Potrero Yard Reimagined
Potrero Yard Modernization Project
Hello Neighbors
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is rebuilding and expanding Potrero Bus Yard, located at 17th, Bryant, Mariposa, and Hampshire streets.
On this site, you can learn about Potrero Yard and see why this 107-year-old facility needs to be modernized.
How to Navigate
This website is best viewed on a laptop or desktop web browser, but it is also accessible by tablet or mobile devices.
There is a navigation bar at the top of the web page that can help you move to specific sections that you're interested in. Otherwise, for the full project context, we recommend scrolling from the beginning to the end.
Language assistance: Contact 311 Free language assistance / 免費語言協助 / Ayuda gratis con el idioma / Бесплатная помощь переводчиков / Trợ giúp Thông dịch Miễn phí / Assistance linguistique gratuite / 無料の言語支援 / 무료 언어 지원 / Libreng tulong para sa wikang Filipino / การช่วยเหลือทางด้านภาษาโดยไม่เสียค่าใช้จ่าย /خط المساعدة المجاني على الرقم
Introduction
What is the Potrero Yard Modernization Project?
The Potrero Yard Modernization Project (located between Bryant & 17th and Mariposa & Hampshire) is a new four-story state-of-the-art bus maintenance and storage facility that integrates new affordable housing and retail spaces. As the Project looks to replace the existing obsolete two-story maintenance building and bus yard, the new complex would be built in accordance with 150 ft. building height limits across 4.4 acres of land. This ground-breaking approach is the first known joint development of a bus maintenance facility with affordable housing and commercial space in the country.
Why is the Project important?
Strong public transit is one of the most important tools we have to fight climate change. Potrero Yard is an over 100-year-old bus yard (built in 1915), which is long past its lifespan and does not meet current seismic safety standards. The Potrero Yard Modernization Project is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for San Francisco to address a critical housing need by including up to 465 units of housing.
Today
Today, the yard operates seven Muni bus lines: 5/5R, 6, 14, 22, 30 and the 49. Prior to COVID, 102,000 daily Muni riders relied on buses that operate from Potrero Yard (about 14% of daily ridership).
Neighboring Spaces
- Potrero Center
- Franklin Square Park
- KQED
- Restaurants and Small businesses
Current Challenges
- Maintenance Pits: Service pits, seen here in 1949, are still being used today. Trolley coaches have developed greatly since then, and more maintenance is done on top of coaches. These pits are obsolete, and an example of substandard — and potentially hazardous — working conditions.
- Restricted Circulation: Structural pillars and service pits restrict circulation within the facility and cause delays; buses lined up in maintenance lanes must wait for the vehicles ahead to move out.
- Tight Working Conditions: Maintenance on undercarriages of buses is often performed in less-than-ideal conditions. Cramped working areas like this are just one of the inefficiencies at the obsolete yard. A modern bus yard has hydraulic lifts to raise the bus to appropriate heights for service.
- Cost Delays: Maintenance delays at the yard cost time and money. A modernized yard would allow for faster service to the fleet and require fewer coaches to maintain service levels.
Walk Through the Project Site
Compare this side-by-side view of the current yard and a conceptual rendering of a modernized yard. Drag the divider between to see how the designs have progressed over the course of the pre-design phase.
PROPOSED VIEW LOOKING SOUTH FROM FRANKLIN SQUARE
PROPOSED VIEW LOOKING NORTH ALONG YORK STREET
PROPOSED VIEW LOOKING WEST ALONG MARIPOSA STREET
PROPOSED VIEW LOOKING NORTH ALONG BRYANT STREET
PROPOSED VIEW LOOKING EAST ALONG 17TH STREET
PROPOSED VIEW LOOKING EAST ALONG 17TH STREET
Key Project Opportunities and Features
- Safe, Reliable, and Improved Muni Service that can house up to 250 electric trolley buses (80% increase from current capacity) and modern equipment to maintain fleet repairs, improve the working conditions, and keep buses moving to meet transit riders’ needs.
- Employee Wellness with a safety-enhanced bus yard that provides natural light, outdoor spaces, and recreation spaces dedicated to Muni employees.
- Maximizing Housing Units and Affordability by creating up to 465 safe and stable homes with target tenant type based on household income including working families, SFMTA and City employees, and those on a fixed income.
- Supporting Active Transportation by enhancing the existing 17th Street bike lane between Bryant and Hampshire streets to include concrete barriers and wider lanes where possible.
- New Commercial Spaces that activate the streets and include a public restroom, a community-requested public benefit.
- Local Economic Inclusion that Prioritizes Southeast Corridor Communities through Local Hire.
- Culturally relevant public art plan that prioritizes celebrating the people, values, history and diverse culture of the Potrero Hill and Mission neighborhoods.
Joint Development
The SFMTA's primary goal is to create a modern bus facility. At the same time, we are offering the facility site as a resource to address the critical housing issue in San Francisco. We are seeking a development partner to design, build, finance, and maintain the common portions of the facility and the housing component that will be above the bus yard itself. The Project development process demonstrates the SFMTA's commitment to:
- A responsible public investment
- Inclusive and transparent community participation
- A joint development that is financially feasible
Project Elements
In Spring 2024, PNC submitted the 100% Final Schematic Design. This comprehensive blueprint represents four years’ worth of community listening sessions, survey results, Working Group meetings, and community events — all dedicated to incorporating the community's wants and needs into the future of the bus yard.
Topic: Housing
Housing Concept
The housing component would include:
- Up to 465 income-restricted affordable housing units.
- A variety of studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments.
- Affordable housing for families, and members of the workforce (such as SFMTA and other city employees). This is subject to funding sources and market feasibility.
Housing Amenities
Proposed amenities for residents include childcare services, community gardens, recreation and community rooms, children’s play area, short-term car share, and bike storage.
Targeted Area Median Income (AMI) for Housing
Target AMI for all housing is based on eligibility requirements as defined by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD). More information can be found at MOHCD's web site outlining Income and rent limits for inclusionary rental units .
The availability of these housing options will be subject to funding sources and market feasibility. In order to maximize all funding opportunities, PNC will modify the housing that was formerly designated senior housing (along Bryant Street) to all-family affordable housing. While this will not increase the number of units on the project, it will increase the number of bedrooms per unit.
Proposed Housing Unit Types | Proposed No. of Units | Proposed Bedroom Count | Anticipated Area Median Income (AMI) Levels Targeted |
|---|---|---|---|
Affordable 1 | 103 | Studio and mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom | 30% to 60% |
Affordable 2 | 142 | Studio and mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom | 30% to 80% |
Workforce | 218 | Studio and mix of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom | 80% to 120% |
Property Management | 3 | 2 bedroom | N/A |
Topic: Commercial and Community Spaces
Commercial Space
The project includes three opportunities for commercial or community spaces on the three corners of Bryant & Mariposa, 17th & Bryant, and 17th & Hampshire streets
Suggestions from community members for these spaces include:
- Cafés or restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Library
- Bike repair shop
- Youth or community center
- Medical service center
- Employment center
- Community kitchen
(Shown: Casa Adelante @ 2060 Folsom St, SF)
Street Vendors
There are proposed spaces for an undetermined number of street vendors on 17th Street. Street vendor suggestions from community members include:
- Artist and craft vendors
- Farmer’s market
- Street corn carts
- Fruit stands
- Mobile food carts
Topic: Paratransit Variant
What is Paratransit?
San Francisco Paratransit service is a door-to-door van and taxi program for people unable to independently use or access Muni because of a disability or disabling health condition.
Design Alternative
As PNC approaches submitting the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), the submission includes designs for studying a Paratransit variant in which the top of the bus facility could be used for the SFMTA’s paratransit fleet. Putting housing or paratransit above the bus facility requires including a reinforced podium above the roof to provide needed increased structural strength.
Given that the bus facility construction will likely occur before construction of the proposed housing, studying this transportation-related use would allow the SFMTA to fund this reinforced podium and provide extra time for housing to be built.
Topic: Sustainability
LEED Gold
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.
LEED-certified buildings save money, improve efficiency, lower carbon emissions and create healthier places for people.
To achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality.
Of all LEED credits, 35% relate to climate change, 20% directly impact human health, 15% impact water resources, 10% affect biodiversity, 10% relate to the green economy, and 5% impact community and natural resources.
We aim to be LEED Gold certified.
SF Transit-First City Policy
Our transit-first policy promotes incentives that reduce traffic congestion and solo vehicle trips, by encouraging public transit, bicycling, walking, vanpool, and other methods.
To support the use of public transportation, the Project will have Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans that consider existing and new transportation resources for residents and employees.
With the need for Potrero Yard to have space to accommodate more buses and infrastructure to support possible future battery-electric bus charging equipment, the Project does not include residential parking at the new bus facility.
Transit Resources for Residents and Neighbors
There are several resources that are being studied for feasibility as part of the TDM. These potential resources would provide residents and neighbors with access to safe and reliable transportation options such as:
- Monthly transit pass for Potrero Yard residents.
- Wider protected bike lanes along 17th Street.
- Convenient Class II bike parking around the site (and Class I long-term parking inside the facility for staff and residents).
- New signage for transportation options within 0.5 miles of the site
- New, real-time display of nearby transit arrival times.
- Improved sidewalk spaces for pedestrians.
Onsite resources that reduce resident travel needs
In lieu of parking, PNC will encourage residents to use public transit, bike with access to the City’s bike network, and support pedestrian use. The project will prioritize carpool support or financial incentives for non-drivers and have onsite amenities such as:
- Childcare services
- Laundry facilities
- Fitness equipment
- Package delivery lockers
- Car-share
- Drop-off zones for ride-share services
Topic: Streetscapes and Sidewalks
How will we create a welcoming environment?
The Potrero Yard Modernization Project seeks to create an environment that welcomes street level activity on 17th Street through:
- Retail offerings
- Public art
- Public restrooms
- Updated landscaping
- Safety enhancements for bicyclists with Class II bike lanes
- Flexible multipurpose spaces for street vendors
- Public visibility of Muni operations through a glass wall along much of the façade
A safe and vibrant space for all
The Potrero Yard Modernization Project seeks to create an environment that welcomes street level activity on 17th Street through:
- Planting trees and other greenery
- Preserving existing trees when possible
- Retail offerings
- Farmers markets
- Art and craft fairs
- Public art
- Improved lighting
Topic: Safe Cycling
Enhancing the bike lane along 17th street will create safer conditions for cyclists, improving this segment of the widely used San Francisco Bike Network , and encourage bicycle riding for all.
Bike Amenities
Other cyclist amenities may include:
- 37 exterior bike racks (Class II) and more than 300 stalls for long term parking (Class I).
- Removal of parking on the north side of 17th Street, to improve the westbound bike lane.
- Bike lanes are six feet wide along most of the bikeway, with a minimum width of five feet. Width varies due to variations to accommodate traffic patterns and infrastructure, like fire hydrants.
- Bike lane remains at road level, protected by a raised curb (median).
- Concrete curb is six inches high and two feet wide on both sides of 17th Street.
- Concrete curb on the south side of 17th Street is mountable to allow for emergency vehicle access.
Topic: Art and Beautification
What is the San Francisco Public Art Program?
In 1969, the City and County of San Francisco was one of the first municipalities in the country to enact an Art Enrichment Ordinance .
The Art Enrichment Ordinance ensures that 2% of the gross construction cost of civic buildings, transportation improvement projects, new parks, and other above-ground structures such as bridges, be allocated for public art.
Site Beautification
Feedback collected from the community indicates a desire for colorful, uplifting artwork that represents the local history and culture of San Francisco and the Mission and Potrero Hill communities.
There are three unique areas on the bus yard facility that have been identified for public art. Materials under consideration include glass and ceramic or mosaic tile, which will allow for the translation of other mediums such as murals, paintings, photographs and prints into durable, permanent public artworks.
- Promoting a diverse and stimulating cultural environment Commissioning work that is site-specific and meaningful to the community.
- The site will be enhanced with works of art. Potential types of art include glass work, metal work, murals, mosaic, and lighting design.
Public Art Program Goals and Opportunities at Potrero Yard
This is an opportunity for artists to create a landmark that reflects neighborhood culture and history.
Our public art program goals are to:
- Celebrate the people, values, history and diverse culture of the Potrero Hill and Mission neighborhoods.
- Highlight SFMTA’s mission to promote environmental stewardship and provide reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for all.
Topic: Local Small Business Inclusion and Utilization
Prime Contractor Procurement
- Lead Developer will take a two-step process to procure for a Prime Contractor for the Bus Yard Infrastructure.
- PNC conducted a Request for Qualification (RFQ) for Design & Construction (D&C) Contractor and expects to release the Request for Proposals (RFP) to shortlisted bidders in early 2024. PNC will select one D&C Contractor to finalize, design and construct the Bus Yard and Common Infrastructure.
- Proposers will be required to provide a plan to meet both LBE and local hiring requirements.
Small and Local Business Inclusion
Small and Local businesses will find work opportunities across all aspects of the project — from the predevelopment phase to design and construction to facility maintenance.
LBE Inclusion Program
A Local Business Enterprise Inclusion Program will provide support to LBEs citywide including those certified as Micro LBEs and based in the most disadvantaged communities in San Francisco. PNC is working with the SFMTA Contract Compliance Office to finalize an LBE Plan. Some anticipated aspects of the LBE Plan include implementation of LBE Liaison(s), a mentor protégé program, and an LBE subcontracting goal for all phases of the Project from design through facility and property management.
Local Community Contractors and Micro LBEs
The Developer team will ensure that local community contractors and Micro-LBEs will have the opportunity to bid on opportunities with the Potrero Yard Modernization Project. On March 28, 2024, an updated LBE Plan was released. The Plan was developed to outline the commitments by the prime contractors, including enforcement, that will be upheld by the Lead Developer.
Stay Connected about Opportunities
If you own or work for a local construction company based in San Francisco, the Mission, Potrero Hill, Bayview or Hunter’s Point neighborhoods, contact us at PotreroYard@plenaryamericas.com.
Engaging with the Community
Over the past four years, the project team conducted extensive stakeholder outreach that includes working with the Potrero Yard Neighborhood Working Group, which consists of fourteen community members and two Muni operators.
The SFMTA and PNC have a shared commitment to an inclusive, transparent stakeholder engagement throughout the design process. SFMTA has engaged the community through public bus yard tours, meeting with community members and SFMTA employees, sharing Project updates with neighbors, hosting Open House meetings, and conducting surveys.
Have You Seen Us?
- Fiesta de las Americas - September 2019 and September 2023
- Project Concept Open House - October 2019
- Carnaval San Francisco - Salud de Poder - September 2020, May 2023, May 2024
- Community Workshop - February 2019
- Potrero Hill Festival - October 2021-2023
- San Francisco Phoenix Days - October 2021-2023
- 5% Schematic Design Community Meeting - December 2022
- Community Open House - March 2023
- KQED Fest San Francisco - May 2023 50%
- Schematic Design Virtual Community Meeting - May 2023
- Carnaval San Francisco - May 2023
- 100% Schematic Design Community Meeting and Open House - September 2023
- Phoenix Day Sunday Streets - October 2023
- Potrero Hill Festival - October 2023
- Y for Youth Day - May 2024
- Bayview Family Day - June 2024
What We’ve Heard
The Potrero Neighborhood Collective (PNC) team is working diligently to ensure that community feedback is considered into various points of planning and decision making throughout the implementation of the Project.
Based on the feedback received, the Project design will create a diverse and stimulating environment while commissioning art installations that represent the history of the Mission and Potrero Hill neighborhoods in ways that are meaningful to the community.
Feedback makes a difference
The design has changed quite a bit based on community feedback received. Compare these two renderings below, showing 5% Conceptual Design (left) and 100% Draft Schematic Design (right):
Looking south at the Yard from Franklin Square. Left: The early Conceptual Design from December 2022. Right: The 100% Draft Schematic Design from Fall 2023.
Project Timeline (2020–2027)
2018
Potrero Yard Modernization Project was identified as part of SFMTA’s Building Progress Program, a multi-year effort to repair, renovate, and modernize its aging facilities to keep the City moving and transition to an all-electric bus fleet.
2018 – 2020
Engagement with community and interested parties results in creation of Neighborhood Working Group and design guidelines that will inform the RFQ and RFP processes.
2021
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process produces Draft Environmental Impact Report. Two-month public comment period ends August 31, 2021.
November 2022
Through a competitive procurement process, the SFMTA Board of Directors authorized SFMTA to execute an initial predevelopment agreement (PDA) with PNC in November 2022.
2022 – 2024
Throughout the Design and Permitting phase (), PNC is conducting due diligence, risk analysis, housing and commercial feasibility studies, a final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR), early contractor procurement, and community engagement.
January 2024
SF Planning Commission votes unanimously to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
March 22, 2024
Mayor London Breed signs legislation to approve Entitlements for the Potrero Yard Modernization Project, following unanimous approval by the Board of Supervisors. Entitlements are the green light from city lawmakers to proceed with the Project as proposed. To facilitate development of the Project, they include Amendments to the General Plan , the creation of a Special Use District and amendments to the Planning Code and Zoning Map.
2024/25 – 2027/28
Construction of new facility. During this time, maintenance and operations will be relocated to other SFMTA facilities, but routes will not be impacted. Housing construction is anticipated to begin by the time that the new Bus Yard is in operation.
History of the Yard
The Yard: Past & Present
1915: Originally for Streetcars
The 108-year-old facility began life as a streetcar barn. This 1921 photo shows what was then called the "17th Street Car House", aka "Potrero Car House".
1926: Added Second Story
This 1926 photo shows a second story has been added. (Horace Chaffee, Board of Public Works Photographer | SFMTA Photo Archive)
1940s: Expansion to Serve Trolley Buses
In the late 1940's the property took over the block west of York Street to reach its present 4.4-acre footprint size. No longer servicing streetcars, the yard now serviced and housed electric trolley buses. (Looking northeast from Mariposa and York streets. November 16, 1948. George Fanning, Municipal Railway Photographer | SFMTA Photo Archive)
Wall Added Post-1989 Earthquake
This wall between lanes 24 and 35 was built after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake to provide additional stability, but the yard does not meet current seismic safety standards.
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