An urban farm and social experiment where volunteers grew food, art, and community.
The project began in January 2010, when San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development gave community members, artists, educators and permaculture designers an interim-use lease at 450 Laguna Street to activate the 2.2. acre lot for green space. The empty lot at Laguna Street and Fell was under the old 101 freeway on-ramp, which had been structurally damaged in the Loma Prieta Earthquake.
The lot was slated to be developed into condominiums within a few years. Learn more about the history of Hayes Valley Farm, the plants they grew, and the events and activities they stewarded (over 100 projects within three years).
Source: Hayes Valley Farm: freeway to food forest
Hayes Valley’s transformation started back in 2003, when a committed group of citizens succeeded in taking down the Central Freeway that had divided their neighborhood. The efforts paid off massively: Since then, the area’s seen major investment from local brands and restaurants. The mix of creative boutiques and shops makes for a very stroll-able shopping neighborhood, not to mention what’s become one of the best food scenes in the city.