California Construction News staff writer
San Francisco’s Embarcadero Plaza is set to undergo a major transformation through a public-private partnership aimed at revitalizing the city’s waterfront and downtown. The plan, supported by Mayor London Breed, the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, real estate developer BXP, and the Downtown SF Partnership, will redesign the plaza as a vibrant, community-oriented space.
The Embarcadero Plaza renovation is part of Mayor Breed’s broader Roadmap for San Francisco’s Future, a plan to turn Downtown into a dynamic, 24/7 mixed-use neighborhood. The project will also include improvements to the adjacent Sue Bierman Park, creating a new civic hub connecting residential, commercial, and public spaces.
Under the terms of the partnership, BXP Embarcadero Plaza LP (BXPE) will invest $2.5 million in the design phase, while the Recreation & Parks Department and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) will jointly seek more than $15 million in public funding for the project. BXPE and the Downtown SF Partnership will also work together to secure up to $10 million in private funding.
“We have a unique opportunity to reimagine Embarcadero Plaza as a vibrant and accessible space for all who live, work, and visit in San Francisco,” said Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department. “This prime location between Downtown and the waterfront has long had potential, and now we have the chance to bring that vision to life.”
The plans for the renovated plaza include new amenities such as a children’s playground, entertainment spaces, and a marketplace similar to the one along Market Street. The redesign will complement the public space’s natural assets, with views of the Bay Bridge and proximity to the Ferry Building.
The project also aligns with Mayor Breed’s 30×30 initiative, which aims to add 30,000 new residents and students to Downtown by 2030. If voters approve Proposition B in the upcoming election, up to $41 million could be allocated to improve public spaces in Downtown, including Embarcadero Plaza.
“Embarcadero Plaza is a cornerstone of Downtown, and this partnership offers a rare chance to transform it into a thriving public space that will help drive Downtown’s recovery,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, executive director of OEWD. “We’re excited to work with the city and BXP to bring this vision to life.”
BXP, a major developer in the region, is also funding the construction of a new $2.5 million publicly accessible restroom at 4EC, which will serve the renovated park. “We’re thrilled to play a key role in reimagining this cherished space, making it more accessible and vibrant for everyone who experiences it,” said Aaron Fenton, senior vice president of development at BXP.
The Downtown SF Partnership, which has been involved in the planning, views the project as vital for ensuring that Downtown remains a thriving hub of activity. “Embarcadero Plaza is a key gateway to San Francisco,” said Robbie Silver, president and CEO of Downtown SF Partnership. “We look forward to collaborating with the city and BXP to create a world-class waterfront park that will remain a centerpiece for generations to come.”
