OCII conditionally approves Transbay Block 3 park schematic design and expands MOU with city agencies

The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure commission on Dec. 6 conditionally approved the schematic design for the Transbay Block 3 park and separately authorized an amended and restated memorandum of understanding to expand design and engineering work with San Francisco Public Works and the Recreation and Parks Department.

Planner Laura Scheifley described the schematic design as a nearly one‑acre park framed by Blocks 2 and 4, with an illustrative program that includes a large flexible plaza for events, a central habitat meadow, multiple decks and gathering spaces, a children’s playground inspired by the site’s historic intertidal landscape, and a small Stewardship Building of roughly 460 square feet to house a restroom, RPD storage and community stewardship activities.

Landscape architect Lawrence highlighted the park’s habitat meadow and a perimeter tree buffer; staff emphasized sustainability measures including native plant palettes, adherence to California’s water‑efficient landscaping standards and a 15% contingency in budget estimates. "This schematic design meets the strategic goals and strategies of our joint partner agencies," the presentation said.

Benjamin Brandon, OCII’s Transbay project manager, presented the amended MOU that expands Public Works’ role to cover streetscape improvements along Main and Beale and the new extensions of Tehama and Clementina. Brandon also noted a corrected participation percentage for Small Business Enterprise (SBE) work: an earlier memo showed 58.1 percent but the corrected figure is 93 percent for the as‑needed contract portion. "93% is the correct value," he said.

The amended MOU adds nearly $3.8 million to the original 2018 MOU for an aggregate not‑to‑exceed amount of $7,660,658 to cover design, engineering, contract administration and project management services. Staff described the increase as warranted because coordination with other city projects (MTA cycle tracks, PUC sewer work, streetscape and utility work) raises complexity but also yields efficiencies.

Commissioners asked about the SBE calculation, community naming process led by the Eastcut Community Benefits District, tribal outreach for naming, and contingency assumptions; staff said they would provide additional detail on the naming process and SBE calculation. Both actions — conditional schematic approval for the park and authorization of the amended MOU — passed by 5‑0 roll call votes.

Staff said the project anticipates construction start in late 2023 and an opening in late 2025; OCII is funding design and construction and intends to transfer park ownership to the Recreation and Parks Department upon completion.