For Karin Flood and her family, the Flood Building is an important member of the family. Built in honor of James C. Flood in 1904, this building has been cared for by a long line of James Floods – most recently her late father, Jim Flood.
During its restoration in the 1990s, the landmark building on Market Street was often surrounded by barricades. And Jim, dedicated to revitalizing the area, asked neighborhood children to help beautify barriers with painted murals.
So when storefronts around the city began boarding up their windows, the flagship corner location of The Gap included, Karin and her family thought of their father’s legacy once more. Asking what their father would do in this time of crisis, they said, “I bet we would paint the barricades again.”
Partnering with Bay Together and local artists, the windows lining the usually full Powell Street Cable Car turnaround are now decorated with bright colors and messages of love.
Hearts & Shapes pays tribute to a few of Jim Flood’s favorite causes – the Union Square Business Improvement District and Zuckerberg San Francisco General. Jim was a Board Member for the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation for many years, ensuring our city’s most vulnerable found the care and support they needed. This civic pride shows through today in Karin’s further stewardship of the Flood name.
One panel depicts Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center with two hands making a heart. Another is a beautiful rendition of the Hearts of San Francisco Tony Bennett heart that lives most of the year on display in Union Square. And a third panel shares a message of thanks for the team at ZSFG, as a part of the #ItTakesHeartSF movement to show front-line workers how much we appreciate their sacrifices.
“A silver lining in this challenging time is the chance to lift people’s spirits, bring people together, and brighten their day – all while thanking the essential workers in our city.” Karin Flood
With so much literal real estate to cover, we were delighted to include some of our local Hearts of San Francisco artists to continue to fill a vibrant corner of our city. Maggie Bacon, Charisse Celestial, and Emerald Maher joined other volunteer artists to fill the boarded-up windows with color.
And the family once again played an important role in the Flood Building – a teddy bear, drawn by Jim’s grandson Hunter, and painted by Maggie Bacon, faces Market Street for all to see. And in its arms, a heart in honor of It Takes Heart.
Learn how you can join the Flood family in thanking our essential workers at ZSFG by visiting www.ittakesheartsf.com.
