A tweet from @robertol let us know that Old Republic is taking over the AAA space on 24th St. Which means? Another space that will never turn into something useful. Nail salons and banks at least drive traffic. Real estate offices and title companies suck the life out of otherwise vibrant areas. How often do you think you'll visit Old Republic?
[Photo: robertol]
15 comments:
A reputable title company decides to open a branch on 24th and that's a bad thing? Looks like five employees who might frequent neighborhood stores and Old Republic does have clients come in for appointments, it's not a 100% complete dead zone. Yes, it might be good for a large space with something more universally visited but your post seems off the mark somehow. Editor, any thoughts on what you feel would make for a more suitable business there?
Also, I've seen signs for lawyers, dentists and accountants around - are these "sucking the life" out of the neighborhood? If so, I had no idea.
If there was anything more boring than AAA to occupy that space, it would be this one. Welcome, boring people of a boring company. Noe Valley is gradually but inexorably turning into its own caricature.
I agree. A title company on a busy retail strip is no asset. It's just another place to walk by on the way to the post office or bakery.
I'm still not understanding the derisive comments here. OK, so ORT is not the most glamorous business but they are in seven other branches around SF. All of those locations are on thriving commercial strips. Why does ORT moving into Noe signal demise? What else should have opened there?
Here's how I feel about a lot of the new and incoming businesses:
Whole Foods: Hooray!
La Boulange: Hooray!
Successories: Hooray!
Tuttimelon: Hooray!
Glow Day Spa: Whatever.
Noe Valley Psychic: HA HA HA!
Old Republic Title Company: Gross.
We are expressing our aversion to the Old Republic Title company because it's boring and stodgy, which is not how we want 24th Street to be. Also, as a business, ORT will be basically useless to the Noe Valley community.
By the way, shame on AAA for renovating that building and making it stucco-tastically, strip-mallishly hideous. Contrast it with the Walgreens on Jersey/Divisadero. Yes, it's a Walgreens, but the facade of the building is quite nice.
Ughhh, no more real estate, nail salons, or title companies! Why must they take up space on 24th. They could have this office anywhere.
Main problem with entities like title companies occupying the main commercial corridor of Noe Valley is that they offer nothing to the residents who live there.
Look at the direction: Rite Aid -> AAA -> Old Republic. We went from a store that a resident could use on a daily basis (Rite Aid) to a place maybe you'd drop by for a map occasionally, I guess (AAA) to a place you'd never go with any frequency, unless you're a house flipper (Old Republic).
I mean really, do we really want in this neighborhood to see less video stores, CD/DVD stores, or even knitting stores (hey I like these quirky little shops), and have more generic nail salons and title companies? Old Republic is not exactly adding more personality to the neighborhood.
This blog is becoming even less informative and more negative. Gee whiz----can this business really "suck the life out of [our] otherwise vibrant" neighborhood. Naysayerism, like yours, suck the life out of a neighborhood. Too bad!
I think real neighborhoods where real people live should have balance - not every storefront needs to be a shop or restaurant. I'd prefer to live in a functional neighborhood rather than a weekend destination for shopping.
"Naysayerism, like yours, suck the life out of a neighborhood. Too bad!"
No, it really doesn't. Wanting stores that appeal to neighbourhood residents, and that will drive foot traffic to the 24th st strip is not "naysaying" - it's wanting our community to be worth spending time in.
I hope you enjoy frequenting the Old Republic in your effort to be uselessly upbeat.
I have to say that I'm not unhappy Old Republic's moving in. The escrow officer with whom I work frequently, Michelle Patterson, is excellent, and it'll be nice to stay in the 'hood for client signings. Also, I agree with the comment that Old Republic's employees and clients will patronize the 24th St businesses. So that can't be all bad.
This neighborhood becomes less appealing with every new bank, RE office, title company, psychic that invades. I live here- and shop and dine in the Mission. It's sad.
A business opening is always better than a vacant store so get over it you Noe Valley snob.
But..Old Republic Title company probably won't be there long, they open and close offices frequently.
They are known for doing what many companies are doing in this market and laying off their long term (over 50) employees to save a buck.
I will be headed to this new location will make sure and buy something. Agreed occupied location beats an empty strore front. Anyone been to Union street lately. I mean it was always depressing but now.....
I have bought two properties and my experience with Michelle Patterson is terrible. She absolutely lacks customer service and responds curt emails. She needs to learn business relationship. Do yourself a favor and work with the folks in the financial district.
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