Bar (formula retail + limited restaurant) and a specialty coffee operation at 2055 Union Street adjacent to the incoming Equinox gym; both approvals were unanimous and intended to animate a long-vacant theater storefront.
The Planning Commission approved two separate conditional-use requests on May 8 to activate ground-floor storefronts in the landmark Metro Theater building at 2055 Union Street. Commissioners unanimously granted authorization for Earth Bar (a formula-retail limited restaurant occupying roughly 1,600 square feet adjacent to Equinox) and for Espresso Mente (a specialty coffee/limited-restaurant use occupying about 1,500 square feet on the other end of the building).
Staff noted that both proposals fill long-vacant retail space and complement the new Equinox gym behind them; the Union Street Association and Golden Gate Valley Neighborhood Association provided letters of support. The building is a designated city landmark and previous design and storefront modifications were approved by the Historic Preservation Commission. Both approvals were granted with standard NCD conditions and design constraints to protect the historic facade and pedestrian character of Union Street.
Commissioners cited the advantage of retail activation and complementary uses: coffee, health/fitness retail, and a juice/health bar create varied streetfront animation and serve both residents and gym patrons. The applicants will proceed with building permits and storefront improvements under the previously approved landmark and design controls.
