SF Chinatown’s Portsmouth Square Is Getting a Major Makeover
San Francisco’s long-awaited Portsmouth Square renovation is officially moving closer to construction, with the city now targeting a summer 2026 groundbreaking. Often called “Chinatown’s living room,” the historic plaza hasn’t had a full renovation in more than 50 years, and the project has been years in the making with extensive community input.
The renovated park will include the following community-identified priorities:
- A large flexible outdoor event space with an elevated stage
- A new, larger community clubhouse with a large assembly area and meeting rooms
- A large shade structure
- A new consolidated playground with adult fitness equipment
- The removal of the existing Kearny Street pedestrian bridge
- Perimeter park fencing to allow for night security
- Enhanced accessibility
- New planting, irrigation, lighting, and furnishings
- Generous seating and gathering areas
- Replacement of the garage roof’s waterproofing and drainage system
- Adjacent streetscape improvements
Construction is expected to last just over two years, with the park anticipated to reopen in fall 2028. The Portsmouth Square Garage is expected to remain open during construction, with elevator access maintained at Washington Street and Walter U. Lum Place. Nearby parks including St. Mary’s Square, Woh Hei Yuen Park, and the Betty Ann Ong Chinese Recreation Center will remain available for community use during the closure.
Related: SF Is Tearing Down the Infamous Chinatown “Bridge to Nowhere” – 12/19/2025
Read more at San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
