owntownsf

[owntownsf]

Finding inspiration in SF

We’re back interviewing some of the most interesting people in San Francisco! This week we introduce to you Rebecca, a designer who not only kicks ass at making amazing spaces (check out her company, Studio Hatch) but who also loves exploring SF. We talked to Rebecca about what inspires her and where she goes to have fun.

What does fun mean to you?

Fun to me can mean a whole range of things—from a small gathering of friends with good wine and bites, to an afternoon of getting lost at a museum exhibition or in a thrilling book, to learning a new craft or skill. Whatever it is, it's always something light hearted and enjoyable.



As an interior design entrepreneur, where do you find your inspiration?

The easy answer is…everywhere! Since starting Studio Hatch, my business partner Kate Hanzo and I have a hard time finishing a conversation if we're out and about because one thing or another will catch our eye. When on a specific hunt, I tend to gravitate toward physical books and magazines filled with beautiful photography, curated collections of really anything. Kate and I occasionally post on Studio Hatch's tumblr page some imagery that grabbed us for some reason.

SF has some great architecture. What’s your favorite building? The great thing about SF is the juxtaposition of old and new architecture practically everywhere in the city. I stumbled across a blog post a number of years ago about the (at the time) abandoned Pac Bell building at 140 New Montgomery, and the writer’s adventure sneaking in and touring the 26 floors, getting a glimpse at what work life in 1926 in that building had been like. Every time I pass by the building now, I daydream about life in San Francisco in the 20s and 30s. Since the post ran, the building was sold and development commenced.  I'm eager to get inside once it's open to see what was preserved and what has changed. Every old building has a story to tell. I'm currently working on an office space in SOMA in an incredible brick and timber space that a train track ran directly through, creating an interesting curved column structure on the first floor.  



I hear you’re a fan of Fernet :). Where do you typically go for a good cocktail?

I love a bartender who will make a cocktail based on a few ingredients you like. Salt House and Heaven's Dog (can't wait for it to reopen!) are two of my faves. Otherwise, the fun menu at Trick Dog and the old stomping ground that I'll never get tired of Tunnel Top—are my go-tos.



Finally, you have one hour in SF where would you go? Start at the Ferry Building, peek in some of the shops including Heath Ceramics and Miette, grab a cup of coffee from Four Barrel, hitch a ride on the California cable car line up to the top of Nob Hill. Ride up the elevator to the Top of the Mark to check out the old school decor and dancing but, most importantly, the incredible view. Cab down to the Mission (via the totally out-of-the-way Lombard St.) to grab a burrito from Taqueria Cancun. Window shop along Valencia and head to Bi-Rite for a little ice cream. Hop on the J up to Market and transfer over to the N out to Outerlands for a bite (and a loaf of fresh bread) and a quick browse through the General Store. Then take the few blocks walk down to the ocean to dip your toes in the Pacific down at Ocean Beach. Ok, that was more than hour. Make it work :)

[owntownsf]

June Gloom, No Way!

With June only a few days away who is excited for the neighborhood street festivals? Union Street Festival - June 1st & 2nd

This festival launches the street festivals for SF. It will feature over 150 boutique artists selling art including jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, furniture, bath + body supplies, and much more. Plus two stages with live entertainment. Live Oak Park Fair, Berkeley- June 8th & 9th

Looking for original art? then this is the street festival for you! Come see tons of cool new art along with entertainment for all ages.

Haight Ashbury Festival- June 9th

The Haight-Ashbury Street Fair is a non-profit organization which is dedicated to celebrating the cultural history and diversity of the neighborhood. Features arts and crafts, food booths, three musical stages, a Family Area (Children's Alley) and more. It offers a way for community groups and mercantile vendors to interact with the public and grow.

North Beach Festival- June 15th & 16th

Considered one of the country's original outdoor Festivals. Located in the beautiful Washington Park and their quaint streets. It offers over 125 arts and crafts booths, 20 gourmet food booths, two stages of live entertainment, Italian street painting, beverage gardens, kid’s chalk art area and the blessing of the animals.

[owntownsf]

Owning Las Vegas

With summer coming I decided to head on a gateway to Las Vegas! Living in San Francisco, summer means colder foggier days (unless we have a summer like we did in 2008). So, this past weekend I spent my days laying by the pool, enjoying delicious food and relishing in a Cirque du Soleil show. 



The Travel 


When going to Las Vegas people tend to take Southwest or Virgin America, but I took Spirit and was delightfully surprised at how easy and nice the experience was. 



The Stay 


The Wynn is the place to stay, if you can afford it or find a great deal. The hotel is beautiful and luxurious. I was able to get an awesome deal that included breakfast for two + two tickets to a show and an upgrade—all included in our rate. 



The Food


For two nights we enjoyed dinner at Botero. Named after Colombian artist Fernando Botero, the restaurant offers a view of his most popular painted works and sculpture. We enjoyed some oysters to start followed by their ahi tartare. For our main course we had the grilled octopus and the rib eye steak. Everything was exquisite and perfect.



The next night we decided to take a stroll and check out the newest hotel on the strip, The Cosmopolitan. I was also dying to try China Poblano. It’s run by one of my favorite chefs, Jose Andres and gives his personal take on Chinese and Mexican food. We started with ceviche and guacamole followed by Golden Pig dim sum and lengua, silencio (duck tongue) and cochinita tacos. The drinks were phenomenal as well—avocado margaritas, yum! The setting was urban with decor combining Chinese and luchador masks and pictures of the Dalai Lama and Frida Kahlo. 



The other place I have to rave about is The Buffet at the Wynn. By far the BEST unlimited buffet on the strip and, two words—bottomless mimosas. 



The Show

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some of the Cirque du Soleil shows before but I’ve never seen Le Reve (the dream). It blew me away! It was all the best parts of the usual Cirque du Soleil acts plus swimming. The stage was round so the show was happening all over you in front, behind, next to you. I was amazed that not only did they have to be great dancers and gymnasts but also swimmers. 



The End


Overall I recommend that everyone welcome in summer with a nice trip to Vegas! Whether you do it with a group or just your significant other it will set you up for a fabulous summer ahead. 

[owntownsf]

OwnTown, the app!

The OwnTown app is ready for you to try! OwnTown is cards for conversations. All you have to do is create a card and invite friends, and chatting happens right on the card. Check it out:

We'll be sharing some fun ways our users are using OwnTown. For this week its all about card chat! You can create topics and start chatting with your friends fast!

You can make as many cards as you want and give each of them their own personality. From following up with people you met while networking to a gossip card with your best girl friends, the options are endless. There are even spots on the card where you can add a place and time, so you can use them to make plans too!

[owntownsf]

Street Festival Season is here!

May marks the start of San Francisco’s street festival season and we don’t want you to miss all the fun! Here you’ll find all the cool things going on in town starting with the best of this month’s events.

 Enjoy!

5 DE MAYO, The day of Mexican and Latin American Culture

The ninth annual SF Cinco de Mayo Festival is launched this Saturday at 10:00am with a Zumba-thon exercise class! Mariachi music, ballet folklorico, salsa & cumbia bands, and food vendors will all be adding lots of color to the festivities. Get into the Latino spirit and head on down for the family-friendly fun.

Location: Dolores Park

BAY TO BREAKERS, A beloved SF tradition for 100 years

 Join this legendary 12k crazy marathon in celebration of liberal excess, public indecency and drinking! The last day to register online is May 15, 2013 at 11:55pm—what are you waiting for! Register here. Check out the 10 golden rules by MetroWize to get you through Bay to Breakers

Location: Embarcadero to Ocean Beach

 SF CARNAVAL,Celebrating more Latin American traditions

The carnaval is a much loved two-day event of community and ethnic pride featuring a grand parade, live music, diverse food trucks, crafts, face painting, and the SF King and Queen competition!  

Location: The Mission

[owntownsf]

SF, you are my sunshine



With all this amazing weather we’ve been having, we decided to review the best places around town in which to enjoy the sun.



My first choice is always the beach! 


By far my favorite beach is China Beach on the Richmond side of town. It offers amazing views, it’s pooch friendly and really makes you feel like you’ve left the stress of the city behind. 



The sun is always better with a beverage 


Finding the best sunny-terraced bars can be hard because although there might be a place to sit out, it doesn't mean it will be sun drenched. Like so many parts of the city, sometimes the sun just doesn't hit the right places. But we’ve done the hard work hunting for you, so here’s some of my favorite places to have a sunny seat sipping something sensational!:

Jones | 620 Jones St |Great large space

Hotel Vitale | 8 Mission St | rooftop and patio

Cigar Bar | 850 Montgomery | Open space and great music

Bin 38 | 3232 Scott St | Intimate and cozy

Go traditional… head to a park


SF is all about the parks. From Dolores to Golden Gate, find a patch of grass, take a picnic, then sit back and relax among the lush greenery. 



Do like the Europeans do 


Head to North Beach or Union Street and take a seat on one of the many tables on the street. Make like our friends in Europe and enjoy a glass of beer or wine while people watching everyone who walks by.

[owntownsf]

This year you can't miss the largest and most diverse digital marketing parties of the year. Many of the cool events are fully packed but it's not too late for some of them so hurry up!!!

TUESDAY

Instant Gratification Happy Hour

Stop by their open bar, grab a bite, maybe shoot a game of pool, and learn how Highwinds is delivering Instant Gratification with their lightning-fast CDN. Win great prizes by taking pictures of your experience at the happy hour and use the hashtag #InstantGrat to participate!

When: 6pm-8pm

Where: TBC

RSPV here: http://bit.ly/YHarcn

Roller Disco Party by AdRoll

Join the team at AdRoll for a night of roller skating and snacks!

When: 7pm-12am

Where: Mezzanine

RSPV here: http://bit.ly/Wydd3s

WEDNESDAY

Marketers Ball

This is one of the best parties at adtech and this year they will have The Pharcyde performing on the main stage. Pharcyde is known for their alternative hip hop sound similar in nature to Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul.

When: 9pm-2am

Where: 1015 Folsom

RSVP here: http://bit.ly/YClX3V

[owntownsf]

Bar Madness for March Madness

The NCAA Championship Tournament is here! That means two weeks of pure college basketball, good and bad brackets and amazing upsets. With CAL back in the tournament it gives us Northern Californians more reason to cheer on and get involved.

San Francisco offers thousands of bars so here are the best for you to experience the MADNESS!

 The Unique

King of Thai [North Beach] -1268 Grant Ave., 415.391.8219

Zeke’s Diamond Bar [SoMA]-600 3rd Street, 415.392.531

Yancy’s Saloon [Inner Sunset]-734 Irving Street, 415.665.6551

 The Classics

Pete’s Tavern [SoMA]-128 King Street, 415.817.5040

Greens Sports Bar [Russian Hill]-2239 Polk St., 415.775.4287

Mad Dog in the Fog [Haight]-530 Haight Street, 415.626.7279

The Final Final [Marina]-2990 Baker Street, 415.931.7800

 Kezar Pub [Haight]-770 Stanyan Street, 415.386.9292

Monaghan’s [Marina] -3243 Pierce Street, 415.567.4466

The New Options

Philosopher’s Club [West Portal]-824 Ulloa St., 415.753.0599

Northstar Café [North Beach]-1560 Powell Street, 415.397.0577

Steff’s Sports Bar [Financial District]-141 2nd St., 415.777.1844

Hope to see you out there!

-Tania

[owntownsf]

When fun & work mix

With technology making education easier for people, we decided to interview a person right in the middle of the action. Ken Pascal works for General Assembly which “transforms thinkers into creators through education and opportunities in technology, business, and design”. He is also one of the guys behind Drink Entrepreneurs Startup Dream team and Startup Weekend. We spoke to Ken about how he enjoys living and working in San Francisco.  

What does fun mean to you?

To me, fun means being able to share a positive experience with close friends and to create good memories!

What is the thing you like best about being a local Northern CA native?

My favorite part of being a NorCal native is knowing how many great places there are within reach: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Carmel are nearby. Napa is super close, Lake Tahoe isn't far, and there’s so much more!

What’s the coolest part of the startup events/networking world?

The coolest part is meeting so many friendly, helpful, interesting people that are passionate about what they do. It creates such a unique, motivating kind of environment.

With all the technology advances in SF, do you think education is getting more accessible?

Yes! There are so many ways to educate yourself now in a variety of topics, and information is very accessible.

Foodie, beer fan, or wino? All three? And where do you go to enjoy them?

Foodie, beer, and wine! The Mission has so much good food and great bars, but so do a lot of areas in the city. The most exciting part is that you're always able to hear and learn about all the new places and everyone is eager to share their favorites.

[owntownsf]

Party like Leprechaun!

St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since the late eighteenth century and this year there are tons of great events coming up in our beloved San Francisco. To celebrate this ancient tradition we have created a list of the most fun events happening in town this weekend. Check them out!

Friday, March 15th

St. Patrick's Block Party @ Financial District

Aventine‘s 2013 St. Patrick's Day Alley  Block Party  @ Taverna Aventine

Funcheap’s 2013 Shamrock St. Patrick's Weekend @Soma StrEat Food Park  (Saturday as well!)

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Saturday March 16th

St. Patrick’s Day Parade @ Downtown SF

St. Patrick Day Festival @ Civic Center Plaza

Irish Bank St. Patrick’s Day Block Party @ The Irish Bank

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Sunday, March 17th

O’Reilly’s  St. Patrick’s Day Block Party @North Beach

St. Patrick's Day "Make your own corned beef sandwich day" @ 800 Larkin.

St. Patrick's Day cheese and beer @ The Cheese School of San Francisco

All Saint Paddy's PubCrawls SF.

Free Cab Ride Home

  Enjoy the weekend and have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day!

[owntownsf]

Fun through a lens!

Video has become a prominent element of many recent startup product launches. This week, we explore this popular trend and interview Jesse Chandler, a freelance video editor based in San Francisco. Jesse shoots video nearly as often as he edits them and he works with a variety of AVphiles. He’s lived in about a dozen different places in the city and he’s about to move again!

Jesse, what does fun mean to you?

Lately, fun means cartoons and bacon in bed with the girlfriend. She’s basically the awesomest. I enjoy taking long exposure photos around SF at night. I’m about to turn thirty, so I’ve taken up worrying heavily about finances, and biking with a helmet. :)

What has been the most fun experience you’ve had making/editing video?

Any chance to travel is the best. I’ve been to Germany and Italy to shoot wine videos, and Beijing and Mexico for earthquake videos.

 Where would be your dream place to make a video in SF?

That’s a great question. I’ve often thought of making a deal with a local restaurant in trade for a years’ worth of food. I’d really like to do more science-related work. A journey thru Golden Gate Park would be good.

What’s the most challenging thing about making videos for startups?

Sometimes it can be helping the client flush out what it is that they really want. Other times, it can be something as simple as getting the client to send you a logo for a title card.

 What’s your favorite place to hang out in SF?

Doc’s Clock, Rodgers, Valencia Pizza and Pasta and the Internet. Ask again after I move to Bernal.

[owntownsf]

Meet Our Fabulous Interns

The OwnTown family is growing rapidly and this week we welcome three new interns into the fold. They are all graduate students from Hult International Business School and hail from all parts of the globe, namely the Philippines, Brazil, and Cyprus.

Let’s meet them and see what fun means to them.

Kris Baylon

Kris was born and raised in the Philippines. He loves dogs, board games, movies, the beach, and warm sunny days.

Kris, what does fun mean to you?

For me, fun comes in a wide range of flavors; from game or movie nights to nature tripping. My recipe for fun includes a dash of creative juice, a generous amount of friends, and great food. Then throw some spontaneity in the mix to make everything even more exciting.

Juliana Maciel

A Brazilian designer and entrepreneur, Juliana loves to go to different places and experience different cultures.

What does fun mean to you Juliana?

To me, fun means the right people, at the right place, at the right time! :)

Nicolas Chrysostomou

Nicolas comes from the beautiful island of Cyprus where the sun always shines and the skies are always blue. Conversation topics sure to get him going include business, technology, and Real Madrid (if you like your soccer…).

Nicolas, what does fun mean to you?

A lot of people would say that fun is a combination of the environment around us, going out with good friends, having interesting conversations with people close to us, drinking, going to theme parks, going for a trip, and so on. In my opinion, fun has nothing to do with our surroundings or the people around us. The biggest source of fun is ourselves and the way we see the world. You can find fun anywhere; in your flat tire, in the flight you missed, in the fight you had with a friend, or in the job you didn't get. Fun comes from the inside not the outside. Fun is a state of mind.

[owntownsf]

A quirky quartet of places to visit in an SF day with a difference

This week we interviewed Tyler MacNiven from SFsecrets, uncovered some great new places to hang out, and identified entertaining events to keep us fun-fueled for the week.

Now, if you fancy a whole day of SF quirkiness, here we have four little gems that will transport you back to the future…

Musée Mécanique, the mechanical museum of San Francisco

Start the day as you mean to go on at one of SF’s most unusual museums which houses a large, antique collection of more than 300 coin-operated automatic mechanical items. Sink some silver into old arcade games and step back in time as you watch old musical instruments and painted dolls come to life. And don’t forget to visit the famous Gypsy Fortune Teller. She has lived in a glass case without food for 70 years but she can still read your fortune ;).

 Fortune Cookie Factory, feast your eyes on your fate...

From a golden age to a golden future, your next stop is the Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown. Since 1962, the factory has been drawing visitors in with the aroma of its freshly made cookies and the possibility of a promising message about the future. Watch the cookies being made before your eyes and marvel at how fast they’re shaped before they quickly harden. Buy some fresh cookies and save them for later, you’re going to be hungry after the next adventure…

 Secret Seward Street Slides

Now it’s time for the great outdoors and to get some fresh air! Head to The Castro and be prepared for some slip slidin’ fun as you whizz down the crazy concrete slides. Bring a piece of cardboard to slide down on, get off, rinse and repeat ‘til you’re hankering for those cookies you’ve got stored up. You’ll probably need to use your car to get to the slides but it’s totally worth it.

Paxton Gate, “Treasures and oddities inspired by the garden and natural sciences”

Paxton Gate is a store founded in 1992 by two landscape designers inspired by the natural world. The store itself seems to be alive with an incredible selection of skulls, skeletons, taxidermy, and carnivorous plants. Furniture, antique architectural items and vintage jewelry are also for sale and make the decor of the store even cooler. There’s nothing else in San Francisco like Paxton Gate; it never fails to surprise, delight and amuse.

~Ana//

[owntownsf]

Mr. SF Secrets revelations! Shhhhh

   This week we interviewed Tyler MacNiven, host, editor, and writer for www.sfsecrets.com. Through their website, Tyler and his brother, director and cameraman Rowan MacNiven, take us on a journey, discovering clandestine and magical places and people in San Francisco that many won’t have heard of before. We chatted with Tyler and learned more about how he has fun in SF. 

 So Tyler, what does fun mean to you?

Fun means being wrapped tightly in the present moment, allowing the NOW to clutch you like a bug-eyed cave creature clutching a precious gold ring.

 What is your favorite SF secret?

The Owl Man must be the most exciting because there’s so much more to the secret than anyone could have ever imagined.

 What inspired you to start sfsecrets.com?

I was acting in an independent film as a host of an internet-based show and thought I could really get into character if I was actually an internet-based show host. Also, my brother Rowan was looking to sharpen his camera skills so we shot three secrets in one day. Our videos were instantly featured on some popular blogs so we decided to run with the idea.

Any expansion plans? LAsecrets, SDsecrets?

Rowan and I want to eventually film galactic secrets, which would be about treasures hidden around the Milky Way, but our next step will be Bay Area Secrets which will span Northern California.

What’s your favorite place to hang out in San Francisco?

West of Pecos, my restaurant on Valencia Street. I get to hold a dinner party every night and make new friends who tell me new secrets!

[owntownsf]

Four Perfect Day Adventures

San Francisco offers without doubt some of the best views and outdoor experiences in the country.  Over the past few weeks, we have given you plenty of food and cocktail ideas so now it’s time to get you outside!

Here below are my top four favorite outdoor days in and around SF. But, as you might have gathered by now, I really like the variety of San Francisco’s eating and drinking options so most of my outdoor adventures involve food and a beverage or two J.

Sandwich in the Park

Head over to Ike’s on 3489, 16th Street and order the “Going Home for Thanksgiving” or the “If I were Cute”. These are some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had! Take your sandwich masterpiece over to Dolores Park with the essential blanket, bottle of wine/beer, and sunglasses. Now you’re truly ready to enjoy the awesomeness the park has to offer.

Golf & 40s

So, who knew Golden Gate Park had a frisbee golf course (aka disc golf)? When the sun next shines, grab your friends and get strolling and throwing some discs around the beautiful grounds. If you’re new to frisbee golf, head over to Purple Skunk where you can buy all the essentials like a putter and a driver frisbee. Then, the next stop is the liquor store where you can purchase your beverage of choice. Being a fan of the always classy 40, I definitely recommend it.

Over the Bridge We Go

For the best views, you have to head north by foot. Start at the Ferry Building and walk along the Embarcadero towards Fisherman’s Wharf. Continue to Fort Mason and the Marina Green until you get to the Golden Gate Bridge. Once there, get ready to cross over and walk down the road towards Sausalito. Yes, it’s an intense walk but the views make it worth every step. On the other side, don’t forget to enjoy some Bloody Marys at Smitty’s Bar.  After all that walking, you deserve them!

Secret Gem in SOMA

When you think SOMA, the first thoughts that spring to mind are startups, techies, and the SF Giants. But there is a part of SOMA that may not be quite so familiar—the small breath of fresh air that is South Park. Featuring benches, tables, and a grassy area, this little park is perfect for outside brunches. Plus, with cuisines from Mexican to French on offer, there is something to please everyone’s palate. I suggest trying the authentic French bistro, The Butler and The Chef , and for those warm days, the wonderful watermelon beer from 21st Amendment.

I hope my suggestions have inspired you to plan your next outing and to get out there and enjoy the great SF outdoors. Happy wandering!

-Tania 

[owntownsf]

Do newbies have more fun?

Tourism plays a big role in this beautiful city, catering for the millions of people who visit SF every year. Many people in the industry work tirelessly to ensure that tourists really enjoy their stay in the Golden City. But how do these hard-working individuals let off steam and have fun themselves?

Meet Lindsey Ingram, a recent transplant from the east bay and a Sales Manager at the Grand Hyatt San Francisco on Union Square. In her line of work, she has to know the best way to sell the city to her clients, but how does she make the most of SF?

What does fun mean to you?

Fun is my middle name! The word ‘fun’ means many things to me. I find the most fun doing anything that gets me outdoors and experiencing something new. Whether it’s exploring a new neighborhood, going on a hike, eating at a new restaurant, or even jumping out of a plane; I’m one who really can’t sit still! I truly like to live my life by the motto “You only live once.” I like to take advantage of everything life has to offer and I make sure I incorporate fun in my daily activities. Especially on a nice day, you won’t find me indoors. San Francisco has so much to offer that there is always something new to do!

Lindsey, you’re a runner. Which are your favorite paths to run along?

My favorite run is along the Embarcadero towards the GG. It takes you through Fort Mason, Crissy Field, and the beach and you end up at the beautiful GG Bridge. I love it because it goes along the water the entire time and the views truly can’t be beat. Looking at the bay, Alcatraz and the GG never get old!

Some of your favorite spots in the city?

On a nice day, if I’m running, my favorite spot is the Lyon Street Stairs. This is my ‘ohm’ place and I love to work out there. There is something about this specific spot in the city that I find energizing yet relaxing at the same time. I normally start here and either run through the Presidio or head down towards the Palace of Fine Arts then on to the Golden Gate Bridge. It definitely makes for a great day’s workout!

If we’re talking about bars, I love to hang out on Polk Street. There’s a variety of bars there that offer a good time, day or night!

Last weekend, I actually discovered Dolores Park for the first time. I have always heard about it but never had the chance to go. Finally, last weekend the weather was absolutely beautiful and we just hung out all day in the sun, people watching. It was a great time!

East Bay or San Francisco?

Is that even a comparison? The East Bay will always be home to me and it holds a special place in my heart but hands down I would say SF. There are so many things to do and places to see here. I love that I can walk almost anywhere and you truly do not need a car. I can leave my house and walk to different neighborhoods that all offer completely different experiences. One minute, you can be in the hustle and bustle of Union Square, and the next in the nature of the Presidio. There really is no place like it!

Being in the hospitality industry, what are your favorite events to attend?

Good question… I would say anything that has good food, good drinks, and good people! In my job, networking is really important. It’s all about getting out and creating relationships; people tend to chat a little more when there are amazing food and drinks on offer!

[owntownsf]

The new trend: Techies living under the same roof

As this week we’ve been covering the fun side of entrepreneurship in San Francisco, we decided to further explore this up-and-coming trend of tech-living spaces in the city.

After our interview with Jered Kenna from 20Mission, he kindly invited us to check out his forty-one-bedroom place in the Mission District. To begin the tour, the door opened with a system called Lockitron. Every tenant in the house uses this mobile application that allows them to automatically open the front door using their phone. As I approached the first floor of the square-shaped house, a cluster of bicycles hanging from the walls welcomed me, looking like a practical art installation.

The first area I entered was the kitchen. It’s being remodelled and a group of five residents were cooking vegetables and hanging out in there. We talked to them for a while before we headed off to check out some of the rooms. All of the room doors are marked with a big blue number to make it easier to identify them and to facilitate activities related to the property management such as rent payments. I got the chance to stick my nose inside a couple of the rooms and they all looked pretty different. The only common thing between them was the hardwood floors but other than that, every tenant had added their own personal touch: from the color of the walls, pretty plants, colourful hammocks hanging from the roof, and leather couches, each room reflected the fact that a different person lived there.

Following the room tours, we visited the common area. It’s made up of a bunch of couches and a little table where everyone puts their beer and snacks, plus a huge TV, a Wii and a large collection of games. Programmers, designers and marketeers all get together during football games or just lazy Sundays to relax and share some time together.

When I thought the tour was done, my hosts opened a new door that took us up to the rooftop second level. When we got there, to my surprise, I saw chickens running around. The residents keep them to provide them with wonderful fresh eggs in the morning. They (the hosts, not the chickens…) also told us that they are looking forward to covering the roof in bamboo and eventually having a Jacuzzi in there!

At the end of our trip to 20Mission, one of the inhabitants summed up their living situation better than I could: “We're like a big family, we've got people from all over the world living under one roof and sharing a few bathrooms and one kitchen. Personally, I moved in when I couldn't find anywhere else that met my standards or that I could afford and, so far, it's been a great experience.” 

The idea of living immersed in a tech community is expanding really quickly. The atmosphere created in this type of co-housing is extraordinary, you live, you learn, you make new friends and you have fun!

~Ana//