Community Outreach
Letter to Neighbors
(hand delivered to residents of 1310 Jones, 1333 Jones, 1221 Jones, 1250 Jones, 1000 Mason, 1170 Sacramento, 1150 Sacramento, 1100 Sacramento, 1055 California, 1001 California, 1200 California, 1201 California)
June 29, 2009
Dear Neighbor:
As you may know, the Masonic Center has partnered with Live Nation and is applying for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for upgraded food and beverage service (unlike the temporary permits we currently get for every event). This exciting partnership and upgrade to our facilities will bring improvements for the Masonic Center and the neighborhood. As a neighbor of the Masonic Center, it is important to us that you stay updated on the plans being proposed and provide us your feedback.
In our sincere effort to reach out to our neighbors and answer any questions you may have about the plans for the Masonic Center, we are walking door to door to distribute information and make sure you know who to contact if you have any questions or concerns (contact information below).
Key facts include:
- We are committed to maintaining a tone and quality of performers that is compatible with the neighborhood. The Masonic has hosted leading musicians, comedians and lecturers since its opening in 1958 and that tradition will continue. Live Nation was chosen as our partner in managing the Masonic Center because of their experience and professionalism. Live Nation and its predecessor, Bill Graham Presents, have been promoting concerts in our building on Nob Hill since 1972. They have promoted more than a dozen events here recently and one as late as June 21. There have been no arrests, assaults, or underage drinking; nor has there been harm done to Huntington Park.
- The changes being made to the auditorium are not intended to increase attendance at events. Rather, the changes are being made to make the auditorium more flexible to meet the needs of future events and are purely interior in nature. The newly tiered floors will be able to accommodate seats, standing room, or banquet tables. The occupancy is set by building code and the only way to expand capacity would be to expand the walls of the building. When the Code is applied to this new configuration in the auditorium, it slightly increases the capacity by about 200 (from a maximum capacity of about 3,280 to 3,481 persons). This increase is offset by decreased capacity in the exhibition hall, where concurrent events have been held in the past, so that the overall capacity of the building is not altered.
- The Masonic booked in excess of 200 events in 2008 with some 140 licenses provided to different operators. The partnership with Live Nation will allow one operator to streamline operations and provide a more professional approach to logistics both inside and outside the building. Furthermore, the total number of events days is actually envisioned to decrease.
The Masonic Center and Live Nation have been diligently working to address concerns about the project and have proposed 25 draft conditions of approval to date. Please see the back of this letter for a partial list of these conditions and visit our website for a full list.
Thank you again for your time. If you are interested in setting up a meeting for you or your neighbors, or have questions/concerns about our plans, please contact our community relations representative, Jennifer Longpré at 415-788-1000 ext. 200 or masoniccentersf@gmail.com. You can also check our website for project updates at www.masonicauditorium.com. We hope you will work with us to support this important project.
Very truly yours,
Allan Casalou, Masons of California
Lee Smith, Live Nation
Letter to Neighbors
(mailed to residents of 1177 California, 1200 California, 1201 California, 1333 Jones, 1000 Mason, 1100 Sacramento)
March 27, 2009
Over the past few weeks, it has become evident to us that many of our neighbors are very concerned about the impact the renovated Masonic, and the partnership with Live Nation, will have on the neighborhood. We have made every effort to communicate accurate, truthful information about our plans, but certain neighbors have worked just as hard to disseminate false and misleading information. It seems that this bad information is sadly clouding the normal, congenial atmosphere on Nob Hill, so in order to put as many people at ease as possible I have chosen to send this letter directly to our neighbors.
First, Live Nation was chosen as our partner in managing the Masonic Center because of their experience and professionalism. I am aware that a neighbor at 1201 California has been publishing information about two east coast events promoted by Live Nation where there were troubles and stating that these things will happen when Live Nation comes to Nob Hill. Anyone would be worried by such information.
The fact is that Live Nation and its predecessor, Bill Graham Presents, have been promoting concerts in our building on Nob Hill since 1972. They have promoted more than a dozen concerts here recently and one as late as February 24. There have been no arrests, assaults, or underage drinking; nor has there been harm done to Huntington Park. Live Nation produces many concerts in a variety of venues in the Bay Area and their reputation is just not consistent with the bad picture that some neighbors seek to impress upon the neighborhood.
Live Nation will have a general manager and operations staff on the property and we believe that once established as the sole operator, they will bring a much higher level of professionalism to the concerts, meetings, and special events that are held in our facility. This has already been demonstrated in the efficiency that they brought to the most recent concert.
Traffic has been challenging for certain events in the past. We take this issue very seriously. We have worked with Live Nation, as well as traffic and parking consultants, to understand the traffic issues better and to find solutions. Together, we have identified a number of ways to reduce congestion on California Street. Several of these measures were implemented during the February 24 event (2,700 in attendance) and traffic conditions were greatly improved. The traffic expert noted that traffic flowed consistently and that there was no congestion. If our plan is approved by the Planning Commission, additional improvements to traffic and parking, such as pre-paid parking, an additional lane into the garage, and an additional entrance through Pine Street, will have an additional positive impact on the traffic and parking.
We have also addressed several other concerns of the neighbors with the conditions we have proposed to the Planning Commission. Sadly, another person in the area is circulating emails claiming that “all attempts to negotiate a reasonable compromise with (the Masonic) have been met with vague, deceptive and arrogant responses.” Setting aside his inflammatory language, nothing could be further from the truth. We have reached out to neighbors on many levels, from hosting an open house when we first started this project to get our neighbors’ feedback to meeting with everyone who has requested it to communicating with tens of thousands of neighbors through mail, email, and advertising. We have addressed to the very best of our ability every constructive concern that has been presented to us. I have enclosed a copy of these conditions for your information.
Many have asked if we have considered the impact this project may have on our building. Indeed we have. Our building is very important to us and we constantly work to maintain and improve it. Just recently we completed the restoration of our beautiful endomosaic mural. This is another reason why we have chosen Live Nation. In visiting some of the other venues they manage, we were impressed by the condition of them, especially the more historic sites under their care. Further, we have enlisted the advice of Architectural Resources Group (ARG), a leading architecture firm in San Francisco that restores historic structures throughout the state. ARG has reviewed all of the plans for improvement with an eye to preserve the character and integrity of the building. We have also hired The Albert Group of San Francisco to oversee the work that is done. The Albert Group has an excellent reputation for the work they have done for some of San Francisco’s most treasured buildings.
The changes being made to the auditorium are not intended to increase attendance at events. Rather, the changes are being made to make the auditorium more flexible than it is currently to better meet the needs of future events. The new configuration of the auditorium will provide a better environment for concerts, meeting planners, and guests of the venue. The tiered floors will be able to accommodate seats, standing room, or banquet tables. The hotels on the Hill are very excited about this kind of flexibility. For complete clarification, the capacity of building is not changing. Capacity is determined by the Building Code and when the Code is applied to this new configuration in the auditorium, it expands the capacity by about 200 (from a maximum capacity of about 3,280 to 3,481 persons). This has been offset by changes to the exhibition hall, where concurrent events have been held in the past, so that the overall capacity of the building is not altered.
The Masons of California have a long-standing, excellent reputation in San Francisco and throughout the state. We are proud of what we have done, what we currently do, and what we will do in the future to improve the lives of others through support of public schools, nursing and healthcare and through a variety of important services to needy children and seniors. We would not knowingly do anything to harm this reputation. We believe that when the facts are known about our Nob Hill project and it moves forward, we will have improved the operations of our building to the betterment of the neighborhood and the entire City.
Thank you again for your time and please let me know if I can provide any further information to you regarding our current project. I have included a flyer which specifically addresses other rumors that are currently circulating in the neighborhood. In addition you may call me personally if you have specific questions at (415) 292-9140 or you may email us at masoniccentersf@gmail.com or check our website for project updates at www.masonicauditorium.com. If you are supportive of our efforts we would appreciate receiving an email at your earliest convenience so that we may provide you with follow-up information.
Very truly yours,
Allan Casalou
Grand Secretary
Letter to Bus Vendors
December 15, 2008
As you may know, the Masonic Center has been a venue for concerts, graduations, exhibitions, banquets and more for many years. As a part of these events we often accommodate bus and truck loading in the front of the auditorium. We take pride in serving as an important venue on Nob Hill and look forward to doing so for some time. Key to the Center’s long-term success is its relationship with its neighbors. The Masonic Center strives to be a respectful neighbor and every so often we think it is helpful toremind our vendors and partners about our good neighbor policies.
Buses parked in front of the building are not permitted to idle at any time. We are exploring alternative solutions such as the installation of electricity at the curb – otherwise known as “shorepower” – to allow buses to obtain power for internal systems without having to leave their engines idling or use generators. Additionally, the Masonic Center also asks that bus drivers be mindful of residential driveways and ensure that buses do not block access at any time.
The Masonic has restricted smoking to a designated area on the north terrace near Taylor Street.
The Masonic Center needs the help of all the vendors it works with to ensure neighbors’ concerns are addressed and we thank you for your cooperation. Please feel free to contact me at (415) 292-9140 with any questions.
Sincerely,
Allan Casalou
Grand Secretary
Masons of California
Community Open House Invitation
November 12, 2008
Masonic Center, 1111 California Street
You’re Invited…
As a neighbor of the Masonic Center, we would like to invite you to an open house to learn about our plans to refurbish the Masonic Auditorium and launch a new partnership to offer an exciting San Francisco entertainment and food experience.
We are honored to be a part of the Nob Hill neighborhood and look forward to many more years in this community. As we look ahead, we feel now is the time to make some changes and upgrades to our facilities and operations.
The refurbished Masonic will enhance San Francisco’s reputation as a key destination for top quality theater, music, and live entertainment. We hope to continue working closely with our Nob Hill hotel and restaurant partners to provide opportunities that are unique to this San Francisco neighborhood.
Please join us to meet key members of our team and learn more about our plans. Light refreshments will be served. We look forward to hosting you!
Open House Response Letter
December 15, 2008
As you may know, on November 12, 2008, the Masonic Center hosted an open house for its surrounding neighbors. This forum was designed to provide neighbors with a tour of the building and to answer any questions about the proposed interior renovations from the public. During the event, a number of issues were raised by the audience. This letter is intended to provide members of the community who attended the open house -- as well as those who were unable to attend -- with some additional information and clarifications regarding the Masonic and its current and future operations.
First, for those of you who did attend, we appreciate your candor in the meeting and want to assure you that we take your concerns seriously. The Masons are an organization with deep ties to San Francisco and a dedication to community service. The feedback we received on the evening of November 12 was a clear signal that we need to be more proactive in our communications and responsive to our neighbors’ concerns. Since the open house, the Masonic organization has made some immediate changes to its operations which are outlined in greater detail below.
In addition, it is important to consider that Live Nation, as the future long-term operator of the facility, has extensive experience managing venues of all sizes in a variety of communities and neighborhoods. Live Nation will offer consistency in operations, which will translate into direct benefits to the neighborhood. Once Live Nation becomes the sole operator, it will implement an operations plan for the Masonic that will include clearly defined roles and responsibilities, a fulltime onsite manager to be a day-to-day contact for area neighbors, and contracts with vendors and entertainers that clearly spell out the rules and expectations for behavior while on the premises. Each event would be subject to an operations plan, regardless of the nature of the event or the size of the audience.
Live Nation and its predecessor company, Bill Graham Presents, have a long history in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. We take our reputation seriously and know that our ability to promote entertainment depends on our credibility in the communities where we do business.
As was referenced above, the remainder of this letter is an attempt to address some of the issues that were raised at the open house and outline some of the immediate and longterm steps we are taking to address your concerns.
Operations and Loading
First, we want to make clear that the interior capacity of the building will not be expanded as a result of the renovations. Currently the building can accommodate 3,500 patrons and that number is not going to increase.
Second, enclosed with this letter are copies of correspondence the Masonic has recently sent to bus companies, other vendors and nearby hotels and attractions whose buses may use the curb in front of the auditorium. The documents make clear that it is the Masonic’s policy to not allow bus idling in front of the building. The letter also reminds buses and other operators not to obstruct any residential driveways. We will continue to advise bus operators of our policy, to monitor activities along California Street, and enforce these policies.
Additionally, as was mentioned at the open house, Live Nation is exploring the feasibility of installing electricity at the curb – otherwise known as “shore power” – to allow buses to obtain power for internal systems without having to use a generator.
The Masonic has increased San Francisco Parking and Traffic (DPT) personnel at its events and found that this is helpful in reducing traffic congestion. Live Nation and the Masonic are also investigating the feasibility of modifying parking operations for our customers that will help ease the ingress and egress traffic at the garage. Additionally, Live Nation will promote the use of car pooling, car sharing, and public transportation for those attending performances at the Masonic.
Finally, in direct response to comments made by neighbors regarding loading, we are exploring the feasibility of new options, including some that were raised at the open house, to reduce noise and inconvenience to neighbors and hope to share those with you in the near future.
After renovations have been completed, the Masonic will have a commercial grade kitchen that will negate the need for substantial catering equipment to be loaded in and out of the facility on a regular basis. Additionally, the renovation to the auditorium will reduce the amount of lighting and audio equipment that must be brought in and removed for certain performances.
Smoking
As a result of the feedback we received at the open house, the Masonic has restricted smoking to a designated area on the north terrace near Taylor Street. This designated smoking area will continue once Live Nation takes control of programming for the building in the spring.
Programming at the Auditorium
Live Nation owns, operates and programs many different facilities. In the Bay Area alone it can range from the Oakland and San Francisco stadiums, to any of the area theatres, and wineries. In every case, consideration is given to match the artist and audience with the potential facility. The Masonic will be no exception. It is Live Nation’s intention to maintain some of the current business including SF Jazz and our own shows like Van Morrison, KKSF Christmas Jazz concert, and a variety of music, comedy, and speaking events.
Thank you for you input and we look forward to further conversation as we move ahead in a positive, united manner with the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Allan Casalou, Grand Secretary, Masons of California
Lee Smith, Chairman, Live Nation
Neighborhood Mailing
March 23, 2009
Over the past few weeks, it has become evident to us that many of our neighbors are very concerned about the impact the renovated Masonic, and the partnership with Live Nation, will have on the neighborhood. We have made every effort to communicate accurate, truthful information about our plans, but certain neighbors have worked just as hard to disseminate false and misleading information. It seems that this bad information is sadly clouding the normal, congenial atmosphere on Nob Hill, so in order to put as many people at ease as possible I have chosen to send this letter directly to our neighbors.
First, Live Nation was chosen as our partner in managing the Masonic Center because of their experience and professionalism. I am aware that a neighbor at 1201 California has been publishing information about two east coast events promoted by Live Nation where there were troubles and stating that these things will happen when Live Nation comes to Nob Hill. Anyone would be worried by such information.
The fact is that Live Nation and its predecessor, Bill Graham Presents, have been promoting concerts in our building on Nob Hill since 1972. They have promoted more than a dozen concerts here recently and one as late as February 24. There have been no arrests, assaults, or underage drinking; nor has there been harm done to Huntington Park. Live Nation produces many concerts in a variety of venues in the Bay Area and their reputation is just not consistent with the bad picture that some neighbors seek to impress upon the neighborhood.
Live Nation will have a general manager and operations staff on the property and we believe that once established as the sole operator, they will bring a much higher level of professionalism to the concerts, meetings, and special events that are held in our facility. This has already been demonstrated in the efficiency that they brought to the most recent concert.
Traffic has been challenging for certain events in the past. We take this issue very seriously. We have worked with Live Nation, as well as traffic and parking consultants, to understand the traffic issues better and to find solutions. Together, we have identified a number of ways to reduce congestion on California Street. Several of these measures were implemented during the February 24 event (2,700 in attendance) and traffic conditions were greatly improved. The traffic expert noted that traffic flowed consistently and that there was no congestion. If our plan is approved by the Planning Commission, additional improvements to traffic and parking, such as pre-paid parking, an additional lane into the garage, and an additional entrance through Pine Street, will have an additional positive impact on the traffic and parking.
We have also addressed several other concerns of the neighbors with the conditions we have proposed to the Planning Commission. Sadly, another person in the area is circulating emails claiming that “all attempts to negotiate a reasonable compromise with (the Masonic) have been met with vague, deceptive and arrogant responses.” Setting aside his inflammatory language, nothing could be further from the truth. We have reached out to neighbors on many levels, from hosting an open house when we first started this project to get our neighbors’ feedback to meeting with everyone who has requested it to communicating with tens of thousands of neighbors through mail, email, and advertising. We have addressed to the very best of our ability every constructive concern that has been presented to us. I have enclosed a copy of these conditions for your information.
Many have asked if we have considered the impact this project may have on our building. Indeed we have. Our building is very important to us and we constantly work to maintain and improve it. Just recently we completed the restoration of our beautiful endomosaic mural. This is another reason why we have chosen Live Nation. In visiting some of the other venues they manage, we were impressed by the condition of them, especially the more historic sites under their care. Further, we have enlisted the advice of Architectural Resources Group (ARG), a leading architecture firm in San Francisco that restores historic structures throughout the state. ARG has reviewed all of the plans for improvement with an eye to preserve the character and integrity of the building. We have also hired The Albert Group of San Francisco to oversee the work that is done. The Albert Group has an excellent reputation for the work they have done for some of San Francisco’s most treasured buildings.
The changes being made to the auditorium are not intended to increase attendance at events. Rather, the changes are being made to make the auditorium more flexible than it is currently to better meet the needs of future events. The new configuration of the auditorium will provide a better environment for concerts, meeting planners, and guests of the venue. The tiered floors will be able to accommodate seats, standing room, or banquet tables. The hotels on the Hill are very excited about this kind of flexibility. For complete clarification, the capacity of building is not changing. Capacity is determined by the Building Code and when the Code is applied to this new configuration in the auditorium, it expands the capacity by about 200 (from a maximum capacity of about 3,280 to 3,481 persons). This has been offset by changes to the exhibition hall, where concurrent events have been held in the past, so that the overall capacity of the building is not altered.
The Masons of California have a long-standing, excellent reputation in San Francisco and throughout the state. We are proud of what we have done, what we currently do, and what we will do in the future to improve the lives of others through support of public schools, nursing and healthcare and through a variety of important services to needy children and seniors. We would not knowingly do anything to harm this reputation. We believe that when the facts are known about our Nob Hill project and it moves forward, we will have improved the operations of our building to the betterment of the neighborhood and the entire City.
Thank you again for your time and please let me know if I can provide any further information to you regarding our current project. I have included a flyer which specifically addresses other rumors that are currently circulating in the neighborhood. In addition you may call me personally if you have specific questions at (415) 292-9140 or you may email us at masoniccentersf@gmail.com. If you are supportive of our efforts we would appreciate receiving an email at your earliest convenience so that we may provide you with follow-up information.
Very truly yours,
Allan L. Casalou
Grand Secretary