San
Francisco Ferry Terminal Project Update
Background
Work began on the first phase of
the San Francisco Ferry Terminal Project in February 2000. This phase is
still ongoing and involves constructing new and improved ferry terminal
facilities and public access promenades on the north and south areas
surrounding the historic Ferry Building. As part of the overall project,
new facilities for commuter ferry service will be constructed with new
covered, accessible landing facilities, granite portal
structuresrailings and amenities, attractive stonework and colored
paving at the portal areas, and a protective breakwater south of the
south ferry terminal basin area.
The second phase of the Project
began in January 2001 and includes construction of a continuous public
access area along the waterside of the Ferry Building between the North
and South Terminalsfor a new East Promenade. The East Promenade is aAn
important design element of the Ferry Terminal Project and is nearing
completion.is the East Promenade – a continuous public access area
currently being constructed along the waterside of the Ferry Building
between the North and South Terminals
The Project’s public access
improvements include new promenades on the north, south, and east sides
of the Ferry Building, and new ferry terminals at the south and north
ends to provide for increased commuter ferry service capacity. to the
North, East, and eventually South Bay regions. The public access
improvements were designed to work in concert with the recently
completed Embarcadero Roadway and San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI)
F-Line projectsimprovements. These combined projectsimprovements won an
American Institute of Architects Regional and Urban Design Award for the
year 2000. The Port of San Francisco, the Federal government and the
State grants are all providing financial support and the Port of San
Francisco made funding possible for the Project.
Project Completion Dates
It is anticipated that the new
South Terminal will be ready for trial service with a new entrance
portal, covered gangway and float, and breakwater by mid-September 2001.
and for tThe new North Terminal will be in trial service by mid-October
2001. The official opening is tentatively scheduled for November. The
East Promenade will open along with the renovated Ferry Building in late
2002. Pier 1/2 ferry service will continue uninterrupted until the new
terminals are complete. At that point in the project, North Bay services
will be shifted to the new North Terminal and East Bay services will
shift to the new South Terminal area.
Project Benefits
The completed project will allow
ferry operators to provide increased service for ferry passengers,
improve accessibility and weather protection for ferry riders, and
combine artistic and design features with facilities surrounding the
waterfront area.
The new terminals have been
designed to remain functional in the event of a major earthquake and
will be . The existing Ferry Building float at Pier 1/2 will be
refurbished and will be available for use as needed as a temporary
emergency terminal. The terminals will beconfigured for maximum utility
of use with the Ferry Building. The historic landmark building is
currently being renovated scheduled for renovation and when completed
will includebe developed for office, retail and restaurant spaceto . The
existing Ferry Building float at Pier 1/2 will be refurbished and
available for use as a temporary, emergency terminal. The fFuture phases
of the Ferry Terminal project may include additional terminals and
concessions areas designed to meet the anticipated demands of increased
ferry ridership.
Summer 2001 Progress Report
Below are the project activities
currently underway and planned for the San Francisco Ferry Terminal
Project. All scheduled activities described are subject to change. The
progress report tracks the latest news on project activities.
During the past few months, both
the South and North Promenades and Terminals have come a long way since
construction began in February 2000. a Granite entrance gatesway/doorway
(or portals) to the Terminals, as well as with a welcoming decorative
granite compass roses at the entrance and architectural finishes are
nearing completion., like attractive stonework paving for the deck and
ornamental handrails and lighting have been added around the perimeter
of the Promenades.
Project activities at the South
Promenade included replacement of an existing lagoon walkway to the
Agricultural Building, pile and deck installation, and repair of the
underside of the existing deck. Construction of the began in October
2000 for the breakwater that protects the south terminal basin area is
complete.
Project activities at the North
Promenade included repairs to the North Marginal Wharf area. A The new
deck will included incorporate a seismic expansion joint that allows the
pier area to move independently from the adjacent structures, yet remain
intact in the event of a major earthquake.
On the East Side of the Ferry
Building, wooden new concrete piles and a new wider deck have been
added. The new deck will be topped with an attractive colored paving
surrounded by the ornamental railing and finishes as part of the Ferry
Building Project due to be complete by the end of 2002. The Ferry
Building and the Ferry Terminals will operate independently. Meanwhile,
during the Ferry Building’s renovations, a temporary protective tunnel
will provide access to the North Terminal.
Upcoming Activities
The off-site construction of tThe floats and access ramps with canopies
are currently undergoing painting and final assembly at the contractor’s
yard in Sacramentotouchups. Decorative benches, and trashcans, and
ornamental handrails and lighting bollards, and signage including maps,
schedules, etc. are currently being placed at the South and North
Promenades. Begin in August the paving at
Project Timeline
The south float and ramp are expected to arrive by late -August 2001
with the terminal soon thereafter. Following the completion of the South
Terminal, the north float and ramp are expected to arrive mid-Fall 2001
with the terminal operating on a trial basis by mid-October. Pier 1/2
ferry service will continue uninterrupted until the new terminals are
readycomplete.