Docomomo US/Northern California Meets with SFRPD & BXP to Call for Thoughtful Preservation of Embarcadero Plaza and Vaillancourt Fountain
San Francisco is considering the future of Embarcadero Plaza, designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, as well as the iconic Vaillancourt Fountain, a brutalist masterpiece created by artist and sculptor Armand Vaillancourt.
Current Park Layout with Key Features, Image via SF Recreation and Parks
On June 16, 2025, board members of Docomomo US/Northern California (NOCA) attended a key stakeholder meeting with staff of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRPD) and a representative from BXP to discuss the Embarcadero Plaza and Sue Bierman Park Renovation Project. The meeting discussed the project’s goals, timeline, and challenges, with a particular focus on the future of the Vaillancourt Fountain and Embarcadero Plaza.
As a leading voice for the conservation of Modernist sites and structures in Northern California, Docomomo US/NOCA board members advocated for a transparent planning process, the study of multiple design options—including robust preservation alternatives—and the protection of these significant public spaces. The discussion included perspectives on maintenance, funding, accessibility, and the importance of community engagement as the city considers the next steps for this vital civic landmark.
BXP, one of the nation's largest commercial property managers and developers, has owned the Embarcadero Center since 1998, which is immediately adjacent to Embarcadero Plaza. The Plaza is a public space owned by the city. BXP initiated a redesign for the five-acre plaza and park in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (SFRPD). This public-private partnership, formalized in 2024, is considered essential to revitalize the site, given the city’s financial constraints. The effort aims to reimagine the space while addressing maintenance, accessibility, and community needs, including the addition of a dog park and extra seating. Unfortunately, the early designs of the space have consistently shown the removal of Embarcadero Plaza and the Fountain.
Preservation advocates are calling for a comprehensive study of design options, emphasizing the need for transparent cost comparisons and careful consideration of the site’s Modernist heritage. The Vaillancourt Fountain, a monumental work of public art, has suffered from deferred maintenance, but, crucially, experts agree it is not beyond repair.
Park Aerial Concept Rendering, Image via BXP with Fountain
SFRPD has stated that maintaining the fountain costs over $100,000 annually and that repairing the pumps and addressing structural issues could cost $3 million or more, with complete restoration potentially reaching $12–17 million.
Docomomo urges the city to look to successful models—such as the preservation of the recently landmarked Boston City Hall and its surrounding plaza—and to pursue creative, inclusive solutions. Modifications could include ADA-compliant access, design-sensitive modifications, and water-saving strategies for the fountain. Above all, the process must be transparent and collaborative, with adequate public participation, ensuring the preservation of the plaza’s unique character for future generations.
Get Involved
The fate of Embarcadero Plaza and the Vaillancourt Fountain hangs in the balance. Community participation is vital to ensure these landmarks remain vibrant symbols of San Francisco’s history and culture. Share your perspective at the next community meeting, scheduled for July 8, 2025, and help shape the future of this treasured public space. Visit our advocacy page for additional information.