NEIGHBORHOOD REMODELINGS, AUGUST 2014

There are a number of reconstruction/remodeling projects going on in my neighborhood at the moment.

The first one, at 1401 Polk, has been going on since February, when the above photograph was taken.

The following information about Bryson's Candy is from SFCurbed:

“The building was constructed back in 1921, originally serving as fruit market. By 1938, Guy Bryson had moved his candy factory into the building after making candy at various candy stores throughout the city since .. 1910. Throughout the Twenties he had a candy factory on the 700 block of Larkin, but moved into 1401 Polk in 1938.”

For more information and a photograph of Pine and Polk in 1944, click here: http://sf.curbed.com/archives/2014/02/07/old_sign_reveals_candy_factory_history_on_polk_street.php

It’s next incarnation is supposed to be an eating establishment called Lefty’s Fresh Spin, an offshoot of Lefty O’Doul’s restaurant on Geary off of Union Square. This information, however, is from blogs dated June 2012.

Photograph taken this August 11, 2014

At the rate the work has currently been going, Lefty's Fresh Spin will probably make Neighborhood Openings, 2015.

Also getting a makeover just up the street is the former sports bar/restaurant at the stodgy old Holiday Inn at Pine and Van Ness.

The Encore Express hotel/hostel/Music City's Plug N Play Studio on Bush between Polk and Larkin is also undergoing a face-lift.

I plan to show the results when these projects are completed.

Meanwhile, the remodeling of the stores occupying the corner of the Saratoga (est. 1902) at Larkin and Post 

have been completed, replacing a worn-out drugstore and a psychic fortune-teller.

Copyright © by Chris Enquist 8/24/14