In case you still had any doubts that the Mission is a tech hotbed, look no further than Microsoft’s corporate block party on Thursday night.
Microsoft held a release party for its new “cloud-computing platform,” Windows Azure, at Madrone Studios at 1417 15th St. — which is on the market for a cool $3.2 million. This is the second time Microsoft has held a release party in the Mission. Last year the giant software company unveiled its new app store at Laurent Gallery, 470 Alabama St.
“This is an event for developers — developers are young people and this is what they like,” said Rob Kelly, a corporate vice president with Microsoft.
It was the block party afterwards that stole the show. Fifteenth Street was closed for most of the day between Shotwell and Folsom streets so that three DJs could take the stage, including headliner Steve Aoki.
I counted about 200 people when I showed up at 9 p.m., but my roommate tells me that the music began at 4 p.m. It ended around 10 p.m.
Some photos of the night.
Inside Madrone Studios at 1417 15th St.
lame
I live on 15th, on the other side of S. Van Ness.
Microsoft & Madrone Studios behaved like a very inconsiderate and self-entitled neighbor.
1) Security was very clear: This is a PRIVATE party. “For Developers .. Young people” indeed.
2) There was absolutely NO communication to the neighborhood about the planned disruption.
3) The bass from the speakers could be heard, across S. Van Ness, in my apartment. The sound got _louder_ as the night went on.
4) My building has grandmas and families in it. My block is not just for the young and IPO nouveau riche.
I can’t believe the city shut down an INDOOR new year’s eve party at this location , yet allowed lid, thumping music on a Thursday evening. Shows you what $$ buys in this city.