End of an Aero...
Aero Special Delivery opened its new doors at 19003rd Street this week. With sixty-nine years remaining on its ninety-nine year lease at 242 Steuart, only Kirk Sparksson of founder Carl Sparksknows exactly why he sold the lease to the Gap for twelve million dollars and closed the door on an era.
But how do the messengers feel about the big change? One messenger was happy about the new messenger lounge, the larger bathrooms, and the bus lines nearby, but complained about the absence of lockers. Most reactions were not that positive. What about the walkers, did they have to walk all the way from Mission Rock, some dragging handtrucks? No, I was told, that problem was being addressed. The idea of shuttle cars and fast passes are being discussed.
Another
messenger commented on the humongous new warehouse that is Aero's
new home. She said the office area and the messenger area seems
to be segregated. It is good, because messengers and office staff
do not mix well, but now it is like working for an impersonal
faceless corporation.
I had talk to Cat, the elder statesman and only remaining original Hanx at Aero. I caught up with Cat at Harvey's after work and he invited me to a private party at 242 Steuart.
We discussed the origins of Aero, Harley's with sidecars, and the origin of the "Aerotank" in the early sixties. According to Cat, the building was originally a church. although, which church and why they moved is unknown.
CalTrans has been pressuring Aero to vacate its prime downtown waterfront site for years. they hoped that the Loma Prieta earthquake would flush them out, but Aero persevered. When CalTrans built the new Embarcadero, closing off Steuart street to the south, it just became too inconvenient and impractical to stay.
But why move to Mission Rock? Cat said that Aero's main concern has shifted away from local deliveries to worldwide. They are not thinking about being farther from downtown; they are thinking about being closer to the airport. How will this affect our brother and sisters at Aero remains to be seen.
Aero has a five-year option on its lease at the new location. Kirk Sparks is looking for a new home, a building that he can buy, so no one can pressure him into moving.
When I thought I had all of the facts, I left 242 Steuart for the last time. Soon, it will be brought down to make room for a new high rise dedicated to the corporate gods at the Gap. as I left Cat said, "Good luck to the Old Crew at 242," don't forget where you came from.
by Christopher Robin