48 Hills editors and writers are highlighting their favorite people and things of 2025. Vote now for your own favorites in our 51st Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll! And join us October 22, 6pm-9pm, at El Rio for the 48 Hills Annual Community Gala to party with the winners and celebrate the independent spirit of the Bay Area.
Despite so much classic SF architecture having been torn down, old factory buildings still inspire with their continued adaptability in the hands of new tenants. The block-long beauty on Florida Street is just full of surprises, for instance. Its entrance almost seems hidden, forcing you to turn a couple of corners to find it, no matter from which street you approach. If you’ve heard that lots of wild shows happen in this former can factory, you haven’t heard the half of it. If that weren’t enough, there’s additional 85-seat stage tucked away just under the main entrance. The shows in that one aren’t (always) as elaborate, but they’re no less memorable.
Surprise is an unofficial trademark of Z Space, the beloved performance venue between the Mission and Potrero. Although the gigantic mainstage doesn’t take up every square inch of the interior, it’s somehow still surprising to walk into this old warehouse where countless indie performers have each turned into their personal playground. You’re not shocked to know one show (maybe Macbeth) looks nothing like the last one (perhaps a new musical). Instead, you ask “What haven’t they done there yet?”
It’s been 12 years since the organization expanded with Z Below. It was the former HQ for the Traveling Jewish Theatre, went on to host many-a Kissing My Lobster show, is the de facto home for short story stage adaptors Word for Word, has played a sinking ship for flamenco performers, and so much more. That’s a lot of history for a decade-old add-on.
As every venue in the city is scrambling to keep the lights on, it’s a relief to know that this red-bricked beauty is still around to serve as a growing space for indie artists all over the Bay Area. I’m not sure what I’ll see there next, but I do expect a surprise or two.
