July 16, 2026
In collaboration with SF Public Works, the project team has now refined the landscaping plan of the Church and Market Street Intersection Improvements.
We have continued to meet with community members, including the adjacent merchants, to develop a new plaza that will create a gathering space as well as an improved experience for riders getting on and off Muni at one of the city’s busiest transit hubs.
These designs include adding:
- Trees and raised planters to add greenery and shade
- Benches and leaning rails that can be used by visitors to nearby businesses or Muni riders waiting for their next ride
- Permanent tables at standing and seated heights outside of Thorough Bread & Pastry, Aquitaine Wine Bar & Bistro and Verve Coffee Roasters
- A wayfinding pillar to welcome visitors to the Church and Market streets corridor
- A permanent, wheelchair-accessible boarding island for J Church and 22 Fillmore riders
In addition to the work south of Market Street, the project team has also completed designs for a pedestrian bulb in front of the Churchill Bar and a wheelchair accessible platform on the existing inbound J Church transit island south of Duboce Avenue.
Looking southwest on Church Street from Market Street, a wider sidewalk, concrete boarding island, new trees and plantings and wayfinding pillar are visible.
New plantings, seating and a permanent boarding island are shown in the area immediately outside of Aquitaine Wine Bar & Bistro.
Outside of Thorough Bread & Pastry, tables and seating are next to new planters.
Based on feedback and best practices, all materials are planned to be resistant to vandalism. That means table and bench surfaces all receive anti-graffiti coating, for example, and planters include features that make it difficult to remove plants or dirt.
These changes will not change the existing parking or traffic configuration on Church Street south of Market Street.
These updated designs will be discussed at the July 20 meeting of the Arts Commission’s Civic Design Review Committee. Learn more on the meeting webpage.
These improvements are designed to:
- Enhance the streetscape environment for transit riders, residents and visitors to Church and Market streets
- Support small businesses and create a vibrant public space
- Expand access to the J Church for people with disabilities
- Improve safety for people walking near Church and Market streets
Construction coming early 2027
We expect to begin construction on the permanent plaza in early 2027. Before then, we will finalize designs and work through the contracting process.
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