The Richmond District is experiencing a wave of commercial shifts as several long‑standing locations change hands. The former Stratford School at 645 14th Avenue, once known for its Mandarin immersion program, is now listed for lease. The property, owned by Spring Education Group under Primavera Holdings Ltd., closed this spring despite a parent‑led effort to keep it open.
New opportunities for the former school building
Prospective tenants can apply to use the space for educational, office or creative purposes, according to a broker’s sign posted at the corner of Balboa Street. The building’s zoning allows flexibility, offering a rare chance for local entrepreneurs or community groups to establish a presence in a well‑located neighborhood.
Pilates studio expands to Clement Street
MNT Studio, a Pilates gym that markets itself as a “wellness social club,” will open a new location at 35 Clement Street near Second Avenue in October. The chain already operates several Bay Area sites, including one in the Marina and an upcoming outpost in Mission Rock.
Retail turnover on Clement and Balboa
At 701 Clement Street, a storefront that previously housed The APM – a boutique selling South Korean wholesale apparel – now displays signage for “Solo Show.” The Chinese characters beside the English name translate to “trendy women’s clothing.” Business registration records show Golden Lu LLC was filed for the address in late June.
Meanwhile, Pixlcat Café at 519 Clement Street near Sixth Avenue is hosting a “Summer Gelato Social” on Sunday, Aug. 23. The event features plant‑based gelato from Flora Gelateria, free of eggs, dairy and gluten, with flavors such as matchy, chocolate and Meyer lemon verbena.
Restaurant closures and brief vacations
Long‑time neighborhood favorite My Tofu House, located at 4627 Geary Boulevard near 11th Avenue, closed its doors after 25 years of serving soft tofu soup and banchan. A farewell sign thanked patrons for their loyalty.
Fuwa Dumpling on 3608 Balboa Street will pause service from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 for a short vacation, reopening shortly thereafter. The temporary closure will leave a quiet stretch of Balboa Street, especially since Pho Kim Son, another local eatery on the same block, has been shuttered since July.
Local culture events
On Aug. 30, the 4 Star Theater will host Basement VHS’s annual all‑day festival, celebrating the VHS format with a movie marathon and vendors selling vintage clothing and cassette tapes. Residents are also reminded to check Cinema SF’s programming for additional boutique theater and live indie music options.
Finally, Devil’s Teeth at 3619 Balboa Street continues its Sunday tradition of $1 beignets, a small but beloved treat for neighborhood walkers.
Original reporting: Mission Local — read the source article.
