Industrial SOMA
Unfinished History
The South of Market, particularly where it adjoins the Northeast Mission, was a vast expanse of warehouses, railroad yards, breweries, and factories until the late 20th century. Streets were wide open and still often carried streetcar lines.
Western Pacific railroad yards at 7th and Brannan, 1929.
Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
Western Pacific railroad yards at 7th and Brannan, 1929.
Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
The former Cribben and Sexton building at 7th and Brannan still has "Sexton" visible on the wall, 2023.
Photo: Eihway Su
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9th and Brannan, c. 1920. View south toward the Western Pacific Railyard, Pacific Portland Cement Company at corner of 9th and Brannan (building still stands), Potrero Hill rising in background.
Photo: OpenSFHistory.org
9th and Brannan, 1926.
Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
Howard and 8th Streets, looking west on Howard when it was still a two-way street with streetcars running on it, 1936.
Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library