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Port Commission celebrates Ferry Building—s 10th anniversary, hails Exploratorium move and announces Pier 5 restaurant
Summary
The Port Commission marked the Ferry Building—s 10th anniversary, announced a new Pier 5 lease to chef Michael Chiarello for a 78‑seat Spanish‑inspired restaurant, Coqueta, and heard the Exploratorium—s executive director say the museum will open April 17 with most exhibits ready.
The San Francisco Port Commission used its executive director—s report to mark the 10th anniversary of the Ferry Building—s reopening, preview a new Pier 5 restaurant by celebrity chef Michael Chiarello and hear final opening plans for the Exploratorium—s relocation to Piers 15 and 17.
Executive Director Monique Moyer began by recalling the Ferry Building—s lengthy history and rehabilitation, and called the market and adjacent offices "a renowned, and highly visited landmark of the city of San Francisco." She announced a new lease at Pier 5 for Chiarello—s Spanish‑inspired restaurant, Coqueta, saying the venue "is to have approximately 78 seats, 30 of which would be at the bar," and that the operator has applied for a permit for a wood‑fired oven and agreed contractually to prioritize sustainable food sources from the Ferry Building.
The commission also welcomed Dennis Bartels, executive director of the Exploratorium, who described the museum—s move to Piers 15 and 17 and its April 17 public opening date. Bartels said the project had been "mostly on schedule and mostly on budget" and reported that "we will have 95% of the exhibits ready to go on opening day." He emphasized that the relocation expands the museum—s free outdoor offerings — "2 and a half acres to play with" — and estimated that, in addition to ticketed visitors, several million pedestrians could experience on‑pier free exhibits each year.
Port staff and the Exploratorium credited contractors and port personnel for keeping the project on track. Jane Conners, senior property manager for Equity Office Partners, thanked port staff for permitting and operational support that she said helped the site open and flourish over the past decade.
The commission did not take formal action tied to the announcements; the items were presented for information and recognition, and the port will continue permitting and lease processing for the new pier restaurant and other waterfront projects.
