The outcries for preservation of Parkmerced border on the hypocritical. Now in its seventieth
year, Parkmerced has undergone many major changes. The only time the residents have rallied
is when there were financial stakes involved.
There was no cry for preservation when the Helmesley Corporation discontinued the wasteful
monthly replanting of the flower beds in the traffic circles. The circles remained and a lower cost
use was made of the land inside them.
An errant an unauthorized letter was issued in the name of The Pro welcoming development
of 800 Brotherhood Way. This was a divisive moment for The PRO, and resulted in several
members resigning. Some of these former members are among the most wrathful about change.
True, the residents were not notified of the pending sale of a portion of the northern property. The
only indication that something was happening was a sign on Juan Bautista Circle near Bucarelli
Drive announcing pending construction. There was no resistance to this from either the residents
or from The PRO.
A gracious trapezoidal piece of park with olive trees on each side was destroyed for the
construction of the hideous structure which now blocks a marvelous vista from Juan Bautista
Circle to the Meadow, and Lake Merced beyond. Part of the graceful stairway with patterned
brick work was also removed. Again there was no cry for preservation. In fact, one of the most
vociferous preservationists sent his child to that “new” school, and even had a garden plot in the
residents’ garden which was built without a call for preservation.
The changes all happened before our new owner, Rob Rosania, and Parkmerced Investors,
LLC bought the property. However, Rosania et. al. have received much abuse regarding
changes over which they had no control. But, they responded to the needs of the residents with
park wide upgrades. There is only so little than can be done for plumbing and wiring that ranges
in age from 70 to 50 years old.
The most touted feature of Parkmerced are the town homes with their unique courtyards
designed by Thomas Doliver Church. The courtyards range from spectacular terraced court
yards with curvilinear terraces to drab courtyards which often are junky because residents are not
responsible for themselves. Unfortunately, these courtyards are in the back of the rapidly
deteriorating town homes, and unless one makes the effort one never sees them. As beautiful as
some courtyards are they are not ADA accessible, and to make them so would be counter to
expert preservationist intent.
Yes, there is much worth saving in Parkmerced, but at what cost? Archaic cookie cutter
buildings will continue to age beyond a useful life without the modern electrical services our
society takes for granted.
Let Parkmerced Investors proceed with their plans.
year, Parkmerced has undergone many major changes. The only time the residents have rallied
is when there were financial stakes involved.
There was no cry for preservation when the Helmesley Corporation discontinued the wasteful
monthly replanting of the flower beds in the traffic circles. The circles remained and a lower cost
use was made of the land inside them.
An errant an unauthorized letter was issued in the name of The Pro welcoming development
of 800 Brotherhood Way. This was a divisive moment for The PRO, and resulted in several
members resigning. Some of these former members are among the most wrathful about change.
True, the residents were not notified of the pending sale of a portion of the northern property. The
only indication that something was happening was a sign on Juan Bautista Circle near Bucarelli
Drive announcing pending construction. There was no resistance to this from either the residents
or from The PRO.
A gracious trapezoidal piece of park with olive trees on each side was destroyed for the
construction of the hideous structure which now blocks a marvelous vista from Juan Bautista
Circle to the Meadow, and Lake Merced beyond. Part of the graceful stairway with patterned
brick work was also removed. Again there was no cry for preservation. In fact, one of the most
vociferous preservationists sent his child to that “new” school, and even had a garden plot in the
residents’ garden which was built without a call for preservation.
The changes all happened before our new owner, Rob Rosania, and Parkmerced Investors,
LLC bought the property. However, Rosania et. al. have received much abuse regarding
changes over which they had no control. But, they responded to the needs of the residents with
park wide upgrades. There is only so little than can be done for plumbing and wiring that ranges
in age from 70 to 50 years old.
The most touted feature of Parkmerced are the town homes with their unique courtyards
designed by Thomas Doliver Church. The courtyards range from spectacular terraced court
yards with curvilinear terraces to drab courtyards which often are junky because residents are not
responsible for themselves. Unfortunately, these courtyards are in the back of the rapidly
deteriorating town homes, and unless one makes the effort one never sees them. As beautiful as
some courtyards are they are not ADA accessible, and to make them so would be counter to
expert preservationist intent.
Yes, there is much worth saving in Parkmerced, but at what cost? Archaic cookie cutter
buildings will continue to age beyond a useful life without the modern electrical services our
society takes for granted.
Let Parkmerced Investors proceed with their plans.
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