Location:
End of 17th Street at the intersection of Castro and Market Streets
Construction:
May 10 – May 12, 2009
Opening Date:
May 13, 2009
End of Initial Trial Run:
July 11, 2009 – with four month extension pending review.
Estimated Cost (Including Labor): $20,000
Community Partners:
Public Architecture, The Castro Community Benefits District, Flora Grub Gardens, High Caliber Growing, Pacific Fiber Tube, Inc., Great Street Projects, Orphan Andy’s Restaurant, and Chevron Station Owner - Sahagun Brothers. Public Architecture, a national nonprofit organization that engages architecture firms and nonprofits to commit to design for public good through its national 1% program, provided pro-bono design services for the plaza.
Planted bollards, moveable tables and chairs, granite benches and a
painted surface
were the key materials used to create the plaza.
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A local design firm, Public Architecture, donated their time and resources to help design and acquire materials for the plaza, including one of its more innovative features; the use of “Sonotube” concrete forms as temporary bollards/planters. In addition to the planters, the plaza features salvaged granite curbs and moveable chairs and tables to provide a diversity of seating options in the plaza. The surface was painted a terracotta color to delineate it from surrounding streets and the F-Line right-of-way.
For conceptual plan view of the plaza, click here. 
An historic F-line streetcar makes its way through the plaza
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The F-Line Streetcar:
One of the most unique features of the plaza is the presence of the historic Muni F-Line streetcar trains. The colorful trolleys provide a unique kinetic element to the space as they turn the corner and head down Market Street and onward to Fisherman’s Wharf. The plaza now serves as a pedestrian friendly terminus to this route and creates a much more welcoming front door to the world-famous Castro neighborhood. From the plaza, visitors riding the F-line can now comfortably disembark the trolley without worry of speeding traffic, orient themselves, snap a photo with the landmark Pride Flag or Castro Theatre marquee in the background, and set off on an exploration of the Castro neighborhood.
Emergency & Tunnel Access:
In addition to normal emergency access for buildings along 17th Street – the plaza’s design had to address a number of unique emergency access challenges. In the event of a major emergency, currently unused tracks on 17th Street may need to be put into service by safety personal to enter tunnels into the City’s subway system. The plaza’s design team worked carefully with Muni and the Fire Department to ensure that the design did not impede access. Hard to move granite benches were sited outside these access routes. All other objects located in the plaza were designed to be easily moveable in the event of an emergency.
Public Activation:
The Castro CBD (Community Benefit District) worked closely with the City to do public outreach and has taken on the responsibility of managing and activating the plaza. In addition to special events planned by the CBD, the plaza’s moveable seating allows for a wide flexibility of use. From the morning till late evening dozens of people can be found using the space to people watch, relax, walk their dog, meet a friend, or enjoy a bite to eat.
The City is closely monitoring the success of the plaza to help inform future plans for additional Pavement to Parks projects.
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