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 2022, DSFP partnered with SITELAB urban design studio, Fehr + Peers, and John Bela to create the Public Realm Action Plan (PRAP). This comprehensive plan outlines physical, programmatic, and organizational strategies to reshape our district’s streets and open spaces.

Public Realm Strategy

PHYSICAL CONCEPTS

Pedestrian Paradise

Expands pedestrian space through reclaiming the curb, opening streets, and building better connections

Rediscover Public Open Spaces

Brings new energy and interest to public open spaces through light touch to long term improvements + programming

Let's Green

Campaigns for Downtown to maximize trees and plantings in its streets and open spaces

PROGRAMMATIC CONCEPTS

Downtown As a Stage

Increases vibrancy in Downtown by making it a memorable experience through intentional curation of arts and events

Continue Downtown's Story

Strengthens while encourages evolving Downtown's identity through placemaking, wayfinding, and recalling its rich cultural history

Re-energize from the Ground Up

Reactivates the ground floor through targeted revamps and incentive programs

“This is a moment to reimaginethe future of Downtown SF. This is a time to be bold.”

Current Projects

Landing at Leidesdorff

Sitting at a crossroad between Transamerica park, the Embarcadero Center, and Chinatown, these historic alleyways are ripe for activation through food and storytelling of its rich past.

Explore the Landing

Downtown Gateway

This critical transit hub connecting BART, Muni Metro, and the waterfront welcomes thousands daily, offering a unique opportunity to establish a gateway to downtown San Francisco.

Explore the Gateway

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.

Explore Mechanics

Embarcadero Park Project

Embarcadero Plaza is rich with history and untapped potential. The city and its partners are now investing in a bold new vision to transform it into a vibrant park, inviting everyone to connect in a dynamic public space that reflects SF's spirit.

Learn More

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.

Explore Front St

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.

Explore Battery Bridge

Public Realm Action Plan

Together with stakeholders and community, this Public Realm Action Plan is a roadmap for the next iteration of Downtown SF’s streets and open spaces, through a set of physical, programmatic, and organizational recommendations.

Download the Full Plan