Explore POPOS
The East Cut is home to 40+ privately owned public open spaces, or POPOS. Each space is uniquely designed with public enjoyment in mind.
The East Cut is home to 40+ privately owned public open spaces, or POPOS. Each space is uniquely designed with public enjoyment in mind.
The East Cut is home to 40+ privately owned public open spaces, or POPOS. Each space is uniquely designed with public enjoyment in mind.
Avery Lane is an alley that traverses the Avery property from 1st Street to Folsom Street. The lane features fixed seating, vertical green walls, and Alicja Kwade’s trompe-l’oeil art piece “Absorption”.
Avery Lane provides the ideal setting for a pause before, during, or after your errands at one of the adjacent shops.
Avery Lane is an alley that traverses the Avery property from 1st Street to Folsom Street. The lane features fixed seating, vertical green walls, and Alicja Kwade’s trompe-l’oeil art piece…
This plaza is essential to a network of public pathways that lead toward this centralized, expansive plaza.
50 Beale Street has various types of seating, flower beds, and smoking facilities.
50 Beale Street is large enough for a market or pop-up activation.
This plaza is essential to a network of public pathways that lead toward this centralized, expansive plaza. 50 Beale Street has various types of seating, flower beds, and smoking facilities.…
300 Beale Street is an open space pocket that features a connection to Fremont Street by way of a stairwell. Space is used by pedestrians moving from Beale Street to Fremont Street. Besides circulation, this space is typically used as a designated smoking area. This space could use seating, color, better maintenance of landscape, removal of the entry gate, lighting, and a wayfinding element.
300 Beale Street is an open space pocket that features a connection to Fremont Street by way of a stairwell. Space is used by pedestrians moving from Beale Street to…
25 Jessie, also known as Ecker Square, is located beneath the FDIC Building. The site is situated on the corner of Ecker Street and Jessie Street. In the
near future, the site will be adjacent to the new Oceanwide Center at 50 First. The plaza has an intimate open space accessible from Jessie Street. The space features lush greenery and a terraced water fountain. This open space could benefit the public by adding seating allowing visitors to stay.
25 Jessie, also known as Ecker Square, is located beneath the FDIC Building. The site is situated on the corner of Ecker Street and Jessie Street. In the near future,…
333 Harrison, also known as Emerald Park, is located along Harrison Street fronting Rincon Green Apartments. The site is situated inside a fence making the park safe and secure at night. The park has a large lawn that slopes suggesting a natural amphitheater. This space could be activated to become a space for movie nights or host small events.
333 Harrison, also known as Emerald Park, is located along Harrison Street fronting Rincon Green Apartments. The site is situated inside a fence making the park safe and secure at…
100 First Street Sun Terrace is located along a block featuring several other open spaces at 560 Mission Street, 555 Mission Street, and Shaw Alley. The site is situated between and above Mission Street and Minna Street with an urban backdrop created by the Salesforce Transit Center’s facade. The POPOS has a variety of levels for seating with fixed and informal spaces. People here typically eat lunch, have phone conversations, relax and pass through to go to work. The space is accessible by a grand staircase from Mission Street or a small set of stairs from Minna Street. The sun terrace features tiered seating with artificial grass, and “Linear Fountain” by John Luebtow. The site is directly across the street from and facing the future Oceanwide Center.
100 First Street Sun Terrace is located along a block featuring several other open spaces at 560 Mission Street, 555 Mission Street, and Shaw Alley. The site is situated between…
2 Folsom Street is part of a walking network that cuts through the entire block. The site is situated between The Embarcadero and Spear Street, creating a circulation route for pedestrians to go directly to their destinations. The plaza has a large open space with shady trees, low retaining walls for seating and other fixed seating options. People observed here were typically passing through, reading a book, smoking, and taking phone calls. The ground covering is mostly hard gravel. The site has great views, making it a potential spot for an art exhibition, musical performance, or farmer’s market.
2 Folsom Street is part of a walking network that cuts through the entire block. The site is situated between The Embarcadero and Spear Street, creating a circulation route for…
400 Howard Street is a POPOS located along Howard Street as part of Foundry Square. A unique element at this site is Richard Deutsch’s large ”Time Signature” sculpture, inspired by music. This space also features ample seating, shady trees, and an adjacent Chipotle. There is typically a food truck parked adjacent to this space around lunchtime.
400 Howard Street is a POPOS located along Howard Street as part of Foundry Square. A unique element at this site is Richard Deutsch’s large ”Time Signature” sculpture, inspired by…
405 Howard Street is a POPOS part of Foundry Square. The space features a Spice Kit Asian Street Food restaurant, Peet’s Cafe and shady places to sit. People are typically going into offices or coming out of cafes. The POPOS features the sculpture “Untitled” by Joel Shapiro. Surveyors noted that the space can be shady and cold making it unpleasant to spend time there. The space could benefit from pruning the tree’s canopies to allow in more sunlight.
405 Howard Street is a POPOS part of Foundry Square. The space features a Spice Kit Asian Street Food restaurant, Peet’s Cafe and shady places to sit. People are typically…
505 Howard Street is a unique POPOS because it has an indoor space, outdoor space, public art, and living wall in three separate but adjacent locations. This separation can create ambiguity for users of the space. The two interior public spaces are connected by an exterior plaza. The public art pieces, “Boy III” and “Sleeping Boy” by Thomas Houseogo, and the large living wall are located in the indoor lobby.
505 Howard Street is a unique POPOS because it has an indoor space, outdoor space, public art, and living wall in three separate but adjacent locations. This separation can create…
500 Howard Street is part of Foundry Square. This space is adjacent to the Slack headquarters and features a Specialty’s Cafe. This space includes the sculpture “Not Out Of The Woods Yet” by Richard Deacon. The solar orientation and architectural enclosure cast shadows creating a shady, less desirable space.
500 Howard Street is part of Foundry Square. This space is adjacent to the Slack headquarters and features a Specialty’s Cafe. This space includes the sculpture “Not Out Of The…
The POPOS inside 181 Fremont is located on the seventh floor with access STREET to Salesforce Park and is adjacent to Andytown Cafe. The interior space features movable seating, fixed seating, and bar seating. The POPOS has unique lighting, public art, and a great view of Salesforce Park.
The POPOS inside 181 Fremont is located on the seventh floor with access STREET to Salesforce Park and is adjacent to Andytown Cafe. The interior space features movable seating, fixed…
50 Fremont Street is a passageway connecting Fremont and First Streets. This space features movable seating and several adjacent eating establishments.
The adjacent retail is predominately lunch places and serves the neighboring office buildings.
50 Fremont Street is a passageway connecting Fremont and First Streets. This space features movable seating and several adjacent eating establishments. The adjacent retail is predominately lunch places and serves…
199 Fremont Street is a POPOS between the 181 Fremont and 199 Fremont office towers. The site is situated between Facebook, Fitbit, Marin Day School, and Town Hall restaurant making it extremely busy during lunch hours. The POPOS was designed by Munden Fry Landscape Associates and features an intimate space with rock elements that create contrast with the adjacent metal, brick, and glass facades. The space features poetry by Robert Hass and the “Big Bertha” sculpture by Paul Kos.
199 Fremont Street is a POPOS between the 181 Fremont and 199 Fremont office towers. The site is situated between Facebook, Fitbit, Marin Day School, and Town Hall restaurant making…
536 Mission Street is a sunken pocket fronting Golden Gate University.
The open space visually connects the university’s library, bookstore, classrooms and GGU cafe tables, shade from trees, and ample fixed seating in the brutalist style of the building.
536 Mission Street is a sunken pocket fronting Golden Gate University. The open space visually connects the university’s library, bookstore, classrooms and GGU cafe tables, shade from trees, and ample…
Guy Place Mini Park is the latest park built in the neighborhood, 15 years in the making! The mini-park features fixed seating and vertical greeneries divided into three sub-spaces. The trees and plants are drawing out an “E”-shaped outline in reference to the East Cut’s “E” logo, legend says. Visitors were observed eating lunch, working out, practicing yoga, and having casual conversations. Guy Place Mini Park is the ideal space to take a break on your way to or from home with its views of the district’s high rises but its calming quietness.
Please note that Guy Place Mini Park is pet-friendly although pets must use the rock outside the park, in front of the entrance, for relief. The plants in the park are fragile and cannot withstand high-pH pet urine.
Guy Place Mini Park is a San Francisco Parks and Recreation park maintained in partnership with The East Cut Community Benefit District.
Guy Place Mini Park is the latest park built in the neighborhood, 15 years in the making! The mini-park features fixed seating and vertical greeneries divided into three sub-spaces. The…
75 Folsom Street, also known as Hills Plaza, is located along The Embarcadero. The offices above house a major workspace for Google. Hills
Plaza includes a large open area with plenty of sunlight, ample seating, and a sculpture titled “The Taster” by Spero Anargyro. The juxtaposition of the Plaza’s brick material with the neighboring glass buildings make it a unique draw. Hills Plaza is the former Hills Bros. Coffee facility and is one of the lasting historical buildings in the neighborhood. People observed here were typically passing between Embarcadero and Spear Street or dining outside the former Palomino’s adjoining patio. The open space could benefit from more ground as well as events, markets, or pop-up parties.
75 Folsom Street, also known as Hills Plaza, is located along The Embarcadero. The offices above house a major workspace for Google. Hills Plaza includes a large open area with…
120 Howard Street is a tucked away pocket, also designated as a POPOS. The space features fixed bench seating, a smoking receptacle and highly visible POPOS signage. The walkway from Howard Street to this open space is pleasant with lush greenery and well maintained potted plants.
120 Howard Street is a tucked away pocket, also designated as a POPOS. The space features fixed bench seating, a smoking receptacle and highly visible POPOS signage. The walkway from…
543 Howard Street is a discrete POPOS located on the rooftop of Galvanize, a co-working space. To access the rooftop; visitors must be buzzed in, signed in with the front desk, then take the elevator to the rooftop. The space features views of Salesforce Park, movable seating options, and heaters for comfort. The public art featured is the iconic San Francisco heart. The expansive rooftop space allows for chairs to be rearranged into a conference table for outdoor meetings or group lunches. People observed here were typically eating lunch, having phone conversations, or engaged in small group discussions.
543 Howard Street is a discrete POPOS located on the rooftop of Galvanize, a co-working space. To access the rooftop; visitors must be buzzed in, signed in with the front…
135 Main Street is a wide pedestrian connection walkway between Spear Street and Mission Street. This open space features a decorative fountain, footsteps or fixed seating, and a historical brick backdrop. People here were typically passing through on their lunch break. Due to the adjacent towers, the space lacks sunlight and is cold for most of the day.
135 Main Street is a wide pedestrian connection walkway between Spear Street and Mission Street. This open space features a decorative fountain, footsteps or fixed seating, and a historical brick…
301 Mission Street POPOS is located inside the Millennium Tower. The site is situated discretely along Mission Street adjacent to the restaurant, International Smoke. The POPOS has a large indoor space with several booth seating options and distinct art pieces by Yoram Wolberger, Catherine Wagner, and Amanda Weil. On the weekends and evenings, when the space is closed to the public, it is used by Millennium Tower’s resident yoga classes and
as a lounge for International Smoke restaurant patrons.
301 Mission Street POPOS is located inside the Millennium Tower. The site is situated discretely along Mission Street adjacent to the restaurant, International Smoke. The POPOS has a large indoor…
The MIRA building was built and delivered along with the development of the extension of Clementina St. into a pedestrian pathway that connects Main St. and Spear St. The pathway features benches facing the MIRA building, some nice grass patches, and a dog relief area with a pet waste bag dispenser and a pet water fountain.
The MIRA building was built and delivered along with the development of the extension of Clementina St. into a pedestrian pathway that connects Main St. and Spear St. The pathway…
555 Mission Street is a POPOS located along a block featuring several other public open spaces. The site is situated between Mission Street and Minna Street making it a main circulation route to the Salesforce Transit Center. The POPOS has a large plaza with great sunlight, ample seating and a locust tree grove. The most unique element at this site is the collection of sculptures. There are sculptures by Ugo Rondinone and an art installation by Jonathan Borofsky. The public art is whimsical and eye catching which invites pedestrians to create a successful public open space. This POPOS is expansive and could accommodate large markets, concerts and events.
555 Mission Street is a POPOS located along a block featuring several other public open spaces. The site is situated between Mission Street and Minna Street making it a main…
560 Mission Street is a POPOS located along a block featuring several other open spaces including 555 Mission Street, 100 First Plaza Sun Terrace, and Shaw Alley. 560 Mission is located adjacent to JP Morgan Chase Building creating one of the most active outdoor lunch areas in the neighborhood. The POPOS has two popular lunch locations, Split Bread and Mixt, that utilize the varied seating throughout the POPOS keeping it active at midday. The space features movable seating, fixed seating and sculptured wood seating. A unique element at this site is the kinetic wind sculpture “Annular Eclipse” by George Rickey that turns according to the wind. The open space is ideal for large groups eating lunch as it has ample movable seating and tables available for rearrangement. The large blank wall bordering the East side of the POPOS could be programmed to provide further art or greening for the benefit of the users.
560 Mission Street is a POPOS located along a block featuring several other open spaces including 555 Mission Street, 100 First Plaza Sun Terrace, and Shaw Alley. 560 Mission is…
Park Tower’s open space on Howard and Main Streets, also known as “M1”, is a space with human-made relief covered in artificial turf for a smooth and consistent look/feel. The walking pathways feature blue lines painted to remind of topographic maps. This space is ideal for taking a quick phone call away from the office, grab lunch from the Proper Food across the street, or visit with your children—as observed regularly. Visitors seem more comfortable seating on the traditional fixed benches but know that the white bean structures are also meant to be sat on. Give it a try!
Note that pets are tolerated, although they are not permitted to use any area of the space for relief. In case of emergency only, there are waste bags available.
Park Tower’s open space on Howard and Main Streets, also known as “M1”, is a space with human-made relief covered in artificial turf for a smooth and consistent look/feel. The…
Park Tower’s open space on Beale and Mission Streets, also known as “N3”, is a space with human-made relief covered in artificial turf for a smooth and consistent look/feel. The walking pathways feature blue lines painted to remind of topographic maps. This space is ideal for taking a quick phone call away from the office. Visitors seem more comfortable seating on the traditional fixed benches but know that the white bean structures are also meant to be sat on. Give it a try!
Note that pets are tolerated, although they are not permitted to use any area of the space for relief. In case of emergency only, there are waste bags available.
Park Tower’s open space on Beale and Mission Streets, also known as “N3”, is a space with human-made relief covered in artificial turf for a smooth and consistent look/feel. The…
PG&E plaza is located at 77 Beale Street and wraps around the corner onto Mission Street. The site is set back from the street and allows for a break from the busy sidewalk
The space could also accommodate food trucks on the plaza with seating. The plaza is used as a designated smoking area by employees. This plaza could become further activated to take advantage of the heavy foot traffic and visible location from Beale and Mission Streets. The plaza has a wide-open space allowing free pedestrian circulation. On site, the sound from a large waterfall creates a respite from automobile and traffic noise. This site is large enough to host markets, activations, and employee functions.
PG&E plaza is located at 77 Beale Street and wraps around the corner onto Mission Street. The site is set back from the street and allows for a break from…
The PG&E Pocket Space is a concrete-heavy space named after the company responsible for its development. Its design complements the adjacent substation’s brutalism and provides an opportunity to connect with and observe it. While abrupt in appearance, the concrete back wall softens at night thanks to a warm backlight that reveals the true playfulness of the space.
The PG&E Pocket Space is a concrete-heavy space named after the company responsible for its development. Its design complements the adjacent substation’s brutalism and provides an opportunity to connect with…
Rincon Hill Dog Park is an off-leash park offering 2 fenced-in sections for large & small dogs, with benches, and water stations. The park is supported by volunteers and periodically maintained by The East Cut Community Benefit District, which is also its fiscal sponsor.
Support the park with a donation and learn more about the Yappy Hour and Clean ‘n Sweep events on the park’s website!
https://www.rinconhilldogpark.org/
In the fall of 2007, neighbors Marty Coressel and Josh Wolf had the idea that the two-acre CalTrans parcel on the northwest corner of Beale and Bryant Streets at the base of the Bay Bridge could be turned into a more functional strip of land for the neighborhood. Marty and Josh founded the Bay Bridge Base Beautification Group (also known as the B4 project). The corner had been used for surface parking in the past, but concerns about potential acts of terrorism at the base of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge left the land fenced and overtaken by weeds. Now, it’s a gorgeous park for dogs and their caretakers. It’s a place where dogs spend time running around and relaxing and the people who support them make friends.
Rincon Hill Dog Park is an off-leash park offering 2 fenced-in sections for large & small dogs, with benches, and water stations. The park is supported by volunteers and periodically…
This landmark has nice groomed patches of grass along its promenade and features a large sculpture of a Bow and Arrow, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s “Cupid’s Span”; in addition, the view of the Bay Bridge is unforgettable and worthy of a photo! The grass area is the Rendez-Vous for dog social meet-ups, although note that there is no fence, and dogs may be put off by the many runners, scooters, and bicycles passing by.
Rincon Park is owned by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.
Photo credit: CaliforniaThroughMyLens.com
This landmark has nice groomed patches of grass along its promenade and features a large sculpture of a Bow and Arrow, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s “Cupid’s Span”; in…
Rincon Place is located mid-block between Main and Beale Streets. The site is situated between Lumina’s 650 condominium units and the Bay Area
Metro Center. The pocket has a wide open space that can accommodate markets and medium-sized events. A unique element at this site is the amphitheater which could host small public concerts or lectures.
Rincon Place is located mid-block between Main and Beale Streets. The site is situated between Lumina’s 650 condominium units and the Bay Area Metro Center. The pocket has a wide…
350 Mission Street is an indoor POPOS located inside the Salesforce East offices on the corner of Mission and Fremont Streets, making it highly visible to the public. The POPOS features an amphitheater where the public and Salesforce employees alike can gather, socialize, and eat lunch.
Another unique element at the site is the large, high definition media screen art installation “Virtual Depiction: San Francisco” by Refik Anadol that distinguishes the space. The POPOS also features the Trailblazer Cafe restaurant on the second level.
350 Mission Street is an indoor POPOS located inside the Salesforce East offices on the corner of Mission and Fremont Streets, making it highly visible to the public. The POPOS…
Seventy feet above the Grand Hall, the Park runs the entire length of the Transit Center’s nearly four-block stretch. Home to 600 trees and 16,000 plants arranged in 13 different botanical feature areas, the newest public park in the San Francisco Bay Area is for the benefit and enjoyment of all…and there’s nothing else like it anywhere.
Seventy feet above the Grand Hall, the Park runs the entire length of the Transit Center’s nearly four-block stretch. Home to 600 trees and 16,000 plants arranged in 13 different…
Mission Plaza is an expansive open space on the corner of Fremont and Mission Streets. Mission Plaza fronts Salesforce Tower, the tallest tower in San Francisco.
It features a gondola connecting to Salesforce Park, ample fixed seating and movable seating, and is the main entrance to the Salesforce Transit Center. This space is large enough to host markets and signature city events.
Mission Plaza is an expansive open space on the corner of Fremont and Mission Streets. Mission Plaza fronts Salesforce Tower, the tallest tower in San Francisco. It features a gondola…
303 Second Street is a large parklike space stretching nearly an entire block from Folsom up to Harrison. The site is a central space tying together two mid- rise office towers. This space becomes extremely busy during lunch hours with a large variety of food options and retail. It has an array of seating options helping to accommodate this daily influx of visitors. “The Kilroy Three” sculpture by Jon Krawcyzk and meandering water feature give the site visual interest and playfulness.
303 Second Street is a large parklike space stretching nearly an entire block from Folsom up to Harrison. The site is a central space tying together two mid- rise office…
303 Second’s dog relief space is lodged behind the 303 Second building and accessible on Folsom St. It is a small space covered in artificial turf with a fake fire hydrant that pets are welcome to use. Waste bags are available on site.
303 Second’s dog relief space is lodged behind the 303 Second building and accessible on Folsom St. It is a small space covered in artificial turf with a fake fire…
235 Second Street is a POPOS located on the corner of Second Street and Clementina Street. The POPOS includes both indoor and outdoor space. The site is situated next to Proper Food and the CBS Interactive offices. The interior space features the sculpture ”Making the World Many” by Anish Kapoor. The outdoor POPOS has a large plaza with great sunlight, ample seating and an attractive brick facade acting as the backdrop. A unique element at this site is the water feature which flows from inside to outside. The adjacent restaurant and office building allows this POPOS to become highly activated during lunch hours.
235 Second Street is a POPOS located on the corner of Second Street and Clementina Street. The POPOS includes both indoor and outdoor space. The site is situated next to…
101 Second Street is an indoor greenhouse with an upper mezzanine. The POPOS is on the busy and highly visible corner of Second Street and Mission Street. There is a striking art piece by Charles Arnoldi and sculpture by Larry Bell. All ground floor fenestration is operable and opens to the street allowing the public to gather inside. People here are typically in groups of two eating lunch or on their computer.
101 Second Street is an indoor greenhouse with an upper mezzanine. The POPOS is on the busy and highly visible corner of Second Street and Mission Street. There is a…
535 Mission Street, also known as Shaw Alley, is located between Mission Street and Minna Street and will create a pedestrian connection between Mission and the Salesforce Transit Center with the addition of a mid-block crossing on Mission Street. The POPOS is hardscape and features stationary seating along one side. The site is adjacent to offices, Salt House restaurant, Special Xtra coffee stand, and Harlot Nightclub. This space features a historic brick facade, an eye-catching sculpture by “The Band” by Anton Josef Standteiner, and a colorful light installation “Applique da Parete” by Gordon Huether.
535 Mission Street, also known as Shaw Alley, is located between Mission Street and Minna Street and will create a pedestrian connection between Mission and the Salesforce Transit Center with…
Solaire Courtyard is an outdoor open space contained within Solaire Apartments. The discrete site is situated between Folsom Street and Clementina Street. This open space features comfortable seating, movable seating, putting green, outdoor games, and a fire pit. Adjacent to this space is a busy Philz Coffee fronting Folsom Street. This space has plenty of greenery including mature in-ground trees. Typically, the space is in the shade and can be very windy. Many residents of Solaire keep it active by using it as a convenient exit-entry to their unit. Access doors on each side create barriers to the space, preventing it from becoming a popular destination.
Solaire Courtyard is an outdoor open space contained within Solaire Apartments. The discrete site is situated between Folsom Street and Clementina Street. This open space features comfortable seating, movable seating,…
201 Spear Street is a POPOS that is part of an expansive walking network around the surrounding block. People here can be found passing through, eating lunch or taking phone calls. This space features a bronze sculpture by Seward Johnson in the center. The picnic tables here can accommodate a small to medium-sized lunch crowd. There is a planned restaurant adjacent that will serve dinner patrons. A Starbucks cafe and retail space help to activate the plaza in the daytime. The space could be enhanced and more inviting by additional lighting in the evenings.
201 Spear Street is a POPOS that is part of an expansive walking network around the surrounding block. People here can be found passing through, eating lunch or taking phone…
This is a large plaza fronting the base of Spera Apartments. The plaza’s entryway is situated along Tehama Street and in the future will connect pedestrians to East Cut Sports & Dog Park, a 5-acre planned park featuring dog areas, games, a beer garden, and retail space. The plaza features a sculpture called Flowers That Bloom at Midnight by Yayoi Kusama. The ground mural features playful polka dots that invite the public in.
This is a large plaza fronting the base of Spera Apartments. The plaza’s entryway is situated along Tehama Street and in the future will connect pedestrians to East Cut Sports…
299 Second Street is a POPOS located inside The Clancy (formerly Courtyard by Marriott). The site is inside a hotel with rooms looking down on it. The POPOS was recently renovated with design work provided by JETT Landscape Architecture and features fire pits, unique heating lamps, and ample seating. Additionally, the sculpture, “Globe” by Topher Delaney can be seen at The Clancy.
299 Second Street is a POPOS located inside The Clancy (formerly Courtyard by Marriott). The site is inside a hotel with rooms looking down on it. The POPOS was recently…
The Infinity Pathway is located mid-block and connects Spear Street and Main Street. This route allows the public and residents of the Infinity to quickly cut through to their destination.
The pocket’s meandering walkway and inviting greenery also entice visitors to stay awhile. A unique element at this site is the large circular planters that house lush greenery and trees. This pathway is shady, quiet and relaxing due to the soothing water sounds from the water feature.
People observed here were typically passing through and few were sitting. This space could use a way-finding element to inform the public of its existence.
The Infinity Pathway is located mid-block and connects Spear Street and Main Street. This route allows the public and residents of the Infinity to quickly cut through to their destination.…