SAN FRANCISCO | Projects: Under Construction, Approved, and Proposed - Page 507

viewguysf · #**10121** Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 5:31 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedestrian

Anybody else remember the ballot initiative to "neonify" Market St.? I voted for it. I liked the idea of a central "great white (or maybe red) way" through the center of SF but it didn't pass. Maybe Fox Plaza is going to do it all by itself.

For those who say it's out of character for SF, I offer:

That was 50+ years ago! I wouldn’t oppose big vertical real neon signs (or a a similar LED version) now and also voted for it.
Fox Plaza looks tacky and over lit in monochrome bright colors.

Pedestrian · #**10122** Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 6:50 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by viewguysf

That was 50+ years ago! I wouldn’t oppose big vertical real neon signs (or a a similar LED version) now and also voted for it.
Fox Plaza looks tacky and over lit in monochrome bright colors.

Many of the things “new urbanism” is promoting would return cities to the way they were 50 years ago. The only thing that bothers me about the Fox Plaza lighting is that it looks odd because it’s the only building along Market that’s brightly lit.

Lots pf people on this site claim to admire Asian cities with garish lighting. I’m actually surprised there’s so much negativity about a single example in San Francisco.

BobbyMucho · #**10123** Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 3:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedestrian

I’m actually surprised there’s so much negativity about a single example in San Francisco.

Well, I think that if it’s the ‘single example’ it’s def going to stand out like a sore thumb, but esp if it’s executed poorly.

Like anything, it’s more about the context, and if there were a bounty of tasteful light features along Market I have no doubt we’d all be a little more excited and open to seeing more.

patriotizzy · #**10124** Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 4:04 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyMucho

Well, I think that if it’s the ‘single example’ it’s def going to stand out like a sore thumb, but esp if it’s executed poorly.

Like anything, it’s more about the context, and if there were a bounty of tasteful light features along Market I have no doubt we’d all be a little more excited and open to seeing more.

There has to be a catalyst. This may just be that catalyst to invigorate a neon boulevard of sorts. As negative as the reception may be for a number of people, I bet you there are just as many loving the night lighting. I don't have an opinion, but I certainly am hopeful this will be the start of the return of the neon-lined streets of old.

Pedestrian · #**10125** Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 7:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by patriotizzy

I certainly am hopeful this will be the start of the return of the neon-lined streets of old.

Doctorboffin · #**10126** Posted **Feb 7, 2020, 9:52 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by timbad

I guess I didn't post this, which is the most recent shot I have of the skyline from Potrero Hill, on Sep 21, with 706 Mission clearly visible on the left

Hey, I painted the city from that exact same location over a year ago!

gillynova · #**10127** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 2:53 AM**

That's an amazing painting!

timbad · #**10128** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 3:53 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctorboffin

Hey, I painted the city from that exact same location over a year ago!
...

very nice! but, how did you not get hit by a car?

craigs · #**10129** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 5:56 AM**

That neon initiative was not 50 years ago. More like ten.

38R · #**10130** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 7:56 AM**

That's amazing

Pedestrian · #**10131** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 8:09 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigs

That neon initiative was not 50 years ago. More like ten.

Right--he was saying the picture I posted was 50 years ago I think. Actually, it was probably the 1940s so longer ago than that.

The neon initiative was just before Twitter and the other techs started moving into Mid-Market accomplishing some of what it was intended to accomplish and its intention was to liven up the street, as well as light it up, and keep it from being such a dangerous dead wasteland at night.

Pedestrian · #**10132** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 8:17 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doctorboffin

Hey, I painted the city from that exact same location over a year ago!

Busy Bee · #**10133** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 6:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedestrian

Right--he was saying the picture I posted was 50 years ago I think. Actually, it was probably the 1940s so longer ago than that.

That scene and the postcard are not from the '40s. I'd say more like 1965.

viewguysf · #**10134** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 6:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by craigs

That neon initiative was not 50 years ago. More like ten.

Of course—the photo was from 50 plus years ago, when there were real neon signs and great theater marquees along Market Street.

viewguysf · #**10135** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 7:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busy Bee

That scene and the postcard are not from the '40s. I'd say more like 1965.

You are correct. It’s from just prior to the start of BART construction that began in 1967 when all theater marquees had to be removed from Market Street.

Dariusb · #**10136** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 7:58 PM**

That painting is a real beauty.

Jerry of San Fran · #**10137** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 8:36 PM**

This is a view of the lights from the 26th floor during the testing phase. Hopefully the lighting will be a lot more subtle. And yes, there should be a big range of colors available. I was aware of the coming lighting a year ago but had no idea the whole building would be outlined. I have yet to see the view from the east side.

The cracked concrete is not reassuring!

Fox Plaza Red II

tall/awkward · #**10138** Posted **Feb 8, 2020, 11:04 PM**

Wasn't that lighting on Fox Plaza just for the 49ers Super Bowl week?

viewguysf · #**10139** Posted **Feb 9, 2020, 1:18 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by tall/awkward

Wasn't that lighting on Fox Plaza just for the 49ers Super Bowl week?

No—it’s permanent.

Pedestrian · #**10140** Posted **Feb 9, 2020, 1:23 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by viewguysf

No—it’s permanent.

Having the lighting is indeed permanent but the color and brightness of what they will use going forward isn't certain. As Jerry says, they so far just seem to be testing it. I'm pretty darned sure they can turn it down--otherwise they should have expected some complaints and are probably getting quite a few (except from me--I like it bright but it doesn't shine in my windows).