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Commission authorizes preconstruction funding, TJPA reimbursement and pavilion acquisition for Transbay Under‑Ramp Park
Summary
The commission approved four measures Tuesday to move the Transbay Under‑Ramp Park into preconstruction: a Public Works MOU (up to $3,469,271), a TJPA reimbursement agreement (up to $100,000 annually), OCII’s acquisition of an Art Deco pavilion via a $178,652 relocation‑in‑lieu payment, and a storage lease for the pavilion.
The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure voted unanimously to advance several preconstruction and property transactions tied to the Transbay Under‑Ramp Park project.
What the commission approved - Item 5(d) — Authorization to enter an amended Memorandum of Understanding with San Francisco Public Works to fund preconstruction professional services for the Under‑Ramp Park in an amount not to exceed $3,469,271 (resolution 7-2025). The funding includes a 15% contingency and approximately $650,000 in retroactive costs dating back to November 2023. Motion by Commissioner Earl Shattuck; second by Vice Chair Vanessa Aquino. Vote: 5 ayes. - Item 5(e) — Reimbursement agreement with the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA) for eligible TJPA staff and legal costs related to the Under‑Ramp Park in an annual amount not to exceed $100,000, and authorization to reimburse $14,521 in retroactive costs for FY 2024–25 (resolution 8-2025). Motion by Vice Chair Vanessa Aquino; second by Commissioner Shattuck. Vote: 5 ayes. - Item 5(f) — Authorization for OCII to acquire an Art Deco pavilion previously located at Transbay Block 5, accept a $0 bill of sale for the structure, and execute an in‑lieu relocation payment agreement of $178,652 with Park Tower Owner LLC to satisfy the owner's Block 5 relocation obligation (resolution 9-2025). Motion by Vice Chair Vanessa Aquino; second by Commissioner Earl Shattuck. Vote: 5 ayes. - Item 5(g) — Execution of a lease with Sheedy Drayage Company for storage of the pavilion until it is moved into the park during construction: an initial two‑year term with three one‑year options, monthly rent $4,700 (initial term payment of $112,800 to be paid directly by Park Tower Owner LLC), total not to exceed $169,200 for the initial term. Motion by Commissioner Lim; second by Commissioner Shattuck. Vote: 5 ayes.
Why it matters: The Under‑Ramp Park spans roughly 2.4 acres under existing Caltrans and TJPA ramp structures near Folsom and Essex and will include pedestrian connections, bike lanes, sports courts, a dog park, adult fitness, restrooms and concessions. The approvals provide the city’s Public Works department with preconstruction resources to complete design and permitting and clarify funding and ownership arrangements for a historic pavilion to be repurposed as the project’s concessions building.
Preconstruction MOU and schedule OCII staff described the MOU as covering Public Works’ management of city-agency reviews, permitting and coordination with utilities, as well as peer reviews and permitting allowances. The MOU’s not-to-exceed amount of $3,469,271 includes a 15% contingency and estimated retroactive work. Staff presented an expedited schedule that anticipates construction documents and permitting to be underway in the next months, with award of a construction contract targeted for June 2026 and construction completion expected in 2029.
TJPA reimbursement Staff said the TJPA’s annual budget does not include dedicated staff time for park development, so OCII will reimburse TJPA for eligible staff and legal costs associated with design review and negotiations. OCII will also reimburse retroactive eligible costs totaling $14,521 for the current fiscal year.
Art Deco pavilion acquisition and storage OCII staff recounted that the pavilion — a small Art Deco structure that formerly operated as a concession in the Transbay area — was relocated to a private drayage yard in 2015. Multiple public entities were contacted to take the structure, but none accepted it. OCII and Park Tower Owner LLC negotiated an in‑lieu relocation payment of $178,652, transfer of the pavilion at no cost to OCII (a $0 bill of sale), and a storage lease with Sheedy Drayage. OCII will secure nominal insurance for the stored building while awaiting the park’s construction window.
On record comments and next steps Commissioners and staff praised the reuse approach for the pavilion; Commissioner Mark Miller called the move “worth it to preserve the architectural history of San Francisco.” Project manager Ben Brandon explained the pavilion’s planned role: “The pavilion will ultimately serve as the concessions building for the beer garden, which will be in the heart of Under‑Ramp Park.”
OCII staff said they will return to the commission with construction‑phase contracting, construction funding commitments, and the schedule for moving and installing the pavilion as the park’s construction contract is executed.
Formal votes All four actions were approved by recorded roll-call votes (each 5 ayes). The commission also received confirmations that project agreements are within the scope of previously adopted environmental documents for the Transbay redevelopment project area.
End note The actions provide the funding and property arrangements necessary to advance Under‑Ramp Park into permitting and procurement. Staff indicated the agency’s expectation that the park will be bid in spring 2026 and that construction would begin in summer 2026, subject to final construction funding approvals.
