Almost a year ago to the day, we let you know about Michelle Polzine's acquisition of the old laundromat space at the corner of Oak and Gough. The former pastry chef of Range has spent the past year pouring her heart and soul into her first solo endeavor, and we are thrilled to announce the opening is just around the corner.

The formerly cramped and dirty space has been completely transformed. The large front windows complement white walls and high ceilings, as well as an ornately decorated marble-topped bar and beautiful copper appliances. Though there's still work to be done, the décor promises a delightful atmosphere. Michelle's style shines through in the Old World fixtures and vintage cues. Once it opens, the café will serve up Michelle's incredible pastries, bagels, coffee, and other concoctions inspired by 1900's Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. It's been a busy 2013 for Michelle, as she's been prepping for the shop's launch. On a few evenings earlier this year, she operated a pop-up at State Bird Provisions to preview items from the cafe's menu. She also ran a successful Kickstarter campaign, featuring an adorable silent short that documents the many hurdles she's jumped over thus far: Now she's almost at the finish line, and Michelle hopes the residents of Hayes Valley will bear with her as she irons out all of the traditional soft-open wrinkles. She plans to quietly open the café's doors as early as next week, with a grand opening envisioned later this summer. (Of course, she says, the goal is for every day at 20th Century to be grand!) Keep your eyes fixed on the 20th Century Facebook page and our own Hayeswire Twitter account for further updates.