Mission District residents protest newest armory tenant

By Brent Begin, Bay City News Service

February 9, 2007

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - Dozens of Mission district residents braved the cold and rain Thursday to protest the arrival of the old San Francisco armory's newest tenant, an online fetish pornography company.

Kink.com has already begun shooting content after purchasing the 1914 building in December for $14.5 million.

Neighbors and activists, who have previously blocked projects at the historical site, complained that the company did not seek community input before buying the property.

"Because Kink.com could throw down 14.5 million dollars to purchase it, that has bought silence amongst people who should be involved," said Valerie Tulier, a teacher in the neighborhood.

She said that the owners would not bring anything to the neighborhood, which includes churches, elementary schools and community centers within blocks.

Protesters said they have been working for years to turn the Armory into a positive asset to the community. Suggestions include affordable housing, a community center, a nonprofit center or a green space. The Armory has been used primarily as a target for vandals and opportunistic skateboarders since it was vacated in 1978.

Kink.com CEO Peter Acworth, who plans to rent the space out to major production companies, said he has done everything he can to reach out to the community.

"You are no more likely to know what is taking place in the Armory than in your neighbor's bedroom," a statement reads. "Adult Entertainment conjures up images of a sleazy clientele and producers linked to organized crime. However, in our case your kids will never meet our clients, because they download our movies from the privacy of their homes."

Acworth also said that he plans to add lighting and trees to the exterior of the building and the only sign he expects to put up is one reading, "The Armory."

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