Curious to learn more about the high number of empty storefronts in the Castro? What are the recommendations to improve the business climate in the Upper Market area? These and other questions will be discussed by staff and volunteers from the Castro & Upper Market Retail Strategy at its open house this Thursday, June 4th, from 6pm to 8pm at 2175 Market Street (home of the new 4,000 square foot market hall, the Myriad).

Hoodline has been following the study since it launched last year and will be present at the open house to hear about the reactions of residents and merchants. Stay tuned for our article and photos on Friday. We've already looked at some of the more surprising findings from the research so far, including indications that the new neighborhood residents are identifying less as LGTBQ, and the prevalence of walking as a form of local transportation.

Sup. Scott Weiner is expected to be there with remarks at 7:00pm.The evening’s menu of food and drink has not yet been finalized, but you can expect sweet and savory bites from a number of local restaurants, including cupcakes from Sweet Inspiration, brownies from Orphan Andy’s, and cheese and crackers from Whole Foods.

The project is led by the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District (CBD), and is supported by the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association (DTNA),the Castro/Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association (EVNA), and Castro Merchants (CM.)

If you want to attend, the open house is this Thursday, June 4th, from 6pm to 8pm at 2175 Market Street.