WATERFRONT REPORT
by Greg Chiampou, Committee Chair
greg.chiampou@waterfront.org
A NEW CULTURAL ZONE FOR THE NORTHEAST WATERFRONT
A once-nameless stretch of the Northeast Embarcadero—long just a pass-through for Cruise Terminal and Alcatraz visitors—is poised to become a new cultural destination. The latest catalyst is a new partnership between the Community Arts Stabilization Trust (CAST) and the Port of San Francisco to transform Pier 29 into the city’s largest open studio and exhibition space.
The northeast waterfront, spanning Piers 9 through 33 between the Wharf and Ferry Building areas, has always evolved with the city. It began as a base for the early fishing fleets before they migrated to the Wharf, later became a major shipping and cargo hub, and then as the country’s second-largest Port of Embarkation during World War II. When container shipping rose in the 1960s, port activity slowed — but a new momentum is building again.
CAST now holds a two-year lease with the Port at Pier 29, with an option to extend and is also partnering with San Francisco Arts Commissioner JD Beltran and the Art + Water residency program to bring exhibitions, performances, workshops, and artist residencies to the pier. The cavernous interior space is often compared to a European railroad station (see photo) and can fit up to 2,500 people. CAST and the Port are currently assessing needed construction upgrades.
The Arts + Water artists’ residency program will begin once construction is complete. Application information for artists interested in residencies is available at www.artpluswater.org. CAST’s President Ken Ikeda and Director of National Programs Louise Martorano see Pier 29 as part of the city’s ecosystem, a place where local artists and organizations can collaborate, connect and create. They also credit the Port’s commitment to arts as key to contributing to the waterfront’s vibrancy and making Pier 29 a lively, accessible cultural anchor for the neighborhood.
They’re not alone. The Exploratorium’s interactive science museum at Pier 15 continues to draw strong crowds, and Autodesk’s Technology Center at Pier 9 supports innovation in manufacturing, robotics and design and is open to inventors. Foot traffic from the Cruise Terminal and Alcatraz Landing keeps the northeastern area pulsing, while new dining options—like the “wine-forward” bistro Moonchild (to open at the former Fog City location) alongside longtime locals’ favorite Pier 23 Café—add to the area’s energy.
With all these pieces coming together, the northeastern waterfront may finally be ready for an actual destination name that reflects its creative and cultural revival. What would you name it?
Other Waterfront News:
• The Port released its 2026-2031 capital investment plan (see image), with its largest funding expected for the Southern waterfront and Wharf areas.
• Construction of Alioto’s Plaza at Pier 45 is expected to be completed in the 4Q26.
• Redevelopment plans for Piers 30-32 were postponed due to funding challenges and high office vacancy rates. The developers are exploring design changes for Pier 32, while housing plans for the adjacent Seawall Lot 30 continue.
• The U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers’ draft Flood Study for San Francisco’s bay waterfront is expected by the end of 2026, after which it will be submitted to Congress for funding. Congress can and might modify the plan’s recommendations
