KQED's Forum What Should A Remodel of Fisherman’s Wharf Look Like?
Aug 28, 2025
Elaine Forbes, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco, leads a $10 million revitalization project for Fisherman's Wharf. Sal Alioto, of The Golden Gate, shares insights on preserving the fishing heritage, while Sarah Bates, captain of the Bounty, emphasizes the relevance of current-day fishing. John King, an urban design expert, discusses balancing nostalgia and modern needs in the area's transformation. They explore plans for a new public plaza, sustainability initiatives, and the importance of community engagement to ensure the Wharf remains vibrant and historically significant.
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Raised On The Docks
- Sal Alioto recounted learning to mend fishing nets from his grandfather after emigrating from Sicily in 1900.
- He grew up on the docks and was raised into the fishing craft through hands-on family tradition.
Recenter Wharf On Working Fishing
- The Port aims to reconnect Fisherman's Wharf to its working fishing identity by prioritizing fishing-focused public spaces and leasing strategies.
- Demolishing Alioto's to create a waterfront plaza is part of a bold, strategic pivot to make the harbor visible and active again.
Visibility Changes Visitor Perception
- Opening a small plaza at Taylor and Jefferson could immediately reveal the working harbor to visitors who currently start at Pier 39.
- Visual connection to boats and fisheries is a simple placemaking move that shifts perception of the wharf.
