San Francisco Sun

Mayor London N. Breed has announced a new civic partnership aimed at transforming Embarcadero Plaza into a waterfront park, as part of her plan to revitalize Downtown San Francisco. This initiative is part of Mayor Breed's "Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future," which seeks to make Downtown a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood.

On November 5, Mayor Breed will introduce legislation for a partnership agreement involving the City’s Recreation & Parks Department and Office of Economic and Workforce Development, real estate developer BXP, and the community benefit district Downtown SF Partnership. The goal is to redesign Embarcadero Plaza and the adjacent Sue Bierman Park.

The public-private partnership involves BXP Embarcadero Plaza LP (BXPE) investing approximately $2.5 million in design efforts. The Recreation & Parks Department and OEWD aim to secure over $15 million in public funding, while BXPE and Downtown SF Partnership will work towards obtaining up to $10 million in private funding.

"The Embarcadero is the gateway to Downtown," said Mayor Breed. "Transforming this Plaza into a vibrant park and gathering space will help us usher in a new era Downtown."

Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of Rec and Park, emphasized the strategic location of Embarcadero Plaza between Downtown and the waterfront: "Now, thanks for this public-private partnership, we have the opportunity to revive this unique space."

The project supports Mayor Breed's 30 x 30 initiative, aiming to bring 30,000 new residents and students to Downtown by 2030. Proposition B could provide up to $41 million for improving public spaces if passed by voters.

Sarah Dennis Phillips from OEWD called it "a once-in-a-generation opportunity" for revitalization. Aaron Fenton from BXP expressed enthusiasm about contributing $2.5 million towards a new restroom facility as part of the redesign.

Robbie Silver from Downtown SF Partnership highlighted the potential for Embarcadero Plaza as a key gathering place: "We look forward to collaborating with the City and BXP."

Karen Wong from Harborview Restaurant & Bar shared personal memories tied to Embarcadero Plaza: "We’re thrilled by the possibility of adding a new park."

Elaine Forbes from Port of San Francisco noted plans for integrating future park enhancements with existing open spaces.

Over the past year, various events have been held at Embarcadero Plaza as part of efforts to rejuvenate the area.