Powell Street Improvement Project – Final Concept Designs!

In 2023, the city announced $4 million in funding for the Powell Street Improvement Project. The City asked the Union Square Alliance to lead the initial design phases of the project. On June 10, 2024, the Union Square Alliance, in partnership with the City of San Francisco unveiled a new design proposal and robust vision for Powell Street that would allow it to retain its status as the pre-eminent gateway to Union Square, Downtown and all of San Francisco. The design, led by San Francisco-based firms Field Operations and SITELAB Urban Studio, reimagines a three-block stretch of Powell Street with practical and aesthetic upgrades to welcome residents and visitors, offer a more enjoyable transit experience and spur economic development in the area. The proposal celebrates and centers the iconic cable cars as well as Powell’s beautiful historic architecture.

Project Updates:

As of spring 2026, the project is moving forward full speed ahead.  

The project has entered the Construction Document phase, and a general contractor has been hired by the City to collaborate on construction documentation and then build the project.  Construction is expected to begin in late 2026, with a ribbon-cutting planned for late 2027. We thank Mayor Daniel Lurie and Supervisor Sauter for his leadership in prioritizing improvements for Powell Street and his support in securing funding for the project. 

See press coverage on the Powell Street Improvement Project by SF Examiner, SF Chronicle, and KTVU. 

Design Highlights:

Where Powell meets Market at the cable car turnaround the proposed design includes a giant overhead starburst chandelier, dramatically marking San Francisco’s most important intersection and framing views of the cable cars. 

In addition, stretching from Market to Geary, the design includes art nouveau-inspired hanging lanterns to bathe the sidewalks in soft light and give a nod to the street’s turn of the century architecture.  This lighting system will be illuminated with programmable LEDs, enabling the lanterns to change color and become a canvas to express the City’s collective celebrations and events. 

At the ground level the proposal creates a clean and elegant corridor where visitors and residents can find everyday moments for relaxation and joy.  The existing metallic “parklets” will be removed and the sidewalks widened all the way to the edges of the cable car zone.  Restaurants will be able to set up outdoor dining areas where patrons can sit and enjoy the passing scene and famous “ding-ding” of the cable cars.  Over time, new trees and benches will be added to create places to linger and socialize and to soften the environment. 

For thoughts, questions, comments, or ideas for Powell Street:
Reach out to [email protected].