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Port Commission initiates schematic design for new Pier 27 cruise terminal as America's Cup bid advances
Summary
The Port Commission approved schematic design work on a new 96,000 sq ft Pier 27 cruise terminal (scheme B2) and discussed America's Cup-related funding opportunities that could help close a multi‑million dollar gap in the project's budget.
The San Francisco Port Commission voted to begin schematic design of Scheme B2, a proposed 96,000-square-foot cruise terminal at Pier 27, with staff saying the work could be accelerated if San Francisco is selected as the America's Cup host city.
John Dahl, planning and development staff, told the commission that Scheme B2 “would create a new 96,000 square foot terminal building at Pier 27” and that the option includes an approximately 33,000‑square‑foot baggage area to meet industry standards and improve operational efficiency. Dahl said the port's prior cost estimates for alternatives ranged from about $86 million (Scheme A) to about $91 million (Scheme B); Scheme B2’s schematic estimate for the terminal and ground transportation area is almost $100 million, and adding the Northeast Wharf Plaza raises the combined figure to roughly $114 million.
Dahl described a potential funding window tied to the America's Cup: the America's Cup Authority, if San Francisco is selected, has indicated it would contribute an estimated $7.5 million toward demolition and shore‑side power modifications that would advance the Pier 27 site plan and help the port construct a “core and shell” for event use in advance of racing. Dahl said the port has approximately $31 million available and could consider additional debt issuance; he characterized the $75 million preliminary cost estimate for a core‑and‑shell phase as “very preliminary.”
Peter Daley, deputy maritime director, framed the timing: the commission and city staff said the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the city's host‑city bid earlier in the day, and commissioners emphasized that time is of the essence if the America's Cup authority requires site and demolition work on an accelerated schedule.
Commissioners asked technical and environmental questions about event rigging loads, shore‑power regulation and LEED goals; project leads said the team is targeting LEED Silver and will study structural load points and greywater opportunities during design. Dahl said port staff will return with schematic drawings, an overall site plan showing how Phase 1 (core and shell) and Phase 2 (full terminal and plaza) would fit together, and a funding strategy once more details are known.
The commission approved initiation of schematic design by voice vote. Next steps are schematic design work, additional stakeholder coordination, and a future commission return when funding and authority agreements are clear.
