Curbed Guide: Central Freeway Developments

October 21st, 2009

When part of the Central Freeway got messed up in the ‘89 earthquake and ultimately removed in 1992, Hayes Valley got a rare stab at redevelopment- an effort that's arguably one of San Francisco's most significant long-term projects of late, notable both for its scale and for being, well, north of Market Street. Empty lots where the freeway once snaked now carve out a visible scar in the landscape, especially viewable in aerial photos. Those lots have been designated by the city with the letters A through V, about half of which will end up going toward affordable housing. The cash flow for new construction, however, has since slowed to a trickle, putting large, dazzling projects on hold. Instead, empty lots are begetting humbler ideas that propose temporary solutions: a communal farm, a two-year pop-up retail project. ‘Course, there's still lots more for Curbed to visit- tips, renderings, and updates to the inbox!