The Historic Tenderloin is Reviving
The Tenderloin’s had a rough five years. COVID reversed it’s progress and City Hall then used the neighborhood as a drug containment zone. But progress has resumed. There is much less drug activity on sidewalks, new murals, a striking Michelin restaurant, the reopening of Onsen Spa, a planned tripling of the size of the Tenderloin Museum, sold out shows at the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot play, and, most importantly, a Lurie Administration committed to helping the Tenderloin succeed.
Residents and merchants are working harder and more effectively to improve the neighborhood. New Supervisor Bilal Mahmood has made stopping Tenderloin drug activity a top priority.
Problems clearly remain. Sidewalk drug activities on Leavenworth, Jones and O’Farrell must be stopped. Once thriving Little Saigon has over a 30% retail vacancy rate. Many nearby city, state and federal workers still come to work only three days a week, though this should increase to four by Labor Day…