DS Feature: The changing of San Francisco’s 17th St: Volume 1

I grew up in the California Bay Area and have lived in Potrero Hill in San Francisco since 2012. I moved here because I loved the neighborhood and wanted to be close to two of my favorite venues, Bottom of the Hill and Thee Parkside.

Potrero Hill has always had a unique mix of industry, creativity, and community. Industrial buildings sit next to artist studios and music venues. Local musicians, photographers, designers, artists, and skaters share the same streets as longtime residents. The neighborhood’s creative spirit is shaped by places like Bottom of the Hill, Thee Parkside, DLXSF, Arch Art Supplies, and California College of the Arts.

That culture is now facing major change. Some positive, some still evolving, while others face an uncertainty.

SF Flower Market has been around since 1912 and after 70 years, found a new home in Potrero Hill. Now across the street from Bottom of the Hill, the Flower Mart continues to be a home for independent businesses and working class people.

After 35 years, Bottom of the Hill has announced that it will close under current ownership at the end of 2026. The owners will pass the baton onto another independent owner that will continue hosting indie bands as they always have done. Fans are grateful for the Bottom of the Hill’s dedication to the independent music scene and are hopeful its legacy will continue beyond this year as a positive force in the community.

The California College of the Arts campus has been purchased by Vanderbilt University, and CCA programs will end by fall 2027. The neighborhood will lose a major design institution, and the future of the student gallery on 17th Street is unknown.

Thee Parkside recently had its building sold out from under them and ended live shows at the end of March.

Rents continue to rise and only more unaffordable housing continues to be built. Build up and build more at the cost of the neighborhood culture and yet who are these units designed for?

Parkside just announced that the bar will host one last tricycle races on the 4th of July and the bar’s final day will be July 5th. It may not be realistic, but we have to hold out hope that it will be saved.

This is the beginning of a series documenting 17th Street and Potrero Hill as these changes unfold. It will focus on the spaces and people who have made this community special. Maybe if these stories are told, more people will realize why preserving these spaces are important.