United Nations Plaza is an area off of Market Street with a walkable corridor straight to Civic Center, which includes City Hall and Herbst Theatre. The United Nations Charter was signed in the War Memorial Veterans Building’s Herbst Theatre in 1945, leading to the creation of the United Nations.
According to Wikipedia “Civic Center has a seedy, run-down, high crime reputation and appearance with large amounts of Homeless encampments which has prevented it from attracting the large amounts of tourists seen in other areas of the city. Despite repeated redevelopment of Civic Center over the years aimed primarily at discouraging the homeless from camping there, large amounts of homeless continue to camp and loiter in the area.” Sadly, this is true.
The architecture of the Plaza itself is really beautiful. It was designed by world famous Lawrence Halprin in the 1970s. It is lined with granite columns engraved with a particular year and the countries that were inducted into the U.N. during that year. On the walkway are engraved sayings promoting peace over war, and there is of course, the ubiquitous water feature.
Sadly, none of this beauty has kept the less fortunate from making it a play ground and scaring others away.
Nice post. I enjoy your perspective on the world around you. Too bad the area cannot overcome it’s reputation 🙁
I like the area, and have walked through numerous times. Went to SF for a quick museum visit, and didn’t even bring my camera. 🙁
Have a great weekend!
If I were homeless San Francisco would look pretty good to me too:)