New Rooftop Concert Venue Coming to Downtown SF?

Empire, the independent SF-based record label behind artists like Kendrick Lamar and Cardi B, is planning a rooftop concert venue on top of its new headquarters in the Financial District. The label bought the historic One Montgomery building (at Post Street) for $22.5 million and just filed a proposal with the city to transform the roof into a live music space.

The venue would host public and private shows, artist showcases, and industry events, with plans to involve local artists, unions, and small businesses.

The building, formerly home to Wells Fargo, has been vacant since 2019. Its rooftop was once a public garden space before closing during the pandemic, and now Empire wants to bring it back to life – with music. This is part of a growing wave of energy returning to downtown SF. Nearby, One Sansome recently opened the rooftop restaurant Holbrook House, the Transamerica Pyramid got a new sculpture garden and bar, and outdoor parties and DJ sets have popped up on Third Street, Front Street, and in Chinatown and Valencia.

Empire is already deeply embedded in the local music scene, producing a free Civic Center concert on September 13 starring Shaboozey (expected to draw 15,000 attendees). The label has also worked with the Asian Art Museum and thrown events for 415 Day and Empire’s Bay Area Hip-Hop 50th Anniversary Bash w/ Too Short.

Source: SF Chronicle