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City outlines plans and financing steps to activate Geneva Car Barn and Onondaga sites in Excelsior
Summary
City staff described a phased activation of the Geneva Car Barn/Powerhouse and two Onondaga buildings, with a city commitment of about $6.0 million toward a $9.8 million Powerhouse budget and a plan to seek tax credits and select nonprofit tenants via an RFP to be released imminently.
City staff told the Budget & Finance Committee they are close to an activation plan for two Onondaga Street buildings and the Geneva Car Barn/Powerhouse in District 11, describing a phased approach, financing plan and a nonprofit‑focused RFP to identify operators.
Nicole Avril of the Recreation & Parks Department said the project is being developed in two phases to speed activation: Phase 1 would focus on the Powerhouse and Phase 2 on the larger Car Barn building. Avril estimated the project budget at $9.8 million (including contingencies) and said the city has committed approximately $6.0 million; the remainder is expected from historic preservation and new market tax credits and private investment. She outlined tax credit constraints, including new market tax credit targeting criteria (a requirement that 70% of employees at time of hire earn 80% or less of the San Francisco median income) and the need to identify nonprofit tenants able to meet financing and program requirements.
John Opdieck of the Real Estate Division said the office planned to issue an RFP to nonprofit users by the end of the week, would award in the spring, and expects occupancy roughly nine months after funding and design. He provided a tentative city participation estimate of $294,000–$370,000 for restoration and core improvements tied to a single building’s participation and said lease terms would be set to enable sustainable nonprofit occupancy (base lease example around $12 per sq. ft. per year).
Public commenters including Richard Rothman urged the city to retain ownership so the Art Commission can oversee restoration of Bernard Zakheim murals inside the Powerhouse. Several nonprofits from the Excelsior described potential programming — youth arts, employment supports and community services — that could occupy activated spaces. Supervisor Avalos thanked staff and asked for a status update before he left office; the committee agreed to continue the hearing for a later report.
