Christine Hunt, assistant project manager with the Public Works curb ramp program, told the council that the Hallidie Plaza project aims to remove a decommissioned elevator, add a smaller ramp connecting plaza level to the BART entrance (Phase 1) and build a larger main ramp from street level to the plaza (Phase 2).

"Dollars 9,000,000 was granted for this project for design and construction to achieve accessibility improvements," Hunt said, referring to the November 2024 Healthy, Safe, and Vibrant San Francisco bond allocation.

Hunt described the site as a sunken plaza about 20 feet below street level with limited existing accessible paths; the decommissioned elevator was removed in 2025 and the project will add a smaller 6‑foot change-of-grade ramp to the BART entrance in Phase 1 and a larger, ADA‑compliant ramp from street level in Phase 2. Designers said they will include rest landings at intervals to reduce fatigue for people using nonpowered mobility devices.

Council members and ODA staff repeatedly raised concerns about the absence of a functioning elevator at Holiday Plaza. "Not having an elevator is problematic," Co-Chair Patricia Arac said, and several members asked the design team to leave space so a future elevator could be installed if additional funding becomes available.

Project managers said the design phase began in 2025, that design completion is planned for fall 2026, and that Phase 1 construction is estimated to finish around 2027 with Phase 2 by 2028. Project information is posted at sfpublicworks.org/hallidieplaza and project leads provided contact emails for the design team.

The council did not take a formal vote on the Hallidie Plaza project at the meeting; members asked staff to continue outreach and to consider elevator options and measures to prevent ramp misuse by bicycles and skateboards.