The future of car-free Saturdays and Sundays along a two-block section of Castro's 18th Street is uncertain and on indefinite pause after the Castro Merchants cut ties with its event producer.

Cozy Castro bar Last Call (3988 18th St. at Sanchez St.) is set to reopen next week under new ownership after a 17-month hiatus caused by the shelter-in-place restrictions.

Bright Star Pilates studio is now open at 493 Sanchez St. (at 18th St.), formerly Unionmade men's store.

Pastrami sandwich shop Hot Johnnie's is now open at 4077 18th St., in the former Nizario's space, and it has a surprise back patio.

Art House SF gallery is now open at 2324 Market St., in the space formerly occupied by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.

Church and Market wine bar Fig & Thistle Market (691 14th St.) has now become Millay, under the same ownership, with more of a focus on the wine bar aspect.

Freeborn Designs, in the former Flying Falafel/Socialhaus/Outfit space at 463 Castro, offers a variety of custom-tailored suits, blazers, and vests for both men and women.

The Church and Market Safeway has moved all its shopping carts inside the store after 160 carts were stolen in recent weeks.

Castro arcade bar and restaurant The Detour is set to reopen Monday, July 5, after hitting the pause button in October and temporarily closing due in part to COVID-19.

Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro area businesses. In this edition: a designer consignment shop temporarily moves, a nightclub announces its reopening, and a sandwich shop closes.

Construction on the final phase of the Upper Market Street Safety Project is set to begin Thursday, July 1. The project aims to increase safety and comfort for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike on Upper Market Street between Octavia Boulevard and Castro Street. 

On Wednesday, the Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza released preliminary designs for the redo of Castro's Harvey Milk Plaza during a virtual public meeting.

Early Friday morning, the driver of a vehicle crashed into and destroyed two parklets at Church and Market streets.