In 2016, David Baker Architects and Cervantes Design Associates set out to redefine the experience at La Fénix, located at 1950 Mission St., through the creation of a vibrant pedestrian pathway known as the paseo de artistas.
The initial vision was compelling: an open walkway would connect Mission Street to Wiese Street, adorned with artists’ studios, murals, and potentially food stands, fostering a lively atmosphere where community could gather and celebrate.
The planning documents proposed, “We propose to create a lively village that reinterprets the diverse texture of the neighborhood, by combining supportive housing and resident amenities with community and public space.”
However, as the pandemic unfolded, so did a series of complicating factors, including an increase in homeless encampments and unregulated street vending that persist today.
Even before the pandemic, the idea of an accessible art-lined walkway was bold, given that Wiese Street had already become a well-known gathering spot for homeless individuals and drug users.
Regrettably, the vision for La Fénix has not materialized as intended.
The gates at either end of the paseo remain locked during the day, deterring pedestrian access, while plans to transform commercial spaces into low-cost artist studios were abandoned.
Instead, the area is now occupied by three nonprofit organizations, reflecting a shift away from the active retail landscape that was originally envisioned by Anne Cervantes, founder of Cervantes Design Associates.
The remnants of the ambitious original plan are limited to a trio of colorful murals that decorate the walls of the paseo, along with a setback along Mission Street, which has since fallen prey to unregulated vending and open-air drug activities.
Reports indicate that individuals routinely defecate against the gates, and security concerns have escalated, including break-ins and a rise in visible drug use.
Former police captain Al Casciato noted that what was intended to be an inviting setback area has evolved into a nook for illicit activities, with open drug exchanges frequently occurring there.
The need for architectural intervention is evident, as the authors of the planning documents recognized increased visibility and engagement could deter unsanctioned activities.
In a previous discussion, architect David Baker and representatives from the nonprofits expressed optimism about replacing tinted windows on Mission Street with clear glass, allowing passersby to witness the vibrant activities happening within.
This concept aligns with Jane Jacobs’ idea of “eyes on the street,” a principle originating from her influential work in urban planning.
Baker argues that while the gates to the paseo may remain closed, the situation on Mission Street presents a larger challenge, raising questions about how to encourage community interaction and reduce illicit activity.
Raffaella Falchi, executive director of the Youth Art Exchange, supports the idea of making the entryway flush with the building to eliminate the problematic setback.
However, Baker cautioned that such modifications would require significant investment and could distract from addressing the broader issues of drug use and the street’s challenges.
In the short term, though, they posited that minor architectural tweaks could yield quick wins.
During a recent Saturday visit, a simple low barricade erected in front of the setback had a surprising effect.
Although it was only partially blocking the nook, the barrier compelled drug users and vendors to shy away from it, signifying a potential no-go area.
Falchi suggested that a more permanent solution could involve planters or dedicated art exhibition spaces that would further engage the community.
To explore how architectural changes could improve the situation at Mission and 16th, a comparison was made with Casa Adelante, located at 2060 Folsom St.
There, Mithun and Y.A. Studios designed a lively walkway that successfully fosters community interaction without descending into loitering or drug use, despite being situated in a similar environment where encampments thrived during the pandemic.
The engaging promenade, stretching from Folsom to Shotwell streets, features unobstructed visibility through floor-to-ceiling windows on the ground floor, allowing activities inside to remain visible to the outside world.
Unlike La Fénix, the gates at Casa Adelante remain open throughout the day, creating a welcoming environment and inviting foot traffic.
Erik Auerbach, the executive director of First Exposures, noted that despite the presence of benches and a community space, they have not encountered any security issues.
Exploring the disparities between La Fénix and Casa Adelante raises questions about community dynamics and street-level engagement.
While Casa Adelante enjoys the benefits of an idyllic neighborhood environment, 16th and Mission streets carry a historical reputation that complicates the social landscape.
Yakuh Askew, founding principal at Y.A. Studios, highlighted that the visibility provided by surrounding parks and open spaces greatly contributes to the security and engagement found at Casa Adelante.
In stark contrast, the lack of compelling reasons to venture to Wiese Street hampers efforts to activate similar spaces at La Fénix, which is perceived as a mere alley rather than a vibrant corridor.
Nonetheless, the Mission has a history of revitalizing difficult spaces, with Balmy Alley serving as an enduring example.
Artists transformed what was once a neglected alley near 24th Street into a celebrated destination through community ownership and cultural engagement.
Cervantes expressed confidence that Wiese Street could undergo a similar transformation, connecting local art and contemporary political discussions, including immigration issues.
Conversations about security have arisen in light of recent challenges.
Most stakeholders agree that any architectural modifications, from activating the nook to changing window treatments, must be accompanied by a heightened security presence to create a safe environment.
Sam Moss from Mission Housing emphasized the importance of maintaining security around La Fénix, particularly with their developments in the area.
However, he raised concerns over funding, noting the limitations imposed by affordable housing financing, which does not typically allocate resources for security measures.
He expressed a desire for collaboration with local authorities, advocating for a more robust police presence or patrols at strategic locations.
Randy James, a spokesperson for Bridge Housing, provided an overview of increased security efforts, which include security cameras and collaboration with an ambassador program designed to keep areas around La Fénix clear of debris and illicit activities.
Mayor’s recent initiatives have led to the deployment of a community safety team from Ahsing to support the area, yielding positive results in maintaining cleanliness and reducing illegal activity over recent weekends.
However, sustaining these changes is a long-term endeavor, and community members remain hopeful for a future where ongoing collaboration and design efforts will transform La Fénix and the surrounding area.
Falchi has taken her commitment to improvement further, planning a design competition that invites students to conceptualize new approaches for activating Wiese Street and Mission between 15th and 16th streets.
Ideas may encompass physical alterations, including plantings and seating arrangements, along with strategies that promote creativity and community connections.
Engagement from the community and the acknowledgment of the local stories encapsulated within La Fénix stand to play a significant role in the future of this development.
Ultimately, the story of La Fénix underscores the complex interplay of architecture, community, and urban challenges, with stakeholders passionately seeking solutions that resonate with the neighborhood’s unique character.
image source from：missionlocal
