Building for the Future: A Sustainable and Thriving Irish Center in San Francisco

The Irish Center has been a special gathering place for Irish culture and the community in San Francisco for 50 years. Our two-story building is full of memories, but it’s also aging, and the costs to keep it running are an ongoing challenge. Many of us on the board and volunteers behind the scenes know we need a long-term solution to keep our community strong and vibrant. Moreover. we just don’t have enough rental space and rooms to accommodate all the requests for events due to the current capacity of the building.

Full Planning Approval — After three years of overcoming legal and procedural hurdles, we are excited to share that we can finally move forward with redeveloping our facility. At city hall, on Wednesday, October 9th, we received full planning approval, and now we’re ready to bring our vision to life. There were delays earlier because of an appeal related to the Coastal Zone Permit, but we’ve resolved it and have all the approvals needed to build a new facility at our 45th Avenue location.

Measurable Growth While we worked through the approval process, we’ve been building momentum, especially solidifying our human capital. You may have noticed a busier calendar of events, more community programs, better communication, and a stronger social media presence. Our membership is growing, and more people are attending events. We’ve also been working hard to form new partnerships and attract more young people and professionals to the Center.

Sustainable Building The plan for a new six-story facility isn’t just about adding more space—it’s about creating a sustainable future for the Center. The new building will include energy-efficient systems to cut utility costs, sustainable materials to reduce our environmental impact, and better insulation. We also plan to use renewable energy, like solar power, and install water-saving fixtures. These features will make the new Center much more eco-friendly and financially sustainable than our current building.

New Income StreamsThe new six-story Center will also help pay for itself by creating new ways to generate income. With more space, we’ll be able to host bigger events like weddings, conferences, and cultural festivals, which will bring in additional revenue. We plan to add additional rental meeting rooms, a performance auditorium, and hospitality attractions to draw visitors and generate steady income. By maximizing the use of these new facilities, the building will support itself over time.

Community Hub — Rebuilding isn’t just about growth—it’s about making sure the Irish Center remains a financially self-sustaining hub for our community. The revenue from the new Center will support community programs, youth education, cultural events, and maintenance, creating a positive cycle of impact.

Now, more than ever, San Francisco needs a strong Irish Center. It’s where we connect, celebrate, and pass on our heritage, serving as a cornerstone for the Irish American community. Investing in a new building is a commitment to the future. It ensures the Center will not only honor our past but also become a sustainable asset for future generations.

Together, let’s build a modern, eco-friendly, and financially sound Irish Center that will secure a vibrant cultural future in San Francisco. Let’s create a place where the Irish Center isn’t just surviving but thriving.

2024 Annual AppealMembers and supporters will soon receive the Irish Center’s annual appeal letter in the mail. As we continue planning for the future—including the exciting development of a new, state-of-the-art facility—we remain committed to building on this year’s successes. With the end of the year approaching, we can look back and reflect on another period of growth at the Center, especially in the variety and diversity of our cultural events and programs. Our youth programming, in particular, has expanded in exciting ways, thanks to the unwavering support of our members, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Last Years Appeal in Action Building on the generosity from last year’s appeal, we’ve made significant strides in nurturing the next generation of Irish Americans. This year, we were thrilled to host an expanded Irish Summer Camp, welcoming over 100 local children for a three-week period in June. Additionally, more than 60 youngsters now participate in weekly classes in traditional Irish music, drumming, piping, and Irish step dancing. These programs not only foster cultural appreciation but also help to build a strong sense of community among our youth.

Pop Up GaeltachtInformal meet ups to speak Irish (Gaelige) are now up and running at the Center. The pop-up classes are geared towards beginner and intermediate level leaners and happen each Saturday in the Emerald pub, prior to and during the weekly Irish Music sessions.

Weekly Trad Sessions — Weekly Saturday afternoon Irish trad sessions take place from 4-7pm in the Emerald pub. The sessions draw people all around the bay area in October we had visitors from Wisconsin, Los Angeles and Eureka, CA enjoying the music.

Happy ThanksgivingAs we enter this season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks to each of you. The Irish Center is more than just a building—it’s where we come together as a community to celebrate our shared culture, support one another, and pass on our heritage. We are truly grateful for the continued generosity and support that keeps the spirit of the Irish Center alive and thriving. Your contributions make it possible for us to provide the programs, events, and cultural experiences that bring us together.

This Thanksgiving, we reflect on the many blessings we share: the joy of gathering at the Center, the friendships that form here, and the traditions we preserve together. It is through your kindness and commitment that we can keep building a bright future for the Irish Center.

Thank you for being a part of our story. Your support, whether large or small, ensures that the Irish Center remains a vibrant place where Irish culture and community will continue to flourish in San Francisco for generations to come.

Liam Reidy, President

lreidy@irishcentersf.org