Can San Francisco’s Broadway Street Become Nashville’s Broadway?
Dec 20, 2025
Can San Francisco’s Broadway Street Become Nashville’s Broadway?
San Francisco’s Broadway Street has a storied past, one that mirrors the city’s own evolution from a rough-and-tumble port town to a cultural icon. Once the beating heart of the Barbary Coast in the late 19th century, Broadway was synonymous with saloons, gambling dens, and dance halls—a playground for sailors and fortune seekers. By the mid-20th century, the street reinvented itself as a hub for nightlife, lined with strip joints, jazz clubs, and bars that pulsed with energy. Names like the Condor Club became legendary, and Broadway was a magnet for music lovers and thrill-seekers alike.
But today, that vibrancy has faded. Many venues have shuttered, and the street feels more like a relic than a destination. The question is: Can Broadway rise again—and even rival Nashville’s famed Broadway?
Learning from Nashville’s Success
Nashville’s Broadway is a masterclass in urban revitalization. It thrives as a pedestrian-friendly entertainment corridor, packed with honky-tonks, live music venues, and restaurants. The formula is simple yet powerful: close the street to cars during peak times, create a safe and festive atmosphere, and let music spill into the sidewalks.
San Francisco can borrow this playbook. The bones of Broadway are still there—historic bars, restaurants, and event spaces waiting for a second act. What’s missing is a coordinated effort to bring them back to life.
Step 1: Close the Street on Weekends
The city has already proven this concept works. Temporary street closures on 2nd Street and Ellis Street have transformed those areas into lively pedestrian zones. Broadway could follow suit, starting with Friday and Saturday nights. Imagine a car-free corridor where people stroll between venues, music fills the air, and outdoor seating creates a festival vibe. This simple move would immediately change the street’s energy and attract both locals and tourists.
Step 2: Offer Tax Incentives for New Venues
Revitalization requires investment. The city should introduce tax breaks and grants for entrepreneurs willing to open bars, restaurants, and music clubs on Broadway. These incentives could offset high operating costs and encourage creative concepts—jazz lounges, old-school rock bars, and even modern speakeasies. By lowering financial barriers, San Francisco can spark a wave of new openings that restore Broadway’s reputation as a nightlife destination.
Step 3: Leverage the Street’s Existing Infrastructure
Unlike building a new entertainment district from scratch, Broadway already has the framework. Many spaces are former clubs or restaurants, meaning the transition would be relatively smooth. With strategic renovations and marketing, these venues can quickly reopen. The city should also streamline permitting for live music and outdoor seating to reduce red tape and accelerate the process.
Step 4: Curate the Experience—Jazz, Rock, and Local Flavor
To differentiate Broadway from other nightlife areas, San Francisco should lean into its musical heritage. Jazz and old-school rock and roll can be the backbone of the district, complemented by modern acts and cultural programming. Outdoor stages, street performers, and themed events—think “Barbary Coast Nights”—can create a unique identity that honors history while embracing the future.
A Coordinated Effort Is Key
Reviving Broadway isn’t just about individual businesses; it requires collaboration between city officials, local entrepreneurs, and community organizations. Marketing campaigns, safety measures, and transportation planning must align to ensure the district feels welcoming and vibrant. Partnerships with tourism boards and event promoters can amplify the effort, turning Broadway into a must-visit destination.
The Opportunity Ahead
San Francisco has always been a city of reinvention. Broadway’s decline isn’t permanent—it’s an opportunity. With smart planning, creative incentives, and a commitment to live music culture, Broadway can reclaim its place as a nightlife powerhouse. It may never be Nashville, but it can be something just as special: a uniquely San Francisco experience that blends history, music, and community.
Written by: Hans Hansson
Hans Hansson is the President of Starboard Commercial Real Estate. Hans has been an active broker for over 35 years in the San Francisco Bay Area and specializes in office leasing and investments. If you have any questions or comments please email [email protected] or call him at (415) 765-6897. You may also check out his website, https://www.hanshansson.com