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Committee backs temporary Chinatown branch lease at 950 Grant Street
Summary
The Budget and Finance Committee voted to forward a resolution approving a 30‑month lease for a temporary Chinatown branch at 950 Grant Street, with rent beginning at $168,000 annually and tenant improvements to be negotiated; the item moves to the full board on Oct. 22.
The Budget and Finance Committee on Oct. 9 voted to forward a resolution that would allow the city to lease 950 Grant Street from JQ Properties LP as a temporary Chinatown branch while the Chinatown Library undergoes a $37 million renovation.
Andrico Penick, director of real estate, described the lease as an initial 30‑month term with a one‑year option that is cancelable on 90 days’ notice. "I'm before you this morning, seeking your positive recommendation on a lease at 950 Grant Street," Penick said, and noted rent would start at $168,000 per year (about $40 per square foot) with a second‑year increase of $10,500.
Rebecca Alcala, chief of branches for the San Francisco Public Library, said the temporary site will provide a curated browsing collection with a focus on Chinatown and a range of services scaled for a smaller footprint, including periodicals, children’s space and laptop kiosks. "We would offer a browsing collection featuring high interest items and a collection that is very specific to Chinatown that has the largest Chinese‑language collection," Alcala said.
Committee members pressed staff on the timing and the scope of tenant improvements. Penick said space planning with the landlord must be completed after board and mayoral approval and that the total cost of landlord‑paid improvements has not yet been determined. Chair Supervisor Connie Chan asked whether the temporary facility could open soon; Alcala said staff aimed for a move‑in and public opening in late winter or early spring, pending final plans.
Clerk Brent Halepa confirmed no public speakers had signed up for the item. Supervisor Chan moved the item to the full board with a positive recommendation; the roll call recorded three ayes and the motion passed.
Next steps: the resolution is scheduled to go before the full Board of Supervisors on Oct. 22 for final approval, after which space planning and tenant improvements will proceed so the branch can be readied for public service.
