Reviving Stephen Curry’s Thirty Ink Headquarters: A Challenge Amid Union Disputes
In a bid to establish a headquarters for his multifaceted company, Thirty Ink, NBA superstar Stephen Curry is facing significant obstacles, primarily due to a dispute with a local carpenters’ union. This situation has prompted swift action from San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and other business leaders, who are rallying to find a solution.
Project Overview
Located at 600 20th Street in the Dogpatch neighborhood, this ambitious project aims to create a 24,000-square-foot hub for Thirty Ink, which spans ventures in media, non-profits, technology, real estate, fashion, and whiskey production. Designed by the Oakland-based firm Workshop1, the facility would feature a rotating exhibit space, an innovation lab, and even a three-bedroom apartment for guests.
Union Dispute Impeding Progress
Despite obtaining necessary approvals, Curry announced that his plans were thwarted by demands from the Nor Cal Carpenters Union, led by Jacob Adiarte. The union’s stipulation for greater union representation during construction has complicated the project. In a statement, Thirty Ink emphasized that while it had no obligation to hire union workers, it had voluntarily committed to a 40% union workforce, which was ultimately rejected by the union, rendering the project unfeasible in its current context.
Background on the Conflict
The contention centers around the choice of Achill Beg Construction as the general contractor, a company that the union has previously criticized for not utilizing a fully unionized workforce. Historically, when developers pursue projects without union labor, the carpenters’ union may resort to protests, legal challenges, or organizing public opposition to deter progress.
Coalition Efforts to Save the Project
In response to the stalled initiative, Mayor Lurie, alongside stakeholders from the Warriors and local business leaders, has begun efforts to revive the project. Key figures like Theo Ellington, a former city commissioner and public affairs director for the Warriors, and Enrique Landa from Associate Capital, which is redeveloping the nearby Potrero Power Station, are central to these discussions.
The coalition is weighing various strategies to move forward, including:
- Seeking a new general contractor
- Offering donated labor
- Establishing partnerships to alleviate the financial burden on Thirty Ink
Looking Ahead
Curry’s project was pivotal, given its proximity—only five blocks from the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors. However, the complications and tensions with the carpenters’ union underline broader challenges within the San Francisco construction landscape, particularly regarding labor practices.
As stakeholders continue to explore avenues to revitalize the Thirty Ink headquarters initiative, supporters hope a resolution can be reached. Landa expressed optimism, stating, “I’m a big supporter of Dogpatch, and this is a neighborhood where things happen. I hope it gets figured out.”
