by Marvin Ramírez
From left-right: Oren Rubinstein (project manager), Vladimir Abramov (Parrilla Grill), and Alexander del Valle (traduciendo). (photo by Marvin J Ramirez)
Even as violence has recently hit hard one of the corners of the Latin quarters in San Francisco by shootings and gang activities, the merchants and residents have not given up. They are committed into transforming this wounded but vibrant neighborhood, into a prosperous and artistic community.
The advent of a new business owner to the heart of the Mission District Latino neighborhood brings that determination to bring that change; and for that he purchased a property that had been sitting empty for several years, to build something so good, that he promises it will transform 24th Street.
Purchased by Vladimir Abramov, an immigrant from Russia, is a well-educated entrepreneur who in arrive in the U.S. approximately 15 years ago with his girlfriend to San Francisco as a student, the former body shop building located at 3135 24th street, will no longer be a sore in the barrio – if the city approves his plan. This neighborhood with Latinos as the majority of its residents, taquerías, galleries, artisans and laundry mats will have another look that probably will he envy of other districts.
At a meeting at La Parrilla Grill, organized by the Latin Business Network, a network of Latino business and professionals whose goal is to provide support, held an event on Friday, Oct. 16, to unveil the master plan.
Oren Rubinstein, project manager contracted by Abramov, made the presentation and described the project before approximately 25 people, causing excitement and energy among the audience.
The proposed building structure, which will create a new family housing in the upper level of the structure, and a commercial retail space on the ground floor, still needs to be approved by the City of San Francisco.
“The idea is that local artists, designers and merchants will be offered space to operate a business and sell their products. This project will benefit the Mission as a whole,” said Robinstein, since it will be a key to find people, potential business owners who are artists.
“We want people who are going to get integrated with other community people who are already involved with such as Carnival SF and other cultural events and be the opportunity to the individual business owner, Rubinstein said.
According to their concept proposal, both the property owner and retailers will benefit mutually from this partnership, especially those who will share retail location to sell their merchandise in relatively competition-free environment.
This project offers a short-term micro-leases and opportunity open to those who do not have the financial ability to rent a storefront.
Each commercial space will be about 300 square feet, within the total amount of 1,700 square feet of the structure, a considerably very small space for each unit. The cost per square foot prices have not been yet determined.
Among those present were San Francisco Supervisor David Campos, members of the Latino media, merchants, and neighbors.
Awards were giving to several merchants fortheir effort to confront and overcome the current economic crisis and survive as a business. They were: Joel Campos (La Corneta Taquería), David Campos (S.F. Supervisor), Cony Prado (Partyland), Orquesta Najera, Jorge Saradia (El Delfín Restaurant) Tony Pérez (Pérez Auto Service), Juan Mora(Botas Mora), George’s Barbecue 24th Street.
