The last few issues of our newsletters have concentrated mostly on the major developments  in Little Italy.  The significance of these changes cannot be underestimated.  The millions of dollars in street and sidewalk repairs, the installation of new street lights, the property-based maintenance district and the dynamic growth of the tourism sector are all excellent signs for a strong and diversified community economy.

The impact that 600 to 800 new market rate housing units will have on the retail and service sector of Little Italy will be tremendous.   Whereas the retail day to

day is usually between 7:00 a.m. and  8:00 p.m., the introduction of more than a thousand new residents will extend that retail day and fill in the lulls throughout the day. There are many of the reasons why people have chosen to move to Little Italy.  We have the only two elementary schools in Downtown, Washington Elementary and Harborside School,  Amici Park, our close proximity to the Trolley and the North Embarcadero, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, and as well as a superbly clean and safe neighborhood.  But one of the real attractions is the fact that India Street serves as the primary neighbor

hood shopping district. Although Italian related food products can be found throughout India Street, these new residents are creating a demand for many other retail services including clothing, furniture, art studios, travel related businesses and personal services.  There are now more retail businesses operating on India Street and Kettner Boulevard today, than at any time in the last 40 years.

But the real charm of this community is to be found in the refurbished Victorian and Craftsman style homes that still exist in the neighborhood.  Amici Partners have recently completed a renova

tion of their historic homes along Date between Union and Front Street that is unmatched in its quality in any place in Downtown.  The revitalized historic homes along State, Union, Date and Fir Street represent the backbone of this community.  They are the living history of this neighborhood.  We also cannot forget the excellent Art Deco, Spanish revival and brick warehouse structures that are found and still function north of Hawthorne Street in Little Italy.

The blending of the old and contemporary architecture is our guide in the next

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