Tiki Central / General Tiki
Tonga Room SF (Not) to be demolished?
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BBR
Boom Boom Room
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Fri, Mar 12, 2010 9:23 PM
I am a lobbyist in Washington. Getting media coverage is a great tactic. The best strategy (and probably the only strategy to win) is to get this on the historic preservation list. That would be a permanent solution that would trump the otherwise inevitable business decision based on profitability. The advantage of this strategy is tapping into the often highly effective lobbying campaigns that historic preservationists have shown they can launch and win. They are battle tested veterans who know what levers to push. This is a street fight. They are street fighters. The keys to their success are experience, passion, not giving up, media savvy, and knowing how to navigate the historic designation process. I would strongly encourage the local tikifiles to cultivate, woo, and recruit the San Francisco preservationist leaders to join this cause and co-lead it. The Tonga Room might not be an easy initial sell. They are used to fighting for art deco, buildings built by famous architects, etc. However, a strong case can be made for preservation under the criteria for historic preservation. Also, bear in mind that volunteer leaders are always looking for fresh blood, more troops in the field. If local tikifiles can bring decent volunteer numbers to the table to do the scut work, preservation leaders will be impressed by that, and respect tiki passion for this project. The petition drive is a strong indication that there are troops in the field. I would also call the petition a tactic rather than a strategy. The petition will probably not convince Fairmont to change its direction, but it is great evidence of support to, in turn, recruit preservationists into the fight. It is also a hook to get press coverage. Glad to provide further thoughts and whatever help I can lend if someone leading the tiki charge would like to send me a PM. Good luck! |
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JOHN-O
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Sat, Mar 13, 2010 1:40 PM
Nice, Tiki Central has representation in Washington D.C. !! Actually my post was not so much a literal "call to action" as it was a self-indulgent "what if". :( Having gone back and read some of the previous posts (it was one long thread that had gone dormant for a while), I got a sense that most locals have accepted the inevitable. For most here, historic significance or preservation falls low on the list when compared to drink quality and TIPSY factor. I think the petition is still a great idea as it brings the significance of classic Tiki-style into the media spotlight even if it's limited to local newsprint. Who knows I may be underestimating TC, I hope someone here takes ownership and reaches out to you. [ Edited by: JOHN-O 2010-03-13 15:29 ] |
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monet2u
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Tue, Mar 16, 2010 11:03 AM
I would show up for a protest, as would many others I bet. :) |
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thejab
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Tue, Mar 16, 2010 5:19 PM
As we all know, listing on the National Register didn't save the Kahiki. Here's the criteria from the California Office of Historic Preservation for California and Federal Listing (besides it being over 50 years of age, which isn't always a necessary criteria - the Kahiki wasn't 50 when it was listed): California
Federal
Seems pretty subjective to me. I doubt most San Franciscans think it qualifies based on the above criteria. |
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monet2u
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Thu, Mar 18, 2010 4:03 PM
subjective to be sure. but we must try just the same. |
GK
Grand Kahu
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Thu, Mar 18, 2010 4:50 PM
As someone who has worked in historic preservation, the prior post that being part of the national registry does not protect a site is entirely correct. Only local preservation designation with protection (depending upon the degree of protection, as many would not cover an interior such as the Tonga Room, but only the exterior of a historic structure) would provide any hope of stopping demolition - or at least require a "waiting period" before it occurs. Interiors are very, very difficult to protect in this manner. Public/media awareness is a far better bet, considering preservation laws. In SF, I expect they are pretty strong, as in Savannah, where I worked, but still, your mileage may vary... GK |
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JOHN-O
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Thu, Mar 18, 2010 6:25 PM
I guess this is why preservationism and Tiki really don't complement each other. The physical structure is (for the most part) just the shell. Take away the Tikis, bamboo, tapa paper, Tropical drinks, Exotica juke box, and you really don't have anything left. But as I pointed out before, historical significance rates pretty low around here. Tikiphiles prefer a perfectly executed "net new" Tiki Revival place like Forbidden Island over an authentic mid-century classic that's past its prime. Case in point, does anyone regularly support Trad'r Sam ?? That place dates back to 1937 !! And remember, you don't have to always suffer through a bad Tropical drink. That's why God invented gin and whiskey. :) |
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christiki295
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Mon, Mar 22, 2010 9:19 AM
I like it! |
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Norcal_Kahuna
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Mon, Mar 22, 2010 1:37 PM
Martin, I am with you on this. As the person responsible for organizing this event I have been subjected to pressure to back down, with the developer evening threatening my business. There have been plenty of drink-ins at the Tonga Room. It is great to give the Tonga Room business but what we are trying to do is to get it landmarked, which is going to completely turn the tables on the developer. Having the event at Smugglers Cove will allow us to gather the signatures that we need to do this without the interference of the management. Martin has generously allowed us to use his bar for this event and for that I will be eternally grateful. Furthermore, addressing John-O: SOS Tonga has enjoyed great publicity up in the Bay Area with spots on KQED's Forum with Michael Krasny, as well as two columns (one by John King and the other by John Carroll) in the San Francisco Chronicle, one in the San Francisco Examiner, postings on dozens of widely read blogs like SF Grubstreet, Curbed SF, etc. The latest is a write up in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Magazine coming out in April, which will take the story nationally. This is a volunteer effort. Everyone involved in this has other things going on in their lives. Based on what else is going on in our lives, I think we have garnered a lot of publicity, nearly all of it positive. In addition, we are actually doing something that may, just maybe, stop the demolition of the Tonga Room and get it recognized as a local landmark. As a reminder, please remember to come out tomorrow night (March 23rd) to Smugglers Cove from 5-7 to sign some petitions and enjoy some cocktails. |
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Aquatic Safarinaut
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Mon, Mar 22, 2010 4:43 PM
I want to sign but can't be there before 9...what to do? |
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Norcal_Kahuna
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Tue, Mar 23, 2010 10:08 AM
Anyone who can't make it but wants to sign our bitchen' petition......either contact me directly at [email protected] or wait for the next event. We are looking into the possibility of having another event at The Forbidden Island in Alameda. Seriously, we'll have as many of these as we can. Also, we still have some time and at the right time - preferably once we get a hearing at the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission - we will start having demonstrations in front of the Fairmont. Synchronized paper umbrella drill teams anybody? Chris VerPlanck |
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tikitonga
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Tue, Mar 23, 2010 11:56 AM
On a side note, the wife and I plus a few friends, who we are trying to convert to Tikism, will be visiting the Tonga Room this Saturday evening for what could very well be our last visit. If you're in the area, swing on by. It would be nice to have some honest to goodness Tiki Freaks there. |
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Norcal_Kahuna
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Wed, Mar 24, 2010 10:05 AM
SOS Tonga is really pleased with the turnout last night for the Save the Tonga Room Rally at Smugglers' Cove. Thanks to all who came and signed to the petition. We look forward to the next event at The Forbidden Island in Alameda this summer and maybe in Los Angeles later. Meanwhile the work of lobbying the Historic Preservation Commission begins. Stay tuned to these forums and also to the Save the Tonga Room Facebook group. If you aren't on Facebook, send me your email address and I will put together an email listserve group. My email is [email protected] --Chris VerPlanck |
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christiki295
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Wed, Mar 24, 2010 7:58 PM
Good job. The first step often is the most challenging. |
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dangergirl299
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Sat, Mar 27, 2010 12:22 AM
I couldn't make the meeting on Tuesday night but am looking forward to signing the petition at the upcoming Forbidden Island event! |
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Norcal_Kahuna
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Tue, Apr 20, 2010 11:11 AM
Here is the latest press for the effort to save the Tonga Room. http://www.preservationnation.org/magazine/2010/may-june/transitions.html Also, SOS Tonga has started a website: http://www.sostonga.com Mahalo, Chris VerPlanck |
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christiki295
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Tue, Apr 27, 2010 10:47 PM
I hope the preservation Happy Hours work to save the Tonga Room! |
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dangergirl299
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Wed, Apr 28, 2010 5:18 PM
Update on Planning Commission activity: EIR posted here: Relevant excerpts of EIR: Alternatives re moving Tonga Room: Project description: compare East-West elevations page 10 and 36: Tonga Room does not appear in the proposed future plans! Discussion of historical value of Tonga Room; finding of historical value: Next Planning Commission meeting June 10th Submit comments April 28-June 16th to; Environmental Review Officer |
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thejab
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Wed, Apr 28, 2010 5:34 PM
Today the Draft Environmental Impact Report for 950 Mason Street – Fairmont Hotel Project was released to the public here: http://www.sfplanning.org/index.aspx?page=1828 THE GOOD NEWS: From sections IV. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation,
THE BAD NEWS:
We all know that your can't preserve a classic tiki bar just by salvaging the decor for possible display in a museum. In the draft EIR they even stated (bold added by me):
I think that overall the news is good, as the Planning Department has identified it as a significant cultural resource, eligible for State listing . If it is listed perhaps the developers will be influenced enough to save it, or move it into a portion of the hotel. |
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thejab
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Wed, Apr 28, 2010 6:00 PM
One more thing to add: The draft EIR stated that the Cirque Room, the cocktail lounge designed by Tomothy Pfluger in 1935, will be preserved! I was worried about it because it is in a part of the hotel which may have been beneath the 1961 addition like the Tonga Room (but it is not). |
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TikiHardBop
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Tue, May 4, 2010 1:48 PM
More Tonga Room news: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Tonga-Room-deemed-historical-92740999.html |
GK
Grand Kahu
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Tue, May 4, 2010 3:40 PM
And it needs to actually BE listed under state law before any of that applies. Less scrupulous developers would rather rush demo work than allow that listing to occur - and then receive a slap on the wrist for doing do. I hope that does not occur. As much as I appreciate the notion of retaining key elements versus leveling the whole thing, such "preservation salvage" is still dismemberment of the whole, destroying the integrated experience such environments afford. I've seen this approach trumpeted too many times with facades - where the building behind it is completely gone, but one simple face of the building retained as "historic preservation." Better than nothing? Perhaps. A good substitute for a thoughtful holistic approach to preserving a historic structure within the context of contemporary society and commerce? Nah, just easier and cheaper than that route. GK |
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christiki295
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Tue, May 4, 2010 5:15 PM
Owners of the Fairmont Hotel were provided with options to help them comply with California law when they demolish the historic venue. Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Tonga-Room-deemed-historical-92740999.html#ixzz0n0eITN8P |
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christiki295
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Tue, May 4, 2010 5:17 PM
Looks like its time to pay final visits, as the time for gutting can't be far off. |
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abstractiki
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Tue, May 4, 2010 9:29 PM
Tonga Room NEWS from todays SF Chronicle "Fairmont, preservationists at odds over Tonga Room The owners of San Francisco's Fairmont hotel say a city report's recommendations for saving the popular Tonga Room as part of a major renovation clash with their proposal for a boutique hotel, grand ballroom and condominiums, and that the tiki lounge is inconsistent with the 1907 hotel's history anyway. The City Planning Department's recently released draft environmental impact report identified the Tonga Room, which was added in 1945, as a "historical resource." As a result, the impact of its proposed demolition and alternatives must be considered before the project goes forward. That sets up a potential fight between opponents of the demolition - thus far composed of the lounge's fans and some preservationists - and the owners of the hotel, Maritz Wolff & Co. The draft report is scheduled to be reviewed by the city's Historic Preservation Commission on May 19 and the Planning Commission on June 10. The project must receive the approval of each commission to move ahead. The renovation also would include demolishing the hotel's 26-story tower and replacing it with a building of similar height featuring condominiums, doubling the height of an adjacent five-story podium and renovating a 1935 Art Deco lounge called the Cirque Room. The removal of the Tonga Room is necessary for plans to move the hotel's grand ballroom from a lower level, where its windowless walls dominate the corner of Powell and California streets to the spot currently occupied by the Tonga. In that location, it would be proximate to other related gathering rooms, according to development adviser Susan Sagy. "If we keep open the Tonga Room where it is, we cannot create a state-of-the-art ballroom connected to other function rooms. And the ballroom is integral to the purpose of the (remodeled) hotel," Sagy said. Seeking upscale crowd "The hotel is going to become more intimate and upscale, and the food and beverage will need to reflect that. ... If I asked today to put a use like the Tonga Room in this traditional Beaux Arts hotel, do you think I'd be able to get permission? It's so inconsistent." The underlying reason for the Fairmont renovation is San Francisco's changing hotel economics. Nob Hill hotels have lost guests to South of Market locales as convention business has grown and new lodgings have emerged. To compete, the Fairmont decided it needed to appeal to higher-end travelers who want a boutique hotel experience, with spas, fine dining, and other amenities. The condominiums represent an economic driver, which takes some of the pressure off the hotel. The city report's historic review was informed by Knapp Architects and San Francisco architect Christopher VerPlanck. It concluded that the Tonga Room was a historic resource, in part because it "represents a rare remaining example of a distinct phase of post-World War II popular culture, and includes a substantial number of distinctive characteristics." Support on Facebook When the hotel renovation plan was announced last year and word spread that the Tonga might close, a "Save the Tonga Room!" Facebook page was created to show support for its survival. An event promoted through the online networking site drew a couple of hundred people. Organizer Barrett Fallentine said he understands the hotel owners' reasoning, but would hate to see the Polynesian-themed room go by the wayside. "I used to go there as a younger person, and I still go a lot," said Fallentine, 37. "I'm drawn to things with historical significance, and who doesn't like a good Tiki bar?" Fallentine said he's committed to trying to save the lounge and will organize events in the future if the situation calls for it. Rejecting alternatives "One has to question whether any (Tonga Room) is consistent with the historic nature of this hotel," Sagy said. Longtime neighborhood resident Bob Varni said he supports the remodeling proposal without the Tonga Room. He wants the hotel to attract upscale visitors. "If this plan is killed, the only way to fill rooms is to drop prices," Varni said. "You drop prices and pretty soon you have a Holiday Inn with RVs parked here, and that's not what Nob Hill should be." This article appeared on page D - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle" |
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Norcal_Kahuna
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Tue, May 4, 2010 10:58 PM
Chris VerPlanck here, co ringleader of SOS Tonga. We have been meeting with Historic Preservation Commission members and supervisors. The DEIR helps our case in some ways but the most important thing that any of you Tonga Room fans can do is to write to the San Francisco Planning Department: Devyani Jain SOS Tonga will have a letter template/ideas posted on our website in a few days: http://www.sostonga.com
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UB
Unga Bunga
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Wed, May 5, 2010 12:58 AM
Relocating it, is a bunch of crap (Like Trader Vics in Beverly Hills). |
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christiki295
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Wed, May 5, 2010 6:33 AM
Sagy is clear: Creating a "ballroom" equals wedding receptions. I am sure they can't tear down the Tonga Room fast enough. |
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Norcal_Kahuna
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Wed, May 5, 2010 4:12 PM
Hey All, SOS Tonga made their pitch at the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission today to designate the Tonga Room as a significant interior feature of the Fairmont Hotel. Afterward, Chris VerPlanck of SOS Tonga was interviewed by a reporter from KNTV, NBC Channel 11 (San Jose and San Francisco). They are featuring a spot on the Tonga Room tonight at 6 and again later tonight. Things are coming together! We will be announcing our next rally/Tonga Room sit in soon....... |
VM
Vince Martini
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Wed, May 5, 2010 10:04 PM
If anyone captured interviews off of area newscasts and have added these to YouTube, please post links. We can further posts these on our individual Facebook and MySpace profiles...to help further push the initiative to save the Tonga Room! |
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thejab
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Thu, May 6, 2010 5:57 PM
Yesterday:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/around-town/food-drink/Pro-Con-List-and-the-Tonga-Room-92917504.html Today:
http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/Fairmont-tower-faces-criticism-92937179.html#ixzz0nCV9JQOe HA, take THAT developers! No tower = no financial incentive for the project = the Tonga Room stays! |
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Otto
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Thu, May 6, 2010 11:21 PM
I am torn between visiting the Tonga Room now (while it is still around) which will just give more $$ to the folks who want to destroy it, or protesting/sit in etc. and "voting with my pocketbook" by not spending money there. It's much more fun to fall on the side of supporting the Tonga Room! One thing is for sure, if you have never been to the Tonga Room you should make it a top priority within the next year or two So, who wants to be in charge of launching the official Tiki Central night at the Tonga Room? |
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Unga Bunga
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Thu, May 6, 2010 11:36 PM
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thejab
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Fri, May 7, 2010 11:32 AM
I agree, in that I don't think a strike against the Tonga Room / Fairmount would help matters, and would be a lot less fun. Great idea on a regular gathering. I think monthly would be more practical than weekly (and perhaps a better turnout if it's less often)? I wouldn't be able to arrive until after happy hour due to work, but I would attend if it lasted past HH. I second the nomination of Otto! [ Edited by: thejab 2010-05-07 11:33 ] |
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christiki295
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Sat, May 8, 2010 7:53 AM
I wouldn't worry about the financial issues. Just like Trader Vic's in Bev Hills, the developers are thinking in terms of hundreds of millions of dollars, not a few more hundred on certain nights. Hopefully, it will last forever, but enjoy it now! |
SOT
Shaun of theTiki
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Thu, May 20, 2010 7:41 AM
The Tonga's future doesn't look bright. The latest update: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/05/20/BAC41DHH38.DTL |
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abstractiki
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Thu, May 20, 2010 5:12 PM
Here is the article in case the link dies someday we will have a record of what these idiots said. Is Tonga Room tiki bar in S.F. worth saving? Thursday, May 20, 2010 "(05-20) 10:51 PDT San Francisco -- The future grew a bit dimmer for the Fairmont Hotel's landmark Tonga Room Wednesday as members of San Francisco's Historic Preservation Commission couldn't agree on whether the aging tiki bar was worth saving. "I'm not hearing any consensus on whether the Tonga Room is significant or not," commission Vice President Courtney Damkroger said. The commission was reviewing the environmental impact report on a Fairmont construction project that could spell the end for the lava walls, ersatz lagoon and twice-an-hour rainstorms that have been part of the tropical-themed room for decades. The owners of the Fairmont have plans to demolish a 28-story hotel tower and podium built in 1961 and replace it with a 31-story condominium tower and podium. The plans also include remodeling and upgrading the original 1906 Fairmont Hotel building. That hotel's new plan doesn't include a home for the Tonga Room. The theme restaurant, which was considered an over-the-top design even in its heyday in the '60s and '70s, would have "no visual, programmatic, or qualitative connection with the classic Beaux Arts building" that makes up the original hotel, the project architect told city planners. Moving the Tonga Room elsewhere in the hotel also doesn't work, according to the environmental impact report, because it would have to displace such historic spots as the Venetian Room, the Gold Room or the Terrace Room, which all better fit the upscale, five-star hotel image the remodel is designed to invoke. All might be forgiven if the Tonga Room was making money, but, as the hotel owners told planners, the restaurant "has varied success and an inconsistent attraction mostly on weekends to transient hotel guests and some narrow local constituencies." That's no surprise to Robert Varni, who lives near the Fairmont and wants to see it upgraded. San Francisco's old tropical-themed restaurants and bars, like Trader Vic's and Zanzibar, had their day and disappeared, he said. "Tiki bars are no longer where it's at," Varni told the commission. The Fairmont's owners "want to create a five-star hotel and five-star hotels don't have tiki bars." One possibility would be to disassemble the Tonga Room and see if there are any interested buyers, said Damkroger, who said she sees the restaurant as a potential historic resource for the city. "I haven't heard anyone making a statement that it has to stay where it is," she said. But other commissioners worried that fighting to save a hotel bar was moving far afield for people in the historic preservation business. "We're moving into dangerous territory to tell someone when they have to stay in business," said Commissioner Alan Martinez. If places like the Tonga Room become a concern of the commission, where does it end? asked Commissioner Karl Hasz. "The first steak house in the city can never be touched?" he asked. "We're going too far." The commission had other concerns about the Fairmont project, noting that the new tower would mar the look of the historic hotel, even as the 1961 tower did. The existing tower doesn't meet current historic preservation standards, "but why is it OK to put something back that doesn't meet those standards either?" asked Commissioner Andrew Wolfram. The commission agreed to send a letter to the Planning Commission, listing their concerns about the Fairmont project and its environmental impact report. A public hearing on the report, which will include any concerns about the Tonga Room, is scheduled for the Planning Commission's June 10 meeting." |
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christiki295
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Thu, May 20, 2010 6:58 PM
So, Tiki fans are "narrow local constituencies." "All might be forgiven if the Tonga Room was making money, but, as the hotel owners told planners, the restaurant "has varied success and an inconsistent attraction mostly on weekends to transient hotel guests and some narrow local constituencies." But, yes, the future does not look bright for the Tonga Room. |
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croe67
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Thu, May 20, 2010 7:56 PM
Imagine how much money they could make if the food & drinks didn't suck like they have for years? |
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abstractiki
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Thu, May 20, 2010 7:58 PM
"If places like the Tonga Room become a concern of the commission, where does it end? asked Commissioner Karl Hasz. "The first steak house in the city can never be touched?" he asked. "We're going too far." Wow... the guy confuses and equates a local steak house with part of Americas mid century cultural History. So disappointing to say the least. |
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Norcal_Kahuna
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Thu, May 20, 2010 9:03 PM
Hi All, Chris VerPlanck here of SOS Tonga. Although it should be no surprise, this article in the Chron was complete puff piece submitted by the developer full of their talking points against the Tonga. I wrote this letter to the editor today after reading the article. I also wrote a piece for the Open Forum section. Had to keep it brief, at 200 words, which is tough to do given the complexity of the battle at this point. Editor, SF Chronicle I realize that our efforts to designate the Tonga Room are controversial, but I object to the tone of Mr. Wildermuth's article in the May 20th edition. Mr. Wildermuth fails to acknowledge that the Planning Department recognizes that the Tonga Room is a historic resource. None of the historic preservation commissioners disputed this in the hearing on Wednesday. Second, Mr. Wildermuth fails to mention that the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) contains two viable preservation alternatives, the superior of which would move the Tonga Room to the new podium structure on Powell Street, at the cost of 18 parking spaces! Third, Mr. Wildermuth clearly has no understanding of contemporary Bay Area night life. In contrast to what he and the Fairmont developers say, Polynesian Pop/Tiki bars have been experiencing a revival over the last decade. Take it from the Fairmont's own public relations department: “Today, The Tonga Room is riding the wave of the tiki revival and recently has been recognized as one of the nation’s hottest bars…” The Tonga Room is the best-preserved and most elaborate Polynesian Pop-themed restaurant/lounge spaces left in the United States. Why displace it for more high-end parking? For more, see SOSTonga.com Sincerely, Chris VerPlanck Anyway, the good news is that the Planning Department and most of the Historic Preservation Commissioners agree that the Tonga Room is a historic resource and that boxing it up and storing it is not an appropriate treatment. There is an alternative in the EIR that would preserve the Tonga Room by moving it into the new structure: same size and with the pool and band boat. Of course, the developers don't want to do this because the Tonga Room does not match their concept of a "Classist Modern" 5-star hotel. These goons don't even know what they have. If they ran it even slightly better than it is now, we would see that place packed every night with locals and turistas. MOre soon. I am in the process of moving my business, so reports are a little spotty. Chris V.
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bigbrotiki
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Thu, May 20, 2010 9:57 PM
Go gettem Chris, thank you for your unfettered and unerring commitment to the cause! These developers sure know how to take one's wind out of one's sails, making the media make it sound like it's all hopeless. Thanks for the up-sounding update, all the work you did for this cause is much appreciated. |
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christiki295
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Thu, May 20, 2010 10:30 PM
Was your letter published? It is excellent that somehow the Tonga Room could fit on a space with 18 parking places. |
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1961surf
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Thu, May 20, 2010 10:39 PM
I trully believe if the Fairmont corp. spent their marketing dollars wisely and did [ Edited by: 1961surf 2010-05-20 22:43 ] |
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Otto
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Thu, May 20, 2010 11:19 PM
With quotes like the ones below taken from the SF Gate, it is clear that the only way to save the Tonga Room is to visit it now, visit it often, take pictures, and save it in your memories. If you don't have any past memories of the Tonga Room now is the time to start making some. Wouldn't you hate to have to say, "I wish I could've seen it before it was destroyed." All might be forgiven if the Tonga Room was making money, but, as the hotel owners told planners, the restaurant "has varied success and an inconsistent attraction mostly on weekends to transient hotel guests and some narrow local constituencies." That's no surprise to Robert Varni, who lives near the Fairmont and wants to see it upgraded. San Francisco's old tropical-themed restaurants and bars, like Trader Vic's and Zanzibar, had their day and disappeared, he said. http://www.nobhillassociation.org/Fairmont_Social.asp?id=14 FYI, Robert Varni appears to be a minor political figure and old-money Nob Hill socialite. The type who frequent $100+ per person restaurants and find Pop Culture pedestrian. |
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Otto
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Thu, May 20, 2010 11:33 PM
let's start an unofficial Tonga Room Tiki night! I'll start it off easy - one night a month when Tiki Centralites and Tiki fans converge on the Tonga Room wearing your finest Aloha wear and imbibe and take pictures to share with the world Once we agree on the night of the month and the opening night, I will start a separate thread for this. Let's also determine goals and wishes for the event I would like the Tonga Room management to add a sign in book like they have at hotels, gallery exhibits, weddings so that visitors to the Tonga Room can sign in and post their grief over this situation since we are not getting quoted in the paper like Robert Varni. I would like to see individual nights sponsored by groups or businesses so that every Tiki guest who shows up that night receives something such as a discount coupon or free Tiki Farm swizzle stick (hint Holden!) I would like people from Tiki Central who may not have met other Tiki Centralites to have one more opportunity to bond with their fellow Tiki fans I would like my last memories of the Tonga Room to be memories filled with meeting friends there! I propose the second Wednesday of EVERY month be our Tonga Room day. We could kick it off June 9? All those in favor say "Aye!" |
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christiki295
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Fri, May 21, 2010 7:06 AM
Disappointingly, the response has to be, unequivocally, no it can't. The ownership wants a "ballroom" for wedding receptions. Almost $200.00 per person (lets' say times 100 guests) even once a week will far exceed the amount of mai tais sold the rest of the week. |
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JenTiki
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Sat, May 22, 2010 12:53 PM
Aye! |