In a few weeks, the local coverage area of Hayeswire, Haighteration and Uppercasing will be expanding. Today's post is a preview.
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Today’s the big day, folks. Early this morning, mid-Market social media giant Twitter rang the bell and went public with its initial public offering.
The atmosphere on the street was... well, barely different than any other day on the block. By 8:45am, the handful of anti-gentrification protesters outside Twitter’s headquarters at the old San Francisco Furniture Mart had dispersed, and the media vans were packing up their cameras and lights.
Two SFPD officers remained stationed outside Twitter's lobby doors, looking more interested in the bicycle traffic counter installed on the sidewalk than breaking up protests. The only palpable difference on this morning seemed to be the greater-than-normal number of pedestrians taking an extra moment to aim their smartphone cameras up at the Twitter sign at the intersection of 10th and Market.
We tried to get the neighborhood's take on Twitter's I.P.O. Somewhat surprisingly, a fair number of people who live and work around Twitter's headquarters were as tight-lipped about it as actual Twitter employees. On the eve of the I.P.O., people seemed cautious to speculate about the impact a company full of newly-minted millionaires might have on the neighborhood, at least on the record.
Still, a couple people shared their thoughts.
"All I can say is that any empire that's built on speculation at some point has foundation problems," said Matt Longoria, who works as a barista at Ma'Velous (1408 Market), a coffee and wine bar kitty-corner from Twitter.
Despite that assessment, Longoria acknowledges the change that's occurring in the area, much of which has been positive.
"There's a new face of mid-Market. I don't feel bad about it though."
Lee Coats, of Sam's Diner (1220 Market), shared similar observations. When Sam's opened six years ago, people “thought they were crazy,” he said. “But it’s worked out quite well.”
“Yes, the neighborhood is clearly gentrifying,” said Coats, but it is also becoming safer and more welcoming.
“There’s a symbiotic effect of a lot of people investing. Twitter has accelerated the process.”
So there you have it, folks. A big day for a big company at 10th and Market.
And to any Twitter employees out there, feel free to save us some champagne.
If you'd like us to notify you when our coverage officially expands to mid-Market and beyond, you can sign up below. We won't spam you -- promise.
The atmosphere on the street was... well, barely different than any other day on the block. By 8:45am, the handful of anti-gentrification protesters outside Twitter’s headquarters at the old San Francisco Furniture Mart had dispersed, and the media vans were packing up their cameras and lights.
If you'd like us to notify you when our coverage officially expands to mid-Market and beyond, you can sign up below. We won't spam you -- promise.
