The esteemed Eric Fischer brings us scans of BART plans from 1962. This shot looks south down (and under) Mission from 23rd towards 24th:
The Look of Rapid Transit: 24th Street Mission station
The interesting part (outside of the fact that the BART station was to be so brilliantly lit that men wearing hats would cast stark shadows) is the street photo up top — it was taken from the NW corner of 23rd and Mission, looking south towards Bernal. (Click the image for a big-ass high resolution version.)
Particularly striking is the utter lack of trees (even on the slopes of Bernal).
Lots of donuts though:
Matching shot from today. The trees make it hard to compare, but changes a plenty. (Click to enlargify.)
Zooming in towards 24th (above the epic car) we see the epic “Smile Awhile” bar:
A more clear view is available from the south. It should quickly become clear what that sign represents today:
Much more on the history of 24th and Mission, both imagined and realized, over at Burrito Justice from a few months back.
 Mission from 23rd towards 24th: The Look of Rapid Transit: 24th Street Mission station The interesting part (outside of the fact that the BART station was to be so brilliantly lit that men wearing hats would […]</p>
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I am not sure that I have the words to adequately express just how much I want to go to The Donut Tree.
RIP The Donut District.
Nicely done.
I want to invent a time machine just so I can go back and climb the donut tree.
I WISH TO INVEST IN YOUR PRODUCT.
Excellent reportage & signage detective work.
Really neat piece!