This Week's Top Stories

Chinatown

Chinatown Merchants Report 60% Sales Drop as Portsmouth Square Renovation Grinds Into Its Third Month

Small businesses near the $73 million park overhaul are sounding the alarm over lost parking, construction noise, and plummeting foot traffic.

Two months into the $73 million renovation of Portsmouth Square — long called the "living room" of San Francisco's Chinatown — nearby merchants say they are struggling to survive. The project, which is expected to take two years, has brought construction noise, dust, and the loss of nearby parking spaces, all of which business owners say have driven customers away. Edward Siu, president of the Chinatown Merchants United Association, said some stores have reported a 60% drop in business since construction began in June.

Polk Gulch

A Wine Bar and Community Space Is Taking Shape at 1101 Polk — But Don't Hold Your Breath Until 2027

Owner Anthony Niboli is installing a kitchen at the long-vacant Polk Street address, planning small bites, family-owned wines, acoustic music, and a rotating roster of local artists.

A new gathering spot called Innerbloom is in the works at 1101 Polk St. in the heart of the Polk Gulch corridor. Owner Anthony Niboli confirmed to WhatNow SF that he and his partner are still in the early stages of preparing the space — currently purchasing and installing kitchen equipment before beginning the health and safety permitting process — and that the opening is now targeted for early 2027, though the timeline is not yet firm.

Chinatown

Chinatown Him Mark Lai Branch Library Closure Set for Fall as $29 Million Renovation Moves Forward

The 1921 Carnegie landmark on Powell Street will shut for a multi-year overhaul that will restore its grand reading room and add multilingual resources and expanded community space.

The Chinatown Him Mark Lai Branch Library at 1135 Powell Street is preparing to close this fall as a $29.4 million renovation moves into its construction phase. San Francisco Public Library confirmed that a notice to proceed was issued for summer 2026, with the branch closure expected in fall 2026. The scope of the project is substantial.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, August 29

Chinatown Neon Walking Tour

📍 Chinatown YMCA (on sidewalk), San Francisco · 6:45 PM

Sunday, August 30

Chinatown Free Sunday Family Block Party with Lion Dance

📍 Grant Ave. between Sacramento & Clay Streets, SF Chinatown · 11:30 AM

Sunday, September 6

5th Annual Chinatown Car Show & Car Parade

📍 1138 Grant Avenue (Broadway to California), SF Chinatown · 10:00 AM

Wednesday, September 9

12th Annual Chinatown Night Out

📍 Willie 'Woo Woo' Wong Playground Basketball Court, 830 Sacramento St. · 4:00 PM

Friday, September 11

Chinatown Night Market

📍 Grant Ave. from California to Pacific, SF Chinatown · 5:00 PM

More from the Neighborhood

Broadway Tunnel Enters Long-Term Half-Capacity Phase After Weekend Full Closure

Following a full one-day closure on August 16–17, the Broadway Tunnel has entered a reduced-capacity phase expected to last approximately 14 months, with one lane at a time available in each direction…

Grace Cathedral's 2026 Artist in Residence Creates Sound Sculpture From Silent Bells and Organ Pipes

Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill is featuring RESONANCE, a sound sculpture created by its 2026 Artist in Residence, San Francisco artist Bill Fontana.

Polk Street Wine-and-Bites Concept Innerbloom Plans Pre-Opening Art Pop-Ups

While Innerbloom's full restaurant opening at 1101 Polk St. is still penciled in for early 2027, owner Anthony Niboli told WhatNow SF that the space will host small art pop-ups and neighborhood…