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Belden Place

The Downtown SF Partnership worked with SITELAB Urban Studio to create a Public Realm Action Plan for the future of the Financial District and Jackson Square.

Image courtesy of SITELAB Urban Studio

This historic street deserves to be highlighted for its iconic European-style outdoor style restaurants and alfresco dining. However, time and the current health pandemic haven't been kind to Belden Place. A steep drop in business over the last two years and the street's loss of foot traffic from newer food hot spots have dimmed the street's appeal. There's agreement it's time for a refresh. The Downtown SF Partnership approached the restaurateurs and conducted two facilitated workshops with SmithGroup design firm to find out what they wanted, and more importantly, what they didn't want. Ideas were far and wide but short- term improvements to improve the street's visual appeal included new string lighting and way-finding signage. It's a start. If these interventions work, they could bring much needed energy back to Belden Place and spark a revival in the street and surrounding streets.