Tech workers in San Francisco plan to create a square-mile downtown 'commune' ... trends now
Tech workers in San Francisco have planned to create a downtown commune that will allow people to 'live, eat and work' all within a 15-minute walk.
Set to be launched on May 11, City Campus, a nonprofit, plans to create a one-square-mile 'campus' in the Hayes, Alamo and Duboce neighborhoods. The exact location of City Campus has not yet been established.
According to the nonprofit's website, the goals of the new urban space is for people to 'find and pursue you life's work, meet inspiring collaborators, live near friends, raise kids in community, do focused work and engage in civic and social life.'
The plan was created by four 'community builders', Patricia Mou, Thomas Schulz, Jason Benn and Adi Melamed.
'The synergy of bumping into people that are working on or doing the same stuff creates this very positive cycle,' Schulz told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Set to be launched on May 11, City Campus, a nonprofit, plans to create a 'campus' in the neighborhoods of Hayes, Alamo and Duboce. (pictured: a futuristic picture of the planned space)
The location of City Campus is set in the center of San Francisco, near the infamous Painted Ladies houses, and just outside of the drug-infested Tenderloin District
'A campus is a place where you can find really incredibly meaningful work and relationships all within one highly walkable area.'
The location of City Campus is expected to be in the center of San Francisco, near the infamous Painted Ladies houses, and just outside of the drug-infested Tenderloin District.
The progressive Tenderloin downtown district, once known for its rich cultural history, trendy restaurants, galleries, museums, and nightlife, has deteriorated as homelessness and drug use ramp up in the Democratic-led city.
'The city is in need of help,' Schulz said.
Financially, the group has asked people to donate $750,000 to help create City Campus. The funds will cover investments every six months for two years, plus a 20 percent overhead fee.
A GoFundMe page called 'Help us Launch the City Campus Fund' was created to accept donations. As of Tuesday evening, $380 has been raised.
'The City Campus fund exists to bring this vision to life. It exists because community spaces are harder to start than traditional commercial spaces, given the long time horizons it takes to nurture true community,' the manifesto read.
Some of the places expected to make up the utopia-like community are communal cafeterias, late-night cafes, civic spaces, debate halls, community experiences, 'pluralistic and secular spiritual spaces,' 'multi-purpose co-working spaces,' and 'mixed-use daycares,'
'It’s finding everything you need and everyone you love within a 15 minute walk.' Benn said.
Patricia Mou, one of the four founders of City Campus, also founded The Commons, a 'members-only co-working space and social club'
Ali Melamed is another founder involved in City Campus is also the other co-founder of The Commons
The City Campus project has also set out to solve the issues of the city's 'current social infrastructure,' and help residents with their 'belonging, emotional resonance, and safety,' according to the manifesto.
'Many of us are missing deep relationships, feel siloed in our interactions, dampened in our self-expression, stalled in our journey of self-unfoldment, and lack a heart connection to our physical surroundings.'
'Fortunately, we have an opportunity to create more connection and vibrancy for our city.'
Futuristic pictures of what the campus will look
