New Clubhouse Opens for SHARP Members' Meetings

By Jonathan Farrell

The new clubhouse and meeting hall for the Sunset Heights Association of Responsible People (SHARP) had a grand opening on July 26.

The neighborhood organization has been in existence for more than 100 years. Through its various incarnations it has been responsible for many of the improvements that have helped shape the Inner Sunset District and surrounding areas.

"The completion of this meeting space was part of a plan that has been anticipated for a very long time," said project manager and SHARP President Charles Head.

"Since our old building was demolished and construction began, SHARP meetings have been hosted in members' homes," he said.

"To have this new space will make it not only more convenient for members but will help to visibly establish the organization in the neighborhood," he added.

Concerning construction of the site, Head confided that some of the plans had to be adjusted.

"The lots were purchased a long time ago," Head said. "An older plan was to have a senior center with some affordable housing for seniors on one lot and then have our meeting space on the adjacent lot. But, we were not able to raise enough funds to complete that dream in its entirety."

SHARP then decided to sell one of the two lots to raise money for its initial need of having a permanent meeting space.

"Once loans are paid, the income from the two units above will help us to not only maintain the space but also allow us to provide funds for future community projects and concerns," said Head.

SHARP currently has close to 100 members and continually invites Sunset residents from every part of the district to join its meetings. Now that a permanent meeting spot is established, SHARP hopes regular attendance at monthly meetings will be made easier and more consistent. The new space on the lower level of 1738 Ninth Ave. seats about 35 people comfortably.

It took more than a year to complete the four-story building.

"One unit has an upstairs master suite with two balconies and a bath with jacuzzi," said Dennis Minnick, a board member of SHARP.

Minnick noted that the small balcony in the front of the building was included at the City's request.

"These two units will be for rent at current market value," he said.

Minnick and crew have ensured that every aspect of the new building is up to code and meets the highest standard of craftsmanship. Within its budget, SHARP did things like install on-demand water heaters, dual-flush toilets and used quality insulation, all to make the building more energy efficient.

Both Minnick and Head hinted that just getting the design plans together with the City Planning Department and the SF Department of Building Inspection took time.

Yet, despite difficulties along the way, Minnick is very pleased with the outcome.

"It's going to be good and beneficial for so many," Head said. "The money received from renting out the two units will help SHARP in its outreach to the community and to continue its work," he said.

For more information about SHARP and its new permanent meeting place, visit the website at www.sharpsf.com.