North Beach Verdi Building cleared for partial demolition
San Francisco's Board of Appeals has allowed partial demolition of the fire damaged Verdi Building at 659 Union Street. The long closed property faces Washington Square Park and has raised safety concerns for years.
The Verdi Building in North Beach, also known as the Coit Liquors building, can move ahead with partial demolition after a resident appeal was rejected. The property was damaged by fires in 2013 and 2018, and parts of the facade have been braced amid fears of collapse that led to sidewalk closures and a moved bus stop.
Owner Jeff Jurow's earlier plan for 23 rentals and a rooftop restaurant has changed because of construction costs. Neighborhood groups have pushed for preservation, tenant return rights and limits on new shadows, while Supervisor Danny Sauter backed action on the unsafe structure.