As any developer understands, creating a "neighborhood" is a tricky business. The right mix of stores, restaurants and other amenities is one element, of course. But as anyone who has frequented a mall can attest, stores alone do not instill a sense of neighborhood - perhaps best defined as a distinctive public place, rooted in permanence, practicality and diverse human experience. Stated another way, neighborhoods register as such when they have texture, history and atmosphere.

Using this standard, UCSF's desire to create a university neighborhood becomes as complex a task as finding a cure for cancer. Fortunately, despite all that has been written about the urban wasteland that preceded UCSF's arrival, Mission Bay is surrounded by neighborhoods as distinctive as any in San Francisco, What some may lack in residential density, they more than make up for in character or amenities. And as UCSF scientists and scholars prepare for their move to Mission Bay's first research building, Genentech Hall, they should also prepare to be surprised by what lies within easy walking distance.

To the north of Genentech Hall, Pacific Bell Park, home of the San Francisco Giants has become a familiar beacon to anyone making the trek down 16th Street to the Mission Bay campus construction site. Ultimately, those commercial enterprises that fill the space between the southern edge of the campus and the Third Street boundary will move or close down. For the time being, however, the first wave of UCSF "colonists" will have, almost at their fingertips, the nearby Mission Bay Driving Range at which to practice their golf game. The facility also includes a popular restaurant.

For other kinds of sports enthusiasts, particularly those who like to run, hike, cycle or swim, the Sports Basement - located in a warehouse on the other side of what will become the campus quad - offers a huge selection of clothing and gear from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. A small houseboat community, based in a channel across from the Mission Bay Visitor's Center, also offers a glimpse of a lifestyle that most San Franciscans can only imagine. A landscaped walkway across from the houseboats includes a couple of benches for viewing the city skyline and a dirt path that could easily become part of a good run. Indeed, UCSF runners will find the flat surfaces of the neighborhood a great place for speed work.

And for those who like hills, Potrero Hill, known for its views of the downtown skyline, well-tended homes with flower gardens, and the shopping district along 18th Street, is an aerobic exerciser's dream. To reach the shopping district from Genentech Hall, go west along 16th Street, and turn left at Mississippi Street, just past the 280 highway-pillar supports. It's a three-block uphill trek from there. Once on 18th Street, there are a choice of restaurants, coffee houses (Farley's being one of the neighborhood favorites) and stores selling everything from art to shoes. The flatlands that front the hill, the area due west of Genentech Hall, are largely "service-commercial." Restaurant supply and furniture stores are just two of the more frequent clusters.

For those with art and design desires, Arch, described as the "design-and-drafting supplies mothership," is located at Missouri and 17th Streets. For those with real art aspirations, the California College of Arts and Crafts (1111 8th St.) has an extension center and an Extended Education program that offers one-day workshops and comprehensive multisession courses, primarily in the evenings and on weekends. Offerings include everything from art history and ceramics to interior design and sculpture. The gleaming steel-and-glass building also has a small restaurant called The A2 Café; the menu includes pizzas, salads, sandwiches and coffee.

Heading east from Genentech Hall, and crossing Third St., which follows the path of the Long Bridge (a rail and fishing bridge that once fronted Mission Bay when it was still a waterway), you reach a block of Illinois Street made famous by the landmark Esprit clothing outlet, now closed. However, at the northeastern corner of the Esprit parking lot, the seven-year-old restaurant known as FortyTwo Degrees continues to offer "jazz, food and spirit" on Wednesdays through Saturdays after 6 p.m. In one of San Francisco's more eclectic pairings, the former Esprit clothing lot abuts the San Francisco public auto auction lot, which ends at the point where Illinois Street and Terry A. Francois Boulevard meet.

The Ramp, an outdoor restaurant known for its large portions and live entertainment, occupies a slice of the shoreline. So too does Kelly's Mission Rock, aptly named for the rocky outcropping that once marked the entrance to Mission Bay.

Traveling north along the boulevard brings you to the Bay View Boat Club, known for its large bar and deck overlooking the Bay and unpretentious atmosphere. But non-members must be invited and sign in at the door before sitting down with the locals. Beyond this point, the landscape becomes largely parking lot "meadows" in service to Pacific Bell Park.

Crossing the drawbridge takes you onto the Embarcadero and into another world. A future feature will explore the many cultural, culinary and recreational possibilities on this side of the city.

Source: Jeff Miller

Last updated January 28, 2005

A view of the houseboat community at Mission Bay, looking northwest from the Mission Bay Visitors Center. Photo by Jeff Miller.

A pathway near the Mission Bay Visitors Center. Photo by Jeff Miller.

Looking west along 18th St. in Potrero Hill. Photo by Jeff Miller.