Here’s What SF’s Potrero Yard Will Look Like After Big Makeover
The Potrero Yard Modernization Project (located between Bryant & 17th and Mariposa & Hampshire) plans to replace the 100-year-old bus yard with a modern bus facility.
The Potrero Yard Modernization Project is a new four-story state-of-the-art bus maintenance and storage facility that integrates new affordable housing and retail spaces. As the Project looks to replace the existing obsolete two-story maintenance building and bus yard, the new complex would be built in accordance with 150 ft. building height limits across 4.4 acres of land. This ground-breaking approach is the first known joint development of a bus maintenance facility with affordable housing and commercial space in the country.
Why is the Project important?
Strong public transit is one of the most important tools we have to fight climate change. Potrero Yard is an over 100-year-old bus yard (built in 1915), which is long past its lifespan and does not meet current seismic safety standards. The Potrero Yard Modernization Project is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for San Francisco to address a critical housing need by including up to 465 units of housing.
The Potrero Yard Modernization Project will replace an obsolete, century-old bus yard with a modern, four-story, efficient bus maintenance and storage facility, equipped to serve the SFMTA as it transitions to an all-electric fleet.
A modern Potrero Yard will address critical transportation issues and improve:
- Efficiency: Repair buses faster, improving Muni’s reliability
- Sustainability: Provide the green infrastructure needed for an all-electric fleet
- Future Growth: Accommodate fleet as it grows – room for 54% more buses at the yard
- Work Conditions: Improve environments, amenities and safety conditions for 800+ SFMTA staff
Learn more about the need to replace this 100+ year-old bus yard.
Project Design
On November 21, 2022, the SFMTA awarded the project’s predevelopment agreement to Potrero Neighborhood Collective (PNC) as lead developer. PNC is working together with the City, community and project stakeholders to further refine the Project design during the pre-development phase.
The project would be the nation’s first known joint development of a bus maintenance facility with housing constructed adjacent to and above the bus facility, a groundbreaking approach that prioritizes safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation while also supporting the City’s housing goals.
The design is rooted in being a good neighbor by minimizing shadowing on Franklin Square Park, providing a public restroom, offering views into the yard of Muni operations and including a strategy to achieve a LEED Gold rating.
Project Highlights
- Up to 465 affordable housing units that include a mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units
- New public restrooms conveniently located near Franklin Square
- Three retail offerings that reflect community needs and include community-based retailers or organizations, with additional spaces for street vendors on 17th Street
- Improved pedestrian and bike infrastructure for enhanced safety and comfort
- An economic inclusion plan that prioritizes Local Business Enterprise (LBE) inclusion and local hire
- Proposed amenities for residents include childcare services, community gardens, recreation and community rooms, children’s play area, short-term car rental, and bike storage
- Three large-scale public art pieces in collaboration with the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC)
