San Francisco Board of Supervisors Unanimously Approves Rehabilitation Project

Rehabilitation Project for Historic Piers 1½, 3 & 5 Historic Piers to be Restored

Published: September, 2003

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the lease between the Port of San Francisco and San Francisco Waterfront Partners, LLC, for the historic rehabilitation and development of Piers 1½, 3, and 5, located on the Embarcadero between Washington and Broadway Streets. The $44 million project will include new restaurants, office space, public access, boat docks, and a water taxi landing.

The three piers will be rehabilitated according to standards established by the Secretary of the Interior for the restoration of historic buildings, and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

After a complete repair and seismic upgrade of the substructure, San Francisco Waterfront Partners, LLC, will build out Class A office space, three cafes/restaurants, and a walkway around the waterside perimeter of the buildings for the public to enjoy the spectacular Bay views. An outdoor dining deck at the seafood restaurant will overlook a public boat dock at Pier 1½ where boaters can sail in and stay for short visits free of charge. The Port anticipates starting construction this fall, with project completion in about 24 months.

"This important historic rehabilitation project continues the beautification and character of the Ferry Building Waterfront area. It will bring new commercial and maritime activity to this area, and maximize public access for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to San Francisco’s waterfront," said Port Executive Director Doug Wong.

The Port’s primary goals for the Piers 1½, 3, and 5 Historic Rehabilitation Project are to create an inviting mixed-use project which attracts the public to the Bay and enhances their waterfront experience; to preserve and rehabilitate the historic waterfront maritime buildings on the site; and to provide rental revenue to the Port to support its public trust mandate. For more information about the Project, visit the website at www.thepierssf.com.

Many projects within the Ferry Building waterfront area have dramatically changed its relationship to the downtown and city communities. The City of San Francisco has completed the $475 million Waterfront Transportation Project, which includes roadway, public transit, and Herb Caen Way pedestrian and landscaping improvements along the Embarcadero. Rehabilitation of historic Pier 1 and the expansion of the Downtown Ferry Terminal also have been completed. The Ferry Building historic rehabilitation has been largely completed and will continue building out the public marketplace throughout the summer and fall months of 2003.

The Port of San Francisco, an enterprise agency of the City and County of San Francisco, oversees a broad range of commercial, maritime, and public access facilities along the City’s waterfront that are held in public trust for the people of California.