This is an email I just got from Jeff Cleland at Hyde Street studios, the occupants of the original SF Wally Heider Studios building.

From: “Jeff Cleland” info@hydestreet.com
Subject: the future of hyde street studios

You were sent this because I thought you might have some interest as to what becomes of the building that currently houses Hyde Street Studios, as well as a number of other music related businesses. As you may be aware, the building at 245 Hyde St. was recently sold to a real estate developing firm in Oakland, which has plans to gut the interior of the building, add two additional floors, and turn it into condos.

The San Francisco Planning Department is currently preparing a report on the property that could significantly effect the building’s final outcome.

Many of us in the Bay Area musical community are dismayed to think that a place with such historical significance could disappear into the Tenderloin with so little consideration for the seminal recordings that were captured here. A number of musicians, engineers and producers have asked if there‚s anything they can do to let their opinions be heard. Well, there is.

At this point, the best chance to change the direction of the project is to write to two individuals at the San Francisco Planning Department, Sue Mickelsen and Michael Li. Of these two individuals, Michael Li may have the most influence. My understanding is that we have a very small timeframe to influence this report. The quickest way to contact Sue is to email her at susan.mickelsen@sfgov.org. Although Michael Li‚s email address is michael.li@sfgov.org, perhaps the best form of correspondence to him is good old-fashioned snail mail. I‚ve included all of their contact info below.

It may still be possible to prevent this historic site from demolition, but only if those in our community who value the rich musical history of 245 Hyde St. voice their opinions now. I‚m told that within several weeks the report will be wrapping up. They should at least know how we feel before it does.

Michael Li
1650 Mission St. #400
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone ˆ 558-6396
Fax ˆ 558-6409
Email – michael.li@sfgov.org

Sue Mickelsen
1650 Mission St. #400
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone ˆ 575-9039
Fax – 558-6409
Email – susan.mickelsen@sfgov.org