UCSF to Host Third Annual Mission Bay Block Party

Amy Powell, production coordinator for Arts & Events, part of Campus Life Services, was among those to turn out for the UCSF Mission Bay block party last year.

UCSF faculty, staff, students, and neighbors are invited to join the fun at the Third Annual Mission Bay Retail Block Party on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from noon to 2 p.m.

The celebration – featuring food, live music and public art—marks the third year of the opening of eateries on Gene Friend Way at the beautiful Mission Bay campus.

This year, the popular San Francisco Bay Area reggae band Native Elements will perform live. Partygoers also will be invited to tour new Mission Bay campus art installations and shop the Farmers’ Market, which takes place in the plaza every Wednesday on Gene Friend Way.

For the past two years, UCSF Campus Life Services has hosted the party, offering attendees an opportunity to win prizes, play games and take a break from work. More than 1,000 guests – including those from across UCSF campuses, the J. David Gladstone Institutes, and neighbors from Potrero Hill, China Basin and the Dog Patch – enjoyed the festivities in previous years.

“We are very pleased that the Mission Bay Development Group is an event sponsor, helping UCSF make this celebration happen,” says Tamara Villarina, assistant manager of Retail Services. “It’s an exciting time at Mission Bay right now. Though UCSF has had a presence in Mission Bay for almost 10 years, the community is young and growing.”

The campus has come a long way since its 1999 groundbreaking in an area occupied by old warehouses and rail yards. Genentech Hall, the first building completed at UCSF Mission Bay, opened its doors in January 2003 to 900 scientists, students and staff working in 60 labs grouped in “neighborhoods” to spur collaborative research.

Native Elements

Today, the current Mission Bay daytime population is estimated at 5,000. The campus now has four research buildings, another two under or slated for construction, a community center, housing complex, child care center, campus green, plaza with public art and retail space and two parking structures. Planning and fundraising continues for UCSF Medical Center at Mission Bay, a 289-bed, integrated hospital complex to serve children, women and cancer patients.

Places to Go

With the opening of retail spaces located at the main entrance to UCSF Mission Bay, members of the growing campus community have new places to meet and greet colleagues. Gene Friend Way is home to eateries Caffe Terzetto, Peasant Pies and Subway. Bank of America and Wells Fargo ATMs have opened on the plaza as well.

A portion of proceeds from Retail Services vendors is reinvested into campus enrichment activities produced by Arts & Events, such as concerts and cultural events.

Customers of Caffe Terzetto, Peasant Pies, Subway and the Farmers’ Market may receive up to one hour of discounted parking with validation at the Mission Bay parking garage at 1650 Third St. The discounted parking rate will be available with a purchase of $5 or more at either vendor. Customers may park up to 20 minutes for free.

For more information about the Mission Bay block party, contact Retail Services at 415/514-1395.