Outreach Process and Project Timeline

About the Northeast Embarcadero Study

Related Planning Documents

If you have questions or comments on this project, or would like to get involved, please contact:

Kate McGee
Lead Planner
415-558-6367

Neil Hrushowy
Urban Designer
415-558-6471

Join the mailing list! Email us your contact information for future updates on this planning process and receive meeting notices.

Outreach Process and Project Timeline

The Planning Department’s Northeast Embarcadero Study was initiated by Supervisor Chiu and funded by the Port of San Francisco. The study timeline is approximately one year. It is being completed in four phases, outlined in the table above. Public comment has been solicited and considered throughout the entire Study and will continue as the recommendations are considered by each commission.

SUMMER 2009
Community Discussion: Listening

On May 27, June 23, and June 30 community members convened for the Study's first round of community workshops. The purpose of these workshops was to describe the Study's goals, expected products and timeline, and to discuss the community's vision for the area. Through comments made at these meetings, or from letters sent via mail and email, the Department received over 300 comments for the Study.

• DOWNLOAD THE
  Planning Department's Presentation (from the June 30th, 2009 workshop) PDF - 7 MB
  
  
• DOWNLOAD THE
  Community Workshop Summary and a Detailed List of Community Comments - PDF
  
  
• DOWNLOAD THE
  Inter-Agency Presentation - "Our Evolving Waterfront"
  (from the August 5th, 2009 community meeting) PDF - 8 MB

FALL 2009
Planning Department's Preliminary Recommendations

On September 30th, the Planning Department hosted a walking tour of the area and presented its preliminary recommendations for open space, improvements to the public realm, and urban design guidelines for the Northeast Embarcadero. Through small group discussions following the presentation, community members reviewed the Study's Fundamental Design Principles and Initial Recommendations for the Northeast Embarcadero Waterfront, as well as a number of alternatives for the appropriate height and massing on key parcels in the study area. The Planning Department's presentation, the Study's proposed Principles and Initial Recommendations, and a detailed summary of community comments are below.

• VIEW THE
  Planning Department's Presentation Part 1, Part 2
  (from the September 30th, 2009 workshop) Youtube video.
  
  
• DOWNLOAD THE
  Summary of Community Comments, Round 2 - PDF
  
  
• DOWNLOAD THE
  Fundamental Design Principles and Initial Recommendations for the Northeast Embarcadero Waterfront - PDF

WINTER 2010
Refined Urban Design Recommendations and Preliminary Urban Design Guidelines

On February 24th, 2010, the Planning Department presented refined urban design recommendations and urban design guidelines for the study area. Through small group discussions following the presentation, community members reviewed the Study’s urban design guidelines.

• DOWNLOAD THE
  Guide for the February 24th, 2010 Workshop - PDF
  
  
• DOWNLOAD THE
  Preliminary Urban Design Guidelines for the Study - PDF 3.5 MB
  
  
• DOWNLOAD THE
  Map Images presented in the Preliminary Urban Design Guidelines - PDF 22 MB

SPRING 2010
Final Recommendations

About the Northeast Embarcadero Study

Study Area

The Northeast Embarcadero Study intends to guide the future development of properties along the west side of the Embarcadero, generally from Market to North Point. The study will focus on the Port's properties between Washington and North Point that are currently being used as parking lots. The Department intends to consider appropriate areas beyond these immediate sites in order to more fully understand the context and the role the Port properties play on The Embarcadero and in the larger city fabric. See the map below.

Study Goals

The study aims to create a 'sense of place' by creating urban design guidelines and recommendations to ensure that new development strengthens The Embarcadero, elevates place, and is sensitive to context. The study also aims to help create a gracious public realm that connects the city to the waterfront and strengthens the linear promenade on the west side of The Embarcadero. Great waterfronts from around the world all share an emphasis on gracious linear promenades, strong architecture that frames the open space, and a rhythmic progression of intimate open spaces that heighten the experience of both the built edge and the water beyond. Ultimately, the study will create a public realm plan and design guidelines that will:

1. Ensure strong connections (both to the neighborhoods to the west and across The Embarcadero to the Bay);
   
   
2. Use building siting, massing, articulation and quality materials to reinforce the pedestrian realm and create a distinct sense of place unique to the Northeast Embarcadero;
   
   
3. Maintain a strong and active street frontage; and
   
   
4. Recommend appropriate streetscape designs to provide attractive, safe and inviting sidewalks and footpaths.

The guidelines developed as a result of the study will be applied to any new development fronting The Embarcadero, including the Port parcels in question. A public realm plan for the west side of The Embarcadero will ensure strong connections, both to the neighborhoods to the west and across The Embarcadero to the Bay.

Active Projects in the Study Area and Its Environs

( view location map of active projects )

1. Fisherman's Wharf (Pier 43 Promenade)
2. Fisherman's Wharf (Jefferson Street Redesign)
3. Pier 27 & 29: Cruise Ship Terminal
4. Northeast Waterfront Plaza
5. Pier 15 & 17: Exploratorium
6. 8 Washington Street
7. Embarcadero Waterfront Open Space Study

Other Projects:

• Embarcadero Parking and Transportation Study
• Embarcadero Promenade Design Guidelines
• Recreation and Open Space Update
• TEP (Transit Effectiveness Project)

Area Maps

1. Updated Maps: Existing Zoning, Existing Heights, Historic Resources, and Jurisdiction of Public Property - PDF

Related Planning Documents

Northeastern Waterfront Plan
The Northeastern Waterfront Plan is an Area Plan of the City's General Plan. The Plan's goals include re-integrating the waterfront with the fabric of the City and re-establishing the waterfront as the eastern edge of the City. The Plan aims to connect recreational areas with community facilities, historic and architecturally significant buildings, residential areas, and employment centers, and to reinforce the special identity of the area.

The Northeast Waterfront Historic District
Bounded by Union, Montgomery, Broadway, and The Embarcadero, the Northeast Waterfront Historic District is described in the City's Planning Code, and aims to preserve the basic characteristics of the area, while continuing vitality through private renewal and architectural creativity. Provisions in the Planning Code allow for development of vacant and incompatibly developed properties in accordance with the character of the Historic District.

Waterfront Land Use Plan
The Waterfront Land Use Plan and its accompanying Design and Access Element is the Port's official planning policy document. The Waterfront Plan sets forth land use policies for all property under the jurisdiction of the Port of San Francisco. The Plan's overarching objective is "Reuniting San Francisco with its Waterfront."

Waterfront Design and Access Element
The Plan's related Design & Access Element includes goals, policies and criteria which address urban design, public access, open space, city pattern and historic preservation.

Recreation and Open Space Element Update