A Rare Look At S.F.'s SoMa 'Hood Before The Bubble

S.F.’s current cultural climate is a heated topic these days. But for some, the changing landscape has been at the forefront of discussion for years — decades, even. Photographer Janet Delaney moved to SoMa in the late '70s and documented the now-techie hub blossom from an industrial work environment to the home of the Moscone Convention Center, subsequently driving prices through the roof and forcing her to relocate to the Mission.

Delaney’s snaps paint a vivid image of what SoMa was like on the brink of major growth, with street scenes peppered with hints of development. The retro pics are found in Delaney’s new book, South Of Market, and showcase an array of mom-and-pop shops, blue-collar workers, and a grittier neighborhood than the one we know today. Ready for a trip down memory lane? (Fast Company)