After two years of raising funds and redesigns, Mercury Cafe is almost ready to debut their parklet on Octavia.

It's not often we get to circle back to posts we wrote the very first week we started this blog, but Mercury Cafe is making us get all mushy and sentimental. Back in February 2012, Nick Parker, owner and founder of Mercury Cafe, announced they had applied to build a parklet in front of their coffee shop. Now two years, and five years since the day they first opened their doors (March 16), the parklet is almost ready to debut. When telling us about the journey, Nick explained "It's taken 2 years, 2 designs and 3 fundraisers, but we're finally ready to make this happen." They've received donations from all over, ranging from PG&E, various businesses, and even local neighbors who contribute to the jar when they come in the shop. The design of the parklet has changed a few times (partly due to budget restrictions) but this is how it will look once it's complete (seen above). They hope to seat 12-15 people along the wooden deck in a combination of booths and chairs. You can't bring your beer outside, but everything else on the menu is okay for your outdoor consuming pleasure. "It has taken a real community effort to make this happen" Nick told us. "Everyone has been involved: SF Parks & Alliances, the Hayes Valley Farm, customers, and neighbors. We just want to make something that will add to the neighborhood and be cool to stop by and hang out in." The parklet should be ready for your lounging pleasure starting early next week.