Prop F would preserve an architectural treasure

Pier 70 is an architectural and historical treasure on the southeastern waterfront for which the Port has just finalized the Union Iron Works Historic District.  Currently, the 20th Street historical buildings are being renovated, including the grand Union Iron Works Building (see photos on website).  Part of the new Crane Cove Park, including the big ship slipway and cranes, is funded and will be built.  SFT Board member Howard Wong and SFT President Jennifer Clary have served on the Port’s Central Waterfront Advisory Group for several years and report that there’s been good neighborhood involvement for Pier 70.  After receiving public input, the developer, Forest City has actually factored in many of the suggestions. There will still be a future CEQA process so, as a result, the project will continue to evolve. 

The proposed height limit on a portion of the site that slopes downward from Illinois Street has been lowered from previously proposed 120 feet to 90 feet, after passage of last June’s Prop B.

Compared to other development, the overall project is fairly balanced. There will be housing (600 low/ middle income homes, 30% of which will be affordable). There will be office and commercial use and a maritime theme, plus structures from the industrial age restored for “light industrial” use, meaning an emphasis of actually making things. There will be preservation on the former pier footprint at the water’s edge, parks, trails and “ground level activation”. If this plan is carried out effectively and its many parts put in place more or less consecutively, there will be a “new town” at this huge site.

The building that is being proposed for a height of 90 feet in height has triggered the requirement for the voters to weigh in. Any height change on the waterfront must be approved by the voters due to the passage of Prop B on last June’s ballot.

SFT has been advocating for creation of a real neighborhood at Pier 70.  Unlike Mission Bay, Pier 70 has the urban complexity and mixed use that’s appealing enough for SFT to endorse this ballot measure.  Take a look at photographer Ralph Wilson’s nice photos and go to Forest City’s website with ballot measure info and words about the public process: http://www.pier70sf.com/