Putting focus on a growing industrial neighborhood
The Central Waterfront of San Francisco continues to grow, accommodating both new housing and neighborhood commercial services, while maintaining many historic industrial marine functions. As more development is realized in the neighborhood, the public realm of the Central Waterfront should receive appropriate improvements that better serve residents and employees.
Click here to download the Central Waterfront/Dogpatch Public Realm Plan.
Dogpatch Public Realm, San Francisco
Neighborhood: Dogpatch
Client: San Francisco Planning Department
Role: Landscape Architecture
Streetscapes
ESPRIT PARK
In the 1980’s the Esprit Corporation purchased warehouse in the industrial Dogpatch neighborhood, next door to their factory. They worked with Landscape Architect Drew Detsch, to create a beautiful urban oasis which is now known as Esprit Park. The park is an two acre secluded open space, that serves as the neighborhood’s “community center” for gathering, recreation, and relaxation. The surrounding areas are becoming predominantly residential. The main design principle is to retain and reinforce the existing urban forest, and to provide a sinuous perimeter circulation system that stitches its varying spaces together. Many existing programs are maintained and enhanced. The new master plan honors the original design concept, while re-investing in facilities and amenities to make the park more resilient and service-able to a growing population. The main meadow area is expanded to provide more ‘usable’ and adaptable space. The design also includes many amenities and facilities that will serve priority needs at the site: passive observation of nature and picnicking; universal play, off-leash dog play; ample seating, lighting, and wayfinding. The design also ensures sustainable long-term maintenance, in part by selecting resilient surface materials, plants, and trees. In addition, the park will use native and habitat planting, making Esprit park a contemporary ‘nature’ park.
Warmwater Cove
Warm Water Cove is an existing waterfront open space in the Dogpatch Neighborhood. It is located off 23rd street, which leads to the Dogpatch Arts district, a few blocks away. The current design overlays a sculpture/arts park over a new habitat park with a community center. The project will also include large scale green infrastructure components, including constructed wetlands and bio-infiltration swales that process the stormwater run-off from the adjacent streets and lots.
