San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed today announced a new civic partnership to transform the Embarcadero Plaza into a new waterfront park as part of her vision for revitalizing Downtown. The effort to reimagine Embarcadero Plaza is the latest initiative under Mayor Breed’s Roadmap the San Francisco’s Future, a comprehensive plan to spur the economic revitalization of Downtown by transforming it into a vibrant, mixed-use, 24/7 neighborhood and destination.
Mayor Breed will introduce legislation on Tuesday, November 5 to approve a partnership agreement between the City (Recreation & Parks Department and Office of Economic and Workforce Development), real estate developer BXP, and the community benefit district Downtown SF Partnership to redesign and improve Embarcadero Plaza and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park.
The public-private partnership, which was approved by the Recreation and Park Commission on October 17, would call for BXP Embarcadero Plaza LP, or BXPE, to spend approximately $2.5 million on a design, while Rec and Park and Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) would commit to jointly working towards securing up to more than $15 million in public funding for the project. In addition, BXPE and Downtown SF Partnership would commit to working to secure up to $10 million in private funding.
“The Embarcadero is the gateway to Downtown, a place where residents, visitors, and workers should be able to experience the best of what’s possible in our City,” said Mayor London Breed. “Transforming this Plaza into a vibrant park and gathering space will help us usher in a new era Downtown as a vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood and destination for everyone. I’m excited to work with BXP and Downtown Partnership to realize this vision because when we all work together, we can bring joy and excitement to the future of San Francisco.”
Under the agreement, all partners would work together on public outreach to ensure the renovated plaza meets the needs of the community. Possible renovations could include residential infrastructure such as resident-serving amenities like a new children’s playground, spaces for entertainment, or a marketplace similar to the one currently along Market Street. Neighboring Sue Bierman Park would be included in the renovation plans.
“With the Ferry Building just across the street and the Bay Bridge in the backdrop, Embarcadero Plaza’s strategic position between Downtown and the iconic waterfront has always been its greatest asset,” said Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “Now, thanks for this public-private partnership, we have the opportunity to revive this unique space and transform it into the vibrant community hub it’s always been meant to be.”
Investing in public spaces, neighborhood amenities, and community events and activations are among the Roadmap’s strategies and also support the Mayor’s 30 x 30 initiative, which aims to bring 30,000 new residents and students to Downtown by 2030. If passed by voters in tomorrow’s election, Proposition B (Healthy, Safe, and Vibrant San Francisco Bond) would include up to $41 million in funding to improve and modernize public spaces in Downtown.
“Embarcadero Plaza is a prime location at the doorway to Downtown. This partnership provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform this iconic space so that it can help fuel Downtown’s recovery by becoming a more vibrant and active community gathering place,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director, OEWD. “I want to thank Mayor Breed and our partners for their vision, and I look forward to working with the expanding Downtown community as we chart a new future for Embarcadero Plaza.”
“BXP is deepening its commitment to San Francisco by partnering with the City and SF Rec & Park on the potential redesign of Embarcadero Plaza, including constructing a new $2.5 million publicly accessible restroom at 4EC to support the new park,” said Aaron Fenton, Senior Vice President of Development at BXP. “We are thrilled to play a key role in reimagining this cherished space, enhancing its vitality and accessibility for all who live, work, and visit here.”
“As the front door to San Francisco, Embarcadero Plaza is arguably the most underutilized public space in the greater downtown area and prime to welcome residents and visitors Downtown to experience a world-class waterfront park in a world-class city,” said Robbie Silver, President and CEO, Downtown SF Partnership. “We look forward to collaborating with the City and BXP as stewards and placemakers for the space, in addition to fundraising alongside public and private partners to make the waterfront a gathering place for future generations and ensure Downtown remains center stage as the city’s economic engine.”
“Embarcadero Plaza holds a special place in my heart,” stated Karen Wong, co-owner of Harborview Restaurant & Bar. “Born and raised in San Francisco, my brother and I share countless memories of playing and running through this iconic space as kids. Now, as co-owners of Harborview Restaurant & Bar, we’re thrilled by the possibility of adding a new park to complement our already stunning panoramic views. We look forward to seeing San Francisco thrive once again, filled with the vibrant energy of both locals and visitors alike!”
“The Port is excited to collaborate with SF Recreation and Parks and BXP on a design that integrates a future enhanced park into the Port’s ever-expanding system of parks and open space, while also considering the future needs of a resilient waterfront,” said Port of San Francisco Executive Director Elaine Forbes.
Over the past year, the City has invested significant effort into reinvigorating Embarcadero Plaza.
- In November 2023, Rec and Park installed two pop-up padel courts, with plans for a third court coming this fall. The courts are the only public padel courts in Northern California.
- In July, 5,000 people descended on the plaza to enjoy a free Downtown concert held by Another Planet, Dirtybird: Back to Baysics featuring Sacha Robotti, Mz Worthy, Smalltown DJs, & Deron Delgado b2b Moody Jones.
- In August, the City launched the free pilot summer series Bricks at Embarcadero Plaza, bringing fun weekly scheduled activities to Downtown, including trivia nights, dance lessons, DJs, live music, happy hours, and more.
- In September, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival held its long running summer series Free Shakespeare in the Park at Sue Bierman Park for the first time, featuring a production of the classic “The Tempest.”
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