On Thursday, Castro concept boutique and social club Mikroblack announced it will be permanently closing next month after just one year in the neighborhood.

Mikroblack co-owner Jewels Good (Julia Strouzer) shared the announcement in a newsletter and on a sign posted in the storefront's window. The store's last day will be January 21.

Mikroblack opened in January in the former D&H Jewelers space at 2323 Market St.

Inside Mikroblack at 2323 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

"Due to increasing rents, continuous flood damages (over 13 within the last year!), finances, and the people hours spent accommodating accusations of 'elder abuse' by the neighbors from the sound of our community events, etc. we have decided to close down," explained Good.

Mikroblack offered a curated selection of clothing and accessories from across the world along with art and furniture.

"Despite all of that, we are staying positive and are actually quite excited about moving, evolving, and growing," Good went on to say.

"We will reopen at a different location as either a pop-up, or a permanent spot with an upgraded concept, and of course, more surprises," added Good.

Good did not respond to Hoodline's request for comment. A new location for the boutique was not revealed at this time.

Mikroblack co-owners Alina Khasin and Jewels Good. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Good previously told Hoodline that trouble began at Mikroblack even before the store opened. A small fire broke out at the store and luckily self-extinguished, causing an estimated $15,000 in damage.

Mikroblack's limited live performance permit from the city's Entertainment Commission was delayed after noise complaints from neighbors about amplified sound levels emanating from within the business.

Ultimately, Mikroblack's permit was approved in August with conditions. Conditions included allowing Mikroblack to host entertainment every other Sunday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Due to the holiday break, Entertainment Commission officials could not provide Hoodline an update on any noise complaints filed after the August hearing. Hoodline will update this story with additional information when it becomes available.

Update 1/2: SF Entertainment deputy director Kaitlyn Azevedo tells Hoodline, "We have not received any sound complaints about Mikroblack since their permit was issued on August 2nd, 2023."

Mikroblack received its limited live entertainment permit in August. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline

 

Mikroblack's closure adds another vacancy to a 2300 block of Market St which had seen a bit of rebound.

Last month, Amazon-owned One Medical opened in the former Coldwell Banker space at 2355 Market.

In November, men's clothing store Entour took over the former Kenneth Wingard (2319 Market) space and Mexican restaurant Zona Rosa opened in the former Tacorgasmico space in September.

Mistr pharmacy has also opened at 2301 Market St.

The block currently has four vacancies: the spaces formerly occupied by Wells Fargo (2308 Market), Worn Out West (2354 Market), Bisou (2367 Market), and Pottery Barn (2390 Market) all remain vacant.