Transformation continues to be the name of the game on Union Street. Though our story here in Cow Hollow has never had a beginning, middle or end, it has always had a core that has remained fundamentally strong. It doesn’t hurt to be naturally beautiful … as our street is. Nor does it hurt to have a large loyal customer base, a solid amount of tourists, and a strong merchant association as our street does.

At its core, Union Street has heart – and a few people who work tirelessly to keep it pumping. And though it’s been a rocky road these last couple of years, the continued combined efforts of these few (and you know who you are Lesley, Dennis, Eleanor, Perry, David, and you Larry Murray) have paid off in several ways. Whether it’s the beautification of our streets, the events we host, or the legislation that helps keep the intrinsic value of Union Street sound, the perseverance and dedication of these individuals is remarkable, most notably as they recently fought long and hard to remove the outdated ban on new restaurants.

As a result of lifting that ban, it has been the restaurants driving the foot traffic and giving us a stronger pulse. Our longtime anchors – Rose’s Café, Perrys’, and Betelnut – have sustained their strength, while a new crop of restaurants has given us a much needed shot in the arm. The newest of the group is The Brixton, a lively American bar and restaurant at 2140 Union in the old Left at Albuquerque space. Owners Hugo Gamboa, Andy Wasserman and Adam Snyder are well versed in the world of trendy watering hole eateries, and by the looks of things thus far, Brixton is a perfect fit for the neighborhood. Named after The Brixton Academy in London, a well-known rock ’n’ roll venue that featured live performances (Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Madonna), the roasted, braised and grilled comfort food is great fare to soak up the creative and oh-so-fashionable cocktails.

Another restaurant coming to the block is Unique, which will be a classic, cozy French cafe. The overhaul of the former retail space at 1849 Union is now under way and the owners hope to open by the end of next month.

While restaurants are definitely lending a hand to the foot traffic on street, other events are supporting the increased traffic as well. Our recent Union Street Has a Crush on You Valentine’s Day Wine Walk was a huge success. It was extremely well attended and so much fun. Hundreds of people took part in the numerous tastings up and down the street, as several merchants hosted them with appetizers, gifts and raffles. The sip-and-shop theory of fun and business was great exposure for so many of the local vineyards and for the stores and restaurants that participated.

Other news on the street includes that of the Metro Theater, which is finally in its last stages of permits. After months and months and more months of hearings, permits and usage (oh my!), owner Stephane De Bord and partners are moving forward. Hallelujah.

As for the recent talk about the changes for this year’s Union Street Festival ... it’s all true. Our 35th anniversary will be an alcohol-free event. Though recent modifications highlighting the event as an eco-urban fair have been popular and have helped the controversial venue, this year’s conversion to being alcohol free is sure to be well received by the neighbors, merchants, and those artists who participate in this, the first festival of the season.

Yes, there have been many positive changes on Union recently, some neighbor driven, some merchant driven, even some landlord driven, all resulting in a more fully integrated community of commerce and neighborhood.

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