In Support of SF Mayor Lurie’s Downtown Revitalization Plan, Council Backs Bold Urban Park Transformation

Revitalizing and bringing new energy to the Bay Area’s major downtowns is key to spurring economic activity and bringing workers and visitors back. That’s why the Bay Area Council is supporting a bold plan to renovate Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park across from the iconic Ferry Building at the foot of Market Street in San Francisco. And why we’re urging the removal of the broken, hulking and brutalist Vaillancourt Fountain as part of a project to transform the space into a cohesive 5-acre waterfront park, featuring multi-purpose spaces for large gatherings, enhanced pathways with landscaping and stormwater management, and improved streetscapes. The renovation aligns with Mayor Daniel Lurie’s “Heart of the City” downtown revitalization plan, which he recently announced.

The plan aims to transform downtown into a vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood through investments in public spaces, small businesses, and community vitality. Community input has emphasized the need for open green areas, shaded seating, inclusive amenities, and better waterfront access to boost economic recovery. However, the fountain’s massive concrete design fragments the plaza, hinders pedestrian flow, and presents safety, environmental, and accessibility issues. Restoring it could cost $29 million—nearly the full project budget—diverting funds from these community-driven goals.

The Council has submitted a letter to the San Francisco Arts Commission urging it to approve the removal of the fountain. And we encourage our members to add their support ahead of hearings by the Visual Arts Committee on September 30 at 2 p.m. and the Full Arts Commission on October 6 at 2 p.m.