A recent article in the Examiner gave the impression that Hyde Street Studios will soon be closing its doors due to a recent decision made by the San Francisco Planning Commission.  To be clear, Hyde Street Studios has no plans, or reason, to leave the property at 245 Hyde Street any time soon.  We thought we’d convey to you everything we currently know about our situation to help quell some of the rumors and concerns that have been circulating throughout the musical community,

Several years ago the property that houses our recording studios was sold to a real estate developing firm in Oakland called AF Evans.  We were told at that time their intention was to gut the inside of the building and build additional levels, which would eventually be turned into condos. 

Several public meetings with the SF Planning Commission regarding our building were scheduled to meet last year, but were cancelled for unknown reasons.  Finally, the meeting regarding this property occurred at City Hall on April 17, 2008, at which time the current owners were given permission to gut the building and install condos, but not necessarily to build additional stories.  The next day we got a call from the Examiner, who wanted to do a story and yielding to our desire to clarify our situation to the public, we agreed.  Unfortunately, the story they chose to run seems to imply that we’re closing our doors, if not tomorrow, then soon.  This, however, is simply not true.

For one, we’ve known for several years that the property may someday be turned into condos, but no dates have been set, nor do any seem to be around the corner.  In fact, the building is currently for sale.  Why would AF Evans be trying to sell the building if they intended to turn into condos?  Perhaps they believe it would make it more saleable and increase the value if permission to build condos had already be granted by the city.  Even if it is eventually turned into condos, no permits have yet been granted and it would likely take a great deal of time before we would notice any direct affect on our business.

The last time this building was for sale, it took over a decade to sell.  If it is sold soon, it would seem unlikely that the new owners would commit to such a large, expensive project in this neighborhood given the current condition of the real estate market and the economy as a whole.  In fact, we know of at least one person who recently made an offer on the building, but has no intention of building condos if it’s accepted.  Instead it would simply remain the way it is and be used as a rental based commercial investment.

We’ve lived for decades under the threat of relocation, or worse, for a number of reasons and this is only the most recent.  Perhaps the real story is not that another historic location for the arts may someday be pushed aside in the name of "progress", but that despite the overwhelming odds, we're still making historic records.  We wouldn’t  be surprised at all if we’re still here a good many years from now.