Fisherman's Wharf to get $10 million revamp to boost tourism
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Fisherman's Wharf is getting a makeover. Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Fisherman's Wharf is receiving a $10 million boost to revitalize the waterfront in what San Francisco officials are describing as one of the area's most consequential investments since its inception.
Why it matters: The historic tourist destination, which attracts about 12 million visitors annually, is home to the city's commercial fishing industry and landmarks like Pier 39.
- Despite its popularity, the area has yet to fully recover from the pandemic due to legacy restaurants permanently closing, tourism declines and lack of local appeal.
State of play: The multimillion-dollar project, funded by the Port of San Francisco, aims to boost the wharf's appeal and make environmental upgrades to preserve its infrastructure over time.
What they're saying: "Tourism is very important to the city and we want to maintain it as a destination," David Beaupre, the Port of San Francisco's planning director, told Axios. "This project will be the single largest investment the wharf has seen in quite some time."
Between the lines: The redevelopment plan includes replacing the rundown former site of Alioto's Restaurant with a public plaza and redesigning the Inner Lagoon, the body of water located between Taylor and Jones streets overlooking Pier 39.
- Other plans include new lighting along the harbor, seismic and sea-level resilience upgrades, flood-protection for buildings and remodeling facilities for the fishing fleet.
- Already, the Port has made significant improvements over the past five years, including building a floating dock to promote off-boat fish sales, installing new furniture and greenery and signing three new restaurant leases: Chasca Rio, Everett & Jones Barbeque and Castagnola's.
What's next: The first phase, which includes constructing the plaza, is expected to begin this fall and be completed by next summer. The hope is finish the entire project by 2033, per Beaupre.