Facing Demolition, Old Jerusalem May Relocate To Larger Space

Old Jerusalem, a Middle Eastern standby in the Mission, may be moving from its longtime home. Plans have been submitted to demolish the restaurant’s space at 2976 Mission Street (between 25th and 26th Streets), replacing the current two-story building there with a new six-story development project, minus the restaurant space. If and when that goes through, Old Jerusalem wouldn’t have too far to go: It would merely relocate two doors down to the former Hot Press space (2966 Mission), which is three-times the size of its current digs.

Old Jerusalem’s replacement would be a six story building with eight residential units and 1,600-square feet of ground floor commercial space. As it stands now, the space offers just two units of housing.

But even the prospect of adding much-needed housing units in San Francisco is bound to face scrutiny and debate over aspects like design and affordability. See, for example the years of discussion and nail-biting that ensued after news that Elbo Room was on the chopping block. That means there’s probably plenty of time to enjoy Old Jerusalem before there’s anything new about it. Of course, the proposed new home at 2966 Mission is also zoned for redevelopment and more height, complicating plans to make that location permanent.

Eater has reached out to planning and the restaurant for more details.

• The New Old Jerusalem [SocketSite]
• Out with the Old Jerusalem, in with a New Development [SocketSite]