S
an Francisco Mayor London Breed is pushing for a major transformation of the concrete Embarcadero Plaza into a sprawling 5-acre park. The project, which would link the plaza with Sue Bierman Park, aims to create a vibrant public space in front of the Ferry Building. Breed will introduce legislation on Tuesday to approve a public-private partnership that would allow private fundraising for the estimated $25 million project.

    The city would collaborate with landlord BXP, owner of the adjacent Embarcadero Center, to revamp the 1.2-acre plaza at Market Street and The Embarcadero. Plans include removing the brick-and-concrete area and creating a retail corridor with an event stage near Four Embarcadero, as well as a promenade closer to the Embarcadero.

    The partnership involves the Rec and Park Department, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, BXP, and the Downtown SF Partnership. BXP has committed $2.5 million for preliminary renderings and project management, while local businesses would contribute another $10 million if the plan is approved. The city's contribution is expected to be at least $15 million.

    The park's completion is estimated to take three years or more, with costs potentially exceeding the initial estimate of $25 million. Mayor Breed emphasized that the goal is to create a thriving public space in downtown San Francisco.