Description
San Francisco’s most important street struggles to find its way
Starting Location
Duration
55 minutes
Description
Ever since a wily surveyor carved its wide, diagonal path through the center of town more than 150 years ago, Market Street has vexed San Francisco. It's the place where each generation tries to scrap the past and build the city of its dreams.
On this Detour, you'll page through antique maps, walk a slice of Paris by the Bay, descend below street level, and reemerge to see why Market Street is like no other street in the world. Above all, you'll see city planning through new eyes and understand how the city works like never before.
Tips & Hours
- Part of this Detour takes place inside the San Francisco Public Library, so best to go when the library is open: Monday 10am-5pm Tuesday-Thursday 9am-7pm Friday 12pm-5pm Sunday 12pm-4pm
- Bring a photo ID. You’ll need it to check in at the History Center.
Credits
Narrator
Jonathan Pearlman is a San Francisco-based architect and a member of the city’s Historic Preservation Commission.
Producer
Robin Amer
Editor
Ben Adair
Sound Design
Julian Kwasneski
Featured Voices
Louise Mozingo, Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture, Environmental Planning and Urban Design at UC Berkeley; Muhammed Nuru, Director of the San Francisco Department of Public Works; Kay Kajiwara, architect; David Addington, developer; Erick Lyle, writer & artist; Janet Delaney, photographer.
Image Credits
Cover photo, Alphonso Jimenez “The Great White Way” -- Glenn D. Koch Collection “Market Street Signage” “Welcoming People to Downtown” -- San Francisco Bicycle Coalition
Special Thanks
Jorge Just, Marianne McCune, Lina Misitzis, Valerie Maczak, Deborah Cullinan, Elise Stieren, Karen Strauss, Susan Goldstein, Neil Hrushowy, Simon Bertrang, Mari Hunter, Byron McCulley, Angela Danadjieva, Paul Boden, Danny Norway, Tyler Frisbee, Stefano Corazza, Amber Hasselbring.
Podcast Episode Contributing Volunteers
Kris L.
Starting Locations of All Detours