SAN FRANCISCO -- Union Square, this city's shopping center, is
closed to the public for the next 18 months due to a renovation.
The parking garage and ticket booth remain open during
construction, which is expected to last through the second quarter
of 2002.
The renovation includes a large central plaza, lawn terraces to
Geary Street and steps to pedestrian-only Maiden Lane. There also
will be a cafe, grassy areas and a stage large enough to
accommodate a symphony orchestra.
In other San Francisco news, the Ansel Adams Center moved in
January to a new location -- 655 Mission St. near the Museum of
Modern Art.
The new 8,700-square-foot space features five galleries and an
expanded bookstore dedicated to the works of the San Francisco-born
photographer.
The De Young Museum was closed Dec. 31 for the demolition and
construction of a $135 million facility. The new museum will rise
in the same Golden Gate Park location, scheduled for a June 2005
opening.
The San Francisco convention and visitors bureau released the
2001-2002 edition of the Professional Travel Planner's Guide, a
178-page brochure for travel agents and tour operators.
Copies are being mailed to ASTA members and members of tour
operator associations. Included are profiles of accommodations,
sightseeing and transportation, a restaurant guide and shopping
information.
The guide can be ordered from the bureau's tourism division by
calling (415) 227-2676. It also can be ordered by visiting the
travel trade section of www.sfvisitor.org.
