San Francisco Trims Waterfront Plan's Sails

Facing opposition and lawsuits from citizens groups, and concerns about attendance and finances, "the America's Cup Event Authority early this month announced a "consolidated venue plan" that significantly diminishes the development footprint of the San Francisco-based event. No longer part of the complex real estate deal are Piers 30, 32, and the prime real estate bounded by Beale, Bryant, and the Embarcadero," writes Calys

Enhancements to the structural stability of a number of historic piers, which are in disrepair and in danger of collapse, were to be part of the improvements planned for the waterfront ahead of the race, but have seemingly been shelved. According to Calys, improvements to Piers 27, 29, and 80 will still go ahead, however, "[e]xact redevelopment plans for these piers-which are being master planned and designed by a team led by AECOM-are still unclear; a new scheme is expected in the next three to four weeks."

"America's Cup backers insist that the race will still occur in San Francisco. What is now unclear is whether a positive contribution to San Francisco's urban waterfront will result."