Designers show updated Transbay Transit Center schematic and rooftop park

The Transbay Joint Powers Authority and Pelli Clarke Pelli presented the schematic design for the Transbay Transit Center, including the transit hall, concourses and a 5.5‑acre park above the rail box.

Architect Fred Clark led commissioners through plans for ground‑floor retail on Minna and Natoma streets, a light‑filled Grand Hall approximately 300 by 100 feet, a 37‑bay bus deck, and three large skylights that bring daylight to train concourses below. The team emphasized sustainability—targeting LEED Silver and pursuing geothermal and natural ventilation options—and the park’s capacity for both active and passive uses including an amphitheater and continuous water feature.

Commissioners asked about direct BART and Muni connections, future high‑speed rail integration, park maintenance and acoustic impacts of proposed performance venues. TJPA staff said they are designing for a future tunnel connection to BART and pursuing a mix of funding sources including redevelopment property tax increment, regional sales tax funds and a planned request for federal high‑speed rail stimulus dollars.

SFMTA staff said the EN Trips transportation implementation study will advance corridor‑wide transit and streetscape work to support the project and the surrounding neighborhoods.