SF: GLBT Historical Society Inks Five Year Lease In New Castro Space

San Francisco’s GBLT Historical Society has negotiated a deal with Walgreens to take over a new space in the Castro for the next five years. The Bay Area Reporter’s Matthew Bajko reports:

The deal calls for the historical society to take over two-thirds of a defunct coin-operated laundry on 18th Street while Walgreens will expand its specialty pharmacy next door into the remaining space. The enlarged pharmacy will not be visible from the street, however, as the build-out for Walgreens will be contained within the building. The national chain will pay for the remodel of the interior space, seek the necessary permits from the city, and offer the storefront at a reduced rent to the historical society. The society will be paying $2,000 a month at first to occupy the building at 4127 18th Street. The rent will then go up to $3,000 in the second year and cap out at $4,000. “It is a good deal,” said Paul Boneberg, executive director of the historical society. “It is a very generous offer from Walgreens.”

Pending city approval for the work, the new museum could be opened in time for this year’s Pride. The GLBT Historical Society previously had a temporary space on the corner of Castro and 18th Street.