(Para la versión en español apriete aquí)
Who owns the Armory and how will it be operated?
The Armory is owned by Armory Studios LLC. Armory Studios will lease space in the Armory to movie production companies, including Kink.com and mainstream movie companies.
Will there be any signage on the Armory?
We are hoping to replicate the original sign that used to hang above the front doorway. This sign reads “The Armory”.
There will be no sign saying “Kink.com” or anything implying adult entertainment.
Will customers come to the Armory?
No.
How will Kink.com movies shot at the Amory be distributed?
Via the Internet.
How will you be occupying the Armory?
The primary lessee, Kink.com, is already shooting movies in the Armory and plans to occupy one floor for its office space after about 18 months.
There will be onsite caretakers to ensure security day and night. We aim to rent the remaining space to mainstream movie companies.
What is Kink.com?
Kink.com is an adult entertainment company which employs 80 locals, including 40% women and a diverse mix of communities. Kink.com has been operating in
San Francisco since it was founded 10 years ago. Currently, Kink.com operates out of 942 Mission St. at 5th, opposite the
SF Chronicle.
What do Kink.com's current neighbors think?
Until Kink.com invited its neighbors into its facility, the neighbors did not know anything about Kink.com's operation. There have never been any complaints and Kink.com is supported by its neighbors.
How is Kink.com as an employer?
Kink.com employees are well paid and receive full benefits including health, dental, vision and matched 401K. Kink.com builds loyalty and a sense of community with it's
employee base, and has a very low turnover. Kink.com also has a reputation of respect for its models, and is one of the very few straight production companies
with a strict condom-only policy. Read more about Kink.com's values here (beware, page contains nudity).
How is this move good for the community?
We are in negotiations with the Planning Department to plant trees around the perimeter of the Armory and to install lighting in the sidewalk to light up the Armory at night.
We feel that the Armory could be a beautiful gateway to the Mission if properly lit. We are also gathering quotes to replace the windows and clean the exterior of the building.
If windows continue to be broken, we will hire nighttime security. Kink.com plans to expand, and will be hiring local people for entry level positions in production, set construction, marketing and administration.
Mainstream movie productions will have knock-on effects to the local economy. Lastly, our long term plans include trying to get an assembly permit for the drill court area in order to be able to host community events (we recognize this may be difficult because seismic upgrades will probably be required).
How is this move good for the city?
Efforts have been made by the Mayor and other city officials to woo mainstream movies
back to San Francisco.
Armory Studios aims to do just this with 100% private money.
Who was the seller?
Bar-K Mortgage.
Why was the sale handled so secretively?
We found out that the Armory was for sale on November 4, 2006. The seller wanted a quick and discrete sale. Work was being done on the previous entitlement process for condominiums right up until the sale on December 29, 2006. The seller requested that the sale be discrete in order to not disrupt this entitlement process, as this would have resulted in more delays had the sale fallen through.
Why wasn't the sale made public earlier?
As soon as the sale was finalized and we were no longer bound by a verbal non-disclosure agreement we made the sale public by issuing a press release.
Why was the proposal to build condominiums abandoned?
The condo proposal suffered from at least 2 major hurdles: 1) community activists argued that the proposal was too luxurious and did not include enough affordable housing and 2) the notions of constructing a new building in the drill court and building rooftop penthouses were not liked by some members of the Landmarks Preservation Board.
Why was your proposed use accepted by the Planning Department?
Movie production (whether NC17 or any other rating) falls under “Production, Distribution, and Repair” (PDR) for which the Armory is zoned. Since we are not currently planning any structural changes to the building, no major permits are required.
Are seismic upgrades required?
The Armory is a concrete structure with a brick façade, and no seismic upgrades are required by the city as long as the use isn't changed and no major construction is done. The multi-story portion of the property has a PML (probably maximum loss) of 20%. This is a very good figure, below which a bank will lend money for a permanent loan without requiring earthquake insurance. I.e. not only does the city not require seismic work, the structure is actually very sound. Having said that, we believe that the need for seismic upgrades would be triggered by major construction or a change of use for the building. Public use would entail the most seismic work of all, which is probably why the building had never been developed for its most obvious uses: school/church/library/community center.
Is there a problem with asbestos and lead paint?
Asbestos is a big issue for any proposal that involves major construction. However, since we will be renovating the building as-is, we will not be disturbing the asbestos, which is mostly captured beneath flooring and in walls. We will paint over the lead paint.
What upgrades are you planning for the building?
Research is already being done on windows, perimeter trees and exterior lighting.
Internally, our goal is to repair and modernize this building to make it usable and safe, while respecting its historical significance.
Over the coming years, this will include bringing the building up to code, making improvements to the plumbing, electric, and heating, and further ensuring that the building is ADA compliant.
I am raising a child nearby - should I be concerned?
No, although we understand any parent's concern for their children's welfare and access to information that is not age appropriate. The fact is, area children / youth will never meet our clients, because they download our movies from the privacy of their homes. Kink.com's employee base consists of local people - mostly artistic or computer people - who are excited to be working in movie production for an Internet company. We hope you will feel safer walking with your child at night near the Armory when we have cleaned and illuminated it.
Where can I get more information?
There is nothing like putting a human face to an organization. If you have concerns about this move, please contact us directly at 415 856 0771 or comments@sfarmory.com. We would be happy to talk to you or set up a meeting.