Learn the secrets of San Francisco's POPOS, private public open spaces hidden throughout the city

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — In San Francisco, bands have always played at lunchtime in squares throughout the city center – music to entertain the workforce.

But for those who want a quiet environment, there is POPOS.

“It’s an acronym for Privately Owned Public Open Spaces,” said former San Francisco planning director John Rahaim.

Anyone can use them, hence the word “public,” even if they are in a private building.

There are 200 of these public open spaces throughout the city and about 60 are concentrated in the downtown area and areas south of the market.

MORE: SF launches new downtown revitalization push at Embarcadero to bring people back to the city

Most are outdoor spaces where the public can eat, work and interact with others outside of the office.

There must be some kind of work of art on display, for example an 86-ton boulder.

But there are some that are inside. No permission required. You just go in.

So we did and enjoyed a cozy atmosphere.

For some, returning to work in person five days a week may be stressful, so a nap isn't out of the question.

MORE: Will Salesforce's in-person work mandate help downtown San Francisco?

In the 1950s, San Francisco focused on urban renewal and highway construction. But in the 1980s, as the city grew, there was a different plan for downtown that gave developers an incentive to create open spaces for the public.

“It was essentially what you would call a bonus. If you provided some public space, you could build higher and add more square footage to your building,” Rahaim said.

You need a sign. Most are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., others 24 hours.

Most have amenities that serve the public.

“Staying at home is good. It gives you a safe space, but you can't grow there, and I love sitting here, working on my resume and thinking about my next big step. “How can I change the world next?” said Yuliia Poperechna, a software tester who was recently laid off but continues to come downtown to work in one of the open spaces.

“I love coming here with my friends and working together in a group while we can chat and discuss the ideas,” said Diana Abdullaeva, a marketing student.

Perhaps it is San Francisco's high population density that makes people want more open space.

For this reason, developers are focusing on the eastern part of the city in the area of ​​the Potrero power plant.

Here, a new mixed-use development with 2,000 residential units, a hotel and a UCSF cancer center will also feature eight acres of open space.

MORE: SF's struggling mid-market division shows few signs of life after X vacates its headquarters

“One of the things we have learned during the pandemic is that open spaces are magical spaces. People come together here. People want to have lunch here. Here you can spontaneously meet with a colleague,” said Managing Director Enrique Landa Partner at Associate Capital.

The giant dormant chimney pole that many San Francisco residents grew up with will remain. Inside, local artists can exhibit their work.

Perhaps the most exciting project will be the construction of a public walkway along the waterfront.

“One day there will be a way to walk from here to the Golden Gate Bridge without having to cross a street or have an interaction in a car,” Landa said.