Former diner to become beauty mall

When Harvey Milk's American Diner closed in October 2014, the space attracted interest from other restaurateurs, including Phil Pace (of Phil's BBQ fame), but nothing panned out.

The building's interior has been gutted to its bare walls and high ceiling, offering the sought-after vintage look that's favored by many businesses these days. Those include restaurants, beer breweries, dot-com companies, architects, interior designers, law firms, and salons.

The property owner decided they needed to find a different tenant for the longtime restaurant site. Enter real estate entrepreneur George O. Flint, who proposed a growing salon concept: “The Hive. A collaboration of spa and salon providers coming together in 30 personal suites to offer a 'one-stop shop' for all your beauty needs.”

This trend in the beauty industry has caught on fast. A study by Professional Consultants & Resources reported in 2011 that 35 percent of the nation's salons followed the suite model; that number was likely to rise to 50 percent, the study said at the time, and eventually expand to 75 percent.

Flint plans to spend $400,000 on building improvements, with “permits due in two to three weeks.” He said he's getting “tons” of interest. Booths range from 87 to 153 square feet; rents will be $231 to $485 a week. Salon/spa owners will pay no commission fees.

Flint is offering “free parking for first 15 tenants for six months, and offering $200 referral program to anyone who refers us a tenant.” The company website should be live soon, said Flint.