On the southeast corner of East 14th and Dutton, a corner storefront has been vacant for months.
What would you like to see there?
What would add to the neighborhood array of goods and services?
Is there any reason why the space might prove difficult to fill?
Sound off in the comments.
For example, Yesterday, I decided to treat myself to a mani-pedi at Queen's Nails on Dutton and Broadmoor, about a block away. The shop owners had occupied the corner across the street for 10 years or more, but about 6 months ago they moved and remodeled. Business is up and the manicurists told me they liked their new spot a lot. I asked a few of them what they wished would take over their former location and the response was unanimous: a new deli. I hadn't thought of that before but the idea really resonated. We all decided that it should include Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwiches) on the menu. The remodeling planners should consider expanding the sun/wind overhead protection on the storefront side facing west and putting out tables and chairs outside in good weather - which is virtually all the time in our mediterranean climate.
The concept of bringing a high quality deli across from Queen's (near Dutton and Bancroft) is informed by the observation that it could support the new 8-12, by bringing foodies to the Broadmoor Neighborhood for several quick and fresh options. The idea of outdoor seating may or may not be as feasible right now at Broadmoor area shops along E. 14th, primarily because of the noise and fumes from traffic. Perhaps starting with Vietnamese sandwiches isn't the most politically sensitive thing to suggest, but I really doubt it is much of an issue. Look at Chinatown in Oakland or the Mission in SF. Seemingly competitive shops sit cheek by jowl, and most are well traveled and have hundreds of customers each day. Perhaps having reasonable competition is what keeps the quality high. I've never had a bad meal in NYC, Chinatown, or the Mission.
"The Broadmoor Gourmet Ghetto" Similar to it's counterpart in Berkeley, Broadmoor's distinctive Gourmet Ghetto boasts many quick and fresh options along Dutton, Bancroft, MacArthur, and filtering out along East 14th. Many of these shops, located in a beautiful historic neighborhood once dominated by cherry orchards, provide outdoor cafe tables and fresh air dining. Fresh eggs, honey, and other food grown by urban farm enthusiasts, are featured on several menus. A unique garden center and community garden nearby hosts educational seminarsfor budding and experienced urban gardeners. :) Be careful what you wish for!
A video made by my daughter about this Broadmoor Orchid Enthusiast a few years ago http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqei5CQEsmY
The area is pleasant, with its central boulevard, Shattuck Avenue, bordered by trees. Many businesses have sidewalk tables, and a casual, leisurely mood prevails. You could wander for hours in the morning, just sampling coffee and pastries here and there. Or, you might shop for food to cook at home, astounding friends and relatives with your gourmet expertise; then again, you could just buy food ready-made, heat it up, and pretend you made it yourself. You could shop for clothes (for women and kids only; dudes over 12 are out of luck), comfortable shoes, books, jewelry or art; or linger over lunch or dinner. Food is a lot of what the area's about, but it isn't the only reason to go there. A wander through the neighborhood may make you a convert to the Gourmet Ghetto approach to life; even if it doesn't, you can spend some pleasant hours, get some great eats and experience some of the area's other amenities. -SF Times
As for the market, the landlord there hiked rents. The fool thinks no rent is better than something.
My vote (which doesn't matter as I don't have the scratch or the motivation to do it) is for a wood-fired, family friendly pizza/beer/panini type casual place (like Jupiter's) where Portofino's was (I'll be the brewer at least)--for those of us in the neighborhood with kids but don't want to haul the entire brood to the Englander or similar spots. I know I'm a minority here, but I'd love for another soul food restaurant to replace Mae's (I liked Mae's which I believe is a minority viewpoint, or she would have been successful). I like catfish I cannot deny. A bakery to replace Angeline's would work too, if they had some kind of cross marketing with Zocalo's, who honestly could use a better choice of pastry. But yes, whatever the market supports, as long as it's not another hair/nail joint, please.
Seriously. You like to write a lot about how none of us (whippersnappers no doubt in your superannuated brain) has a memory; we remember plenty. We remember in particular the many reasons you lost your re-election bid. Not the least of which is your penchant for simultaneously patronizing the voters you were asking to re-elect you. Fool.
I suspect that the manicurists and hairstylists of the Broadmoor would be more than happy with this type of retail/services mix as well.
The biggest problem with this corner is parking, will be interesting to see how the new Asian Market does.
Angelina's Pizza, which did close, was Angelina with an "a". Apparently the building would need major work to bring it up to code.
The technical challenges are real, but fairly pedestrian when viewed from a distance. Widen a few sidewalks in strategic locations, place a burm here and a traffic circle there. Shade trees and patio shelters. The payoff could be amazing on many levels.....