Project Page FISHERMAN'S WHARF PLAZA
How can we transform a historic waterfront space, once defined by a single building, into a vibrant and inclusive public plaza?
ALIOTO’S PLAZA AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF
As part of the Port of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf Forward initiative, SITELAB urban studio, along with the Port and Arcadis, led the transformation of the historic Alioto's restaurant into a public plaza.
Location / Date:
San Francisco, CA / 2025
Status:
Built
Site area:
5,000 sq ft, Waterfront Plaza
Client:
Port of San Francisco
Design Collaborators:
Arcadis, Architect and Civil
RJSD, Structural
SJE, Mechanical and Plumbing
FW Associates, Electrical
News and Press:
Port Announces Fisherman’s Wharf Forward to Reinvigorate Heart of Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf could look different next summer
Major Fisherman’s Wharf redesign
New Plaza Part of Multi-Phase Project to Revitalize Historic Public Space for Families and Workers
Continuing our work with the Port to envision an adaptable and resilient San Francisco shoreline, SITELAB’s approach recasts this prominent site as an active destination that opens up views to the water and invites people to connect with the authentic heart of the working waterfront. The new plaza will retain the unique character of Fisherman's Wharf, honoring its past while paving the way for a sustainable and economically vital future. A single-use building is replaced with an inclusive, open plaza that offers exceptional views of the Inner Lagoon, the historic fishing fleet and the Golden Gate Bridge.
With a range of seating choices, the plaza creates places for both individuals and groups, people of all ages and abilities, locals and visitors to enjoy the space and its views. Picnic tables, waterfront lounge seats, benches, and a signature maritime-themed sculptural bench create invitations to sit, linger, and socialize. Special interpretive ground treatment celebrates the iconic Monterey Fishing Boats and anchors the center of the plaza. The plaza is intentionally designed to remain flexible for spillover uses from adjacent businesses and support outdoor programming and events. The new plaza will retain the authenticity of the wharf while prioritizing the human-scale experience, with new lighting, public art and interpretive elements that highlight the fishing community.
Alioto’s Plaza at Fisherman’s Wharf broke ground late spring 2026, and opened to the public September 2026 with an official ribbon-cutting hosted by San Francisco Mayor and Port of San Francisco alongside descendants of the historic Alioto family. Local favorite Woods Beer & Wine launched a pop-up to open at the former Fishermen’s Grotto No. 9 building which will serve as a beer garden in the plaza. Soon to be re-installed No. 9 Fish Sign honors the fishing heritage and this important vestige of San Francisco history.