Right under our noses, too.
Microsoft apparently previewed its new app store to dozens of journalists at a gallery in the Mission on Tuesday night. Based on the write-ups, it was not exactly the keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference, but it’s still kind of a big deal that the neighborhood is attractive to a tech giant.
The event was held at the Laurent Gallery, which is housed inside the very unassuming warehouse building at 470 Alabama St. But based on photos, the 13,000-square-foot gallery looks like an oasis.
As you can imagine, many of the out-of-town journalists described it only as “hip” and “trendy.” Yawn.
Here is what Reuters had to say:
“At a trendy art gallery in San Francisco’s Mission District, Microsoft on Tuesday evening previewed its answer to Apple’s App Store—illustrating once again that trendsetting is not Microsoft’s strong point.”
Ouch.
This isn’t Microsoft’s first venture into the Mission. If you recall, some Mac-owning residents weren’t too thrilled about some illegal graffiti ads.
So who gave them a permit? Those …… hogged the street for days, making life very difficult for the people who work and live here. Their massive generator ran so loudly and for so long that neighbors in this “trendy” community had to vacate. Dear City: This community is not a wasteland.