San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is set to undergo significant changes as part of the new “Fisherman’s Wharf Forward” project. The initiative, led by the Port of San Francisco, seeks to rejuvenate the waterfront area after a period marked by restaurant closures and reduced tourism during the pandemic.
The plan will use public investment alongside increased business activity to accelerate recovery in the neighborhood. City officials note that visitor spending and hotel bookings have risen compared to last year, with convention reservations up 65 percent and record crowds at the Ferry Building, according to a statement from Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office.
A central feature of the project involves transforming the former Alioto’s Restaurant site on Taylor Street into a public plaza facing Jefferson Street’s lagoon. The space will offer picnic tables, benches overlooking the Bay, improved lighting and landscaping, and an area for pop-up retail or beverage services.
Alioto’s closed in 2022. Efforts by the Port of San Francisco to re-lease the space attracted more than 20 interested tenants. However, challenges related to its three-story layout and high repair costs prevented leasing for any use.
Port officials ultimately decided to convert the location into public space with hopes of drawing visitors and supporting nearby businesses.
Other elements of Fisherman’s Wharf Forward include new leases on Jefferson Street, pop-up activations, improvements at Pier 45 for fishing operations, safer streets, and enhanced public spaces.
Structural upgrades are also planned as part of this effort. These include strengthening or replacing sections of seawall, flood-proofing buildings, modernizing dock facilities for fishing boats, and upgrading public areas. The objective is to safeguard the waterfront against sea level rise and earthquakes while maintaining its appeal for residents, fishers, and tourists.
Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office stated: “The comeback is already in motion, as visitor spending and hotel bookings are notably higher than a year ago, convention reservations are up 65 percent, and the city’s Ferry Building is seeing record crowds.”
“As the artificial intelligence sector grows its foothold in the city and attracts new workers from around the world,” city officials said they are hopeful that “the Fisherman’s Wharf Forward plan, in tandem with organic growth, will revitalize the neighborhood.”
