URGENT UPDATE: San Francisco’s literary icon, Dave Eggers, has just announced a groundbreaking new café set to open as part of the innovative Art + Water project at Pier 29. This café aims to redefine the coffeehouse experience, transforming it into a vibrant hub for artists and the community. Development is slated for late summer or fall 2026, making this an exciting prospect for locals eager for cultural enrichment.
Eggers, renowned for his literary contributions, is teaming up with Mokhtar Alkhanshali, the creator of Oakland’s acclaimed Mohka House, known for spotlighting specialty Yemeni coffee. Together, they aim to create a space reminiscent of traditional coffeehouses that inspired revolutionary ideas throughout history. “This will not just be a coffee stop,” Eggers emphasized, expressing his vision of a café filled with “rugs, pillows, tapestries, silver, copper, and gold.”
The Art + Water project spans 70,000 square feet and is designed to support both established and emerging artists. Ten acclaimed artists will receive free studio space in exchange for mentoring 20 young talents, deviating from the traditional art school model. This initiative seeks to promote learning without the burden of debt, a cause Eggers is passionate about.
The first program will showcase the works of Oakland musician and filmmaker Boots Riley, setting a precedent for future events and exhibitions. Alkhanshali aims to enhance the community engagement aspect, hosting various artistic events at the café. “Eggers noticed there was no coffee in that entire area,” he noted, highlighting the demand for a unique café experience that blends art and culture.
The partnership with the Community Arts Stabilization Trust has secured a significant 30,000 square feet for the project, providing a sanctuary for visual artists like Paul Madonna and Taraneh Hemani. This space will also serve as a “satellite” gallery for those priced out of traditional venues, ensuring that artistic expression remains accessible to all.
Applications for the nonprofit’s inaugural fellowship will be available soon via the Art + Water social media channels, promising free classes and gallery exhibitions to enrich the local community. As anticipation builds for this transformative space, both Eggers and Alkhanshali are inviting the public to engage with the evolving artistic landscape of San Francisco.
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds, promising to make a lasting impact on the community and arts scene at Pier 29.
