Placemaking
Downtown San Francisco is filled with major streets and alleys shadowed by rich historical infrastructure dating back to the Gold Rush. We partner with the business community, City departments, residents and other stakeholders to define a public realm vision and implement physical improvements, programming and activations to make the district a welcoming, attractive and vibrant destination.
Public Realm Action Plan
Public realm improvements and placemaking initiatives are vital tools for economic development, transforming spaces into welcoming areas that foster community gathering, cultural exchange, and social connections—all of which contribute to local commerce. In partnership with SITELAB urban design studio, Fehr + Peers, and John Bela, DSFP developed the Public Realm Action Plan (PRAP) in 2022, a comprehensive plan outlining physical, programmatic, and organizational strategies to reshape the district’s streets and open spaces.
Our Projects
Downtown Gateway
At the end of the celebrated California Cable Car line, the historic Robert Frost Plaza was rich with generations of stories and untapped potential. The Downtown SF Partnership invested in a bold new vision to transform this bustling crossroads into a dynamic public space that invites to experience the spirit of San Francisco.
Front Street Entertainment Zone
Front Street is now home to California's inaugural Entertainment Zone. This new designation allows Front Street bars to serve drinks for outdoor consumption during special events, creating a lively and engaging street-level experience for everyone to enjoy.
Mechanics Monument Plaza
Located on Market Street in central Downtown San Francisco, this once underutilized historic plaza is now a hub for community and culture.
Landing at Leidesdorff
Nestled on Commercial Street between Sansome and Montgomery Streets, this historic alleyway is a reimagined downtown experience for San Franciscans - activated with pop-up vendors, cultural programming, food and beverage options, and local art installations.
Battery Bridge
Originally closed to vehicles during the pandemic, the Battery Bridge plaza is now a vibrant passageway featuring a 1,900-square-foot mural, “Estero en Movimeiento,” that brings the natural beauty of Drake’s Bay to downtown’s urban core.
Get in Touch
