San Francisco is known for its spectacular waterfront and multitude of access points to the Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Even though the city's coastline is already undoubtedly one of its most prized assets, big plans are in the works to make the City by the Bay's endless water's edge even better. Be it brand new development and parks in the open space-deprived southeast section of the city, or a new arena and condo towers on the Embarcadero, the changes are sure to impress, and of course cause drama (the 8 Washington saga comes to mind). Some of the featured projects are already under construction while others may never make it off the drawing boards. With that in mind, let's introduce 18 of major changes planned for the San Francisco waterfront. Think a project should have been included in our map but wasn't? Drop us a line or let us know in the comments.
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Mapping 18 Major Changes in Store for the Waterfront
Warriors Arena
Come 2017 (hopefully), the Warriors will move from the East Bay to a brand new Snohetta-designed arena right on the Embarcadero, just a stones throw away from the Bay Bridge and AT&T Park. There is also a major retail component to the project.
Seawall Lot 330
If approvals are granted, Seawall Lot 330 should become a large hotel and commercial development. This project goes hand in hand with the arrival of the Warriors Arena across the street.
75 Howard Street
75 Howard is a proposed 350 foot residential tower on the site of what is currently a parking garage. The project comes with retail space and a new park at its base. The building will only be built as planned if city officials approve a zoning variance allowing for a building taller than 200 ft.
Ferry Terminal Improvements
The improvements proposed for the Ferry Building include multiple new berthing facilities, a new plaza on the Embarcadero, protected waiting areas, and new seating and landscaping. Improvements should roll out in phases as ferry service increases over the next decade.
Northeast Wharf Plaza
In front of the new Cruise Ship Terminal, the Port of San Francisco plans to create a new landscaped open space for the public to enjoy.
8 Washington Street
Without a doubt the most controversial project on the San Francisco waterfront, the condos and redevelopment of the Golden Gateway Club planned at 8 Washington are the subject of dueling ballot measures in support and in opposition of the project.
Fort Mason Center
Big plans are in the works for Fort Mason, which was the subject of an international design competition that solicited ideas for a complete redesign of the waterfront complex. West 8 won the competition with a proposal that both augments the artistic uses of the buildings while reinforcing the area's historic military aesthetic.
Doyle Drive Reconstruction
Doyle Drive was previously an elevated freeway that severed links between the Presidio and Crissy Field. The new "Presidio Parkway" will reestablish the lost connection and even feature restored wetlands under the roadway. The project is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in late 2015.
Mission Rock Development
The San Francisco Giants are busy finalizing plans for the massive parking lots across from the ballpark. Plans call for new office, residential and retail space as well as new parks and recreation areas. The project will be built in phases with the first phase commencing construction potentially as early as 2015.
N Judah Turnaround Beautification
The drab N Judah Turnaround will get much needed landscaping upgrades as well as new murals and gathering spaces as part of the beautification project. No word yet on exactly when the project will be finished.
Taraval Streetscape Improvement
SFDPW plans to introduce palm trees and blue crosswalks between 48th and 46th avenues near ocean beach, as well as a beach-inspired art installation where the street meets the Great Highway.
Great Highway Closure
SPUR's Ocean Beach Master Plan recommends closing the Great Highway from Sloat to Skyline Boulevard as a result of the fact that the roadway is slowly tumbling in to the Pacific.
Crane Cove Park
The Port of San Francisco wants to turn a desolate stretch of the Waterfront adjacent to Pier 70 in to a waterfront park featuring historic cranes that have been decommissioned for decades. The park is still in the design phase and construction won't begin until at least 2015.
Hunter's Point Redevelopment
The redevelopment of Hunter's Point will come with hundreds of acres of restored shoreline access and waterfront parks.
Candlestick Point Redevelopment
Candlestick Point is losing the 49ers but will gain open space, residential, retail and commercial development, as well as improved transit connection to the rest of the city.
Executive Park Redevelopment
San Francisco wants more density, improved parks and open space in Executive Park as part of the huge changes planned for the city's southeast waterfront.
Pier 70 Redevelopment
The Port of San Francisco and Forest City are hard at work crafting plans for housing and open space at Pier 70, an area full of historic buildings pining for thoughtful restoration.
Pier 38 Rehabilitation
Plans for Pier 38 are in the early stages, but the Port of San Francisco seems to favor a mix of office space and restaurants on the historic Pier.
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