San Francisco Trims Waterfront Plan's Sails

Ambitious plans to remake considerable portions of San Francisco's Waterfront in preparation for the America’s Cup yacht race, to be staged in the city in 2013, have been significantly scaled back, reports George Calys

1 minute read

March 13, 2012, 12:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


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."

Monday, March 12, 2012 in The Architect's Newspaper

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City