Promenade Project Brings New Life to Powell Street

A two block stretch of San Francisco’s Powell Street has been transformed into a series of safe, green parklets focusing mainly on pedestrian safety.

The stretch of Powell between Ellis and Geary is one of the busiest pedestrian areas in the country, as an estimated 100,000 people typically travel through the area on foot on the weekends.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee lauded the project for making the area more welcoming for visitors and residents alike.

“By working together, this unique public-private-nonprofit partnership creates a safe, green, forward thinking and contemporary public space for everyone to enjoy,” he said. “With Audi’s laudable commitment, the leadership of the Union Square Business Improvement District and the great work of the City, we are improving the pedestrian experience to the benefit of residents, visitors and area businesses in our world class City.”

Designed by Walter Hood of Hood Design Studios, the Powell Street Promenade features six additional feet of pedestrian space, while adding amenities such as aluminum benches, planters, tables, rails, landscaping and bike parking. Hood’s environmentally-conscious philosophy also includes low energy Light Emitting Diodes (LED) lights, solar paneling and free Wi-Fi.

Audi of America was the driving force behind funding for the project.

 

 

Photo Credit: Audi of America

Comments

  1. I’ve walked down the “promenade” recently and I have to say I think they destroyed this block. Visually it feels forced and jarring. Unlike the Valencia sidewalk widening project which just added much needed walking space and trees, the project design for Powell street feels like it got out of control. With Audi taking “inspiration” from their cars instead of the surrounding cityscape, they have a major fail here in my opinion.

Comments are closed.