Overview
In 2017, CAST partnered with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to renovate a historic former MUNI warehouse, one of the last physical reminders of the City’s first electric railway system.
First owned by private railway companies and then by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA), it was occupied until 1989, at which time it was heavily damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake. Now, the 16,000-square-foot building is owned by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, who led the renovation along with a $1 million pledge by CAST to rehabilitate and activate this culturally rich historic asset.
Our Approach
With the support and advocacy of the Friends of Geneva Car Barn and Powerhouse and a partnership with the SF Rec and Parks Department and CAST, PAW was selected as the sole tenant and program provider of the Geneva Powerhouse in 2017. Phase 1 of the partnership was completed in May 2020, realizing a 3,000-square-foot new arts facility with 35′ high ceilings, skylights and large windows.
Through CAST, PAW has the opportunity to remain at the Powerhouse with a 55-year below-market rate lease.
Impact
Founded in 1965, PAW offers free youth classes at the Powerhouse and provides almost 100 annual residencies for K-12 age students, providing arts instruction for more than 4,200 youth each year, offering classes in dance, music, spoken word, theater, and other forms of expression.
With the Powerhouse, PAW has the platform to align its mission and values with on-site and distance learning programming that invites community input and a return to creative ownership. PAW’s Powerhouse youth art programs are taught by Teaching Artists who work to affirm students’ sense of community and culture through art and play-based learning.
Additionally, PAW offers residencies which culminate in a showcase for the local community at the Geneva Powerhouse.
To learn more about their in-person and virtual opportunities, visit performingartsworkshop.org.
Download www.performingartsworkshop
