San Francisco’s historic landmark, Portsmouth Square, known as the “Living Room of Chinatown,” officially kicked off its renovation project on June 10th. On June 9th, several San Francisco officials and community leaders gathered at the square to break ground for the project.
After over 15 years of planning and a total investment of $73 million, the renovation project includes the construction of a new community center, expansion of the children’s playground, addition of outdoor activity spaces, and public art installations, scheduled to be completed by 2028.
Mayor Daniel Lurie mentioned during the groundbreaking ceremony, “The history of this park is almost as old as San Francisco itself. It’s where our city first raised the American flag, and California’s first public school was located here. For generations, this square has been the heart of Chinatown. But beyond its history, we all know that this is the ‘living room’ of Chinatown.”
He emphasized that Portsmouth Square is not only an important place for leisure, exercise, and socializing for Chinatown residents, but also a crucial location for hosting festivals and cultural celebrations, deserving facilities of the same high quality as other top public spaces in San Francisco.
The mayor stated that the city has been increasing its investment in Chinatown in recent years, including providing free Wi-Fi, streamlining merchant permit approval processes, enhancing public safety services, and ensuring welfare projects such as medical care and food assistance for residents. The square renovation is another significant investment in the Chinatown community.
According to the plans, the renovation project includes the addition of an 8,300 square feet community center with meeting rooms and a commercial catering kitchen; expanding the playground, adding an adult fitness area; creating a versatile outdoor plaza and stage for various performances, cultural celebrations, and community activities; increasing shade structures, seating, and gathering spaces for residents; beautifying the garden landscape and upgrading lighting facilities; restoring existing public art and adding two custom artworks for Portsmouth Square, including an outdoor sculpture, “Nuwa’s Hand (Fruits of Chinatown),” by artist Cathy Lu, and a ceramic mural, “Community Treasures,” by Jenifer K. Wofford; as well as upgrading the park’s accessibility facilities.
Furthermore, the pedestrian bridge across Kearny Street will be removed to widen the square’s view, increase more open space, and improve the connection between the square and the surrounding streets. During construction, repair and reinforcement work for the square’s underground infrastructure will also be carried out simultaneously.
After the project is completed, Mayor Lurie mentioned that Portsmouth Square will have a larger community center for organizing senior programs and community meetings. It will be equipped with upgraded fitness facilities, remodeled children’s playground, and an outdoor stage for community events. The square will continue to serve the Chinatown community as it does today, but in the coming decades, it will meet residents’ needs in a more convenient and comprehensive manner.
The project is led by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, which has been gathering community input for over 15 years, including residents, seniors, families, merchants, and various community organizations. The San Francisco Public Works will be responsible for construction management and project implementation; the San Francisco Arts Commission will integrate public art with historical and cultural elements.
Councilman Danny Sauter, representing the district where Chinatown is located in San Francisco, stated that Portsmouth Square is not only a part of Chinatown but also an important historical landmark for the entire city of San Francisco. The first city hall and the old courthouse of San Francisco were once located across from Portsmouth Square, where the Hilton hotel is now standing.
“San Francisco grew up here, and the Chinatown community developed around this square,” he said.
“As one of the most densely populated communities in America, we should have higher-quality park facilities here – clean, safe, beautiful parks, as well as playgrounds and community spaces, and this is exactly the goal that this project aims to achieve,” he added.
Ms. Zhang, a resident of San Francisco, is looking forward to the renovation project. She mentioned to our reporter that she frequents Portsmouth Square and often sees many tourists and tour groups visiting for sightseeing and photos. With the current aging facilities at the square, she believes that the renovation will not only enhance the international image but also make it more comfortable and convenient for local residents to play and participate in activities.
The shop owner nearby, named Amy, supports the renovation project at Portsmouth Square. She told our reporter that many existing facilities at the square are outdated and indeed need renovation. When asked about concerns from some residents regarding the impact of the renovation on historical architecture and the original appearance, Amy believes that cities are constantly changing and updating is an inevitable process of development.
“If preservation is possible, that’s great. If not, it’s okay because times are changing, and the community needs to change too,” she stated.
After seeing the project design drawings, Amy has a favorable impression of the planned project, especially the addition and improvement of children’s playground facilities and spaces for elderly activities. She anticipates that more seniors and families will be attracted to engage in activities at Portsmouth Square in the future.
“I think the design is great. After the renovation, both the elderly and children will prefer coming here, which is good for the community,” she said.
Regarding the impact of the project on her business, she jokingly responded, “If customers come, business goes on; if not, then I’ll take a break.”
Another shop owner, Mr. Yuan, who operates a business near Portsmouth Square, holds a more reserved attitude towards the project. He mentioned to our reporter that since the project has already been approved and initiated, ordinary people have little say in decision-making, so it’s not about supporting or opposing it.
“The government has it all figured out, and we don’t really have a say in opposing it,” he said.
Mr. Yuan expressed more concern about the current pressures faced by small businesses rather than constructing new projects. He pointed out that in recent years, rising rent, utility costs, insurance fees, labor costs, and other expenses have made it challenging for many small business owners.
“It’s getting harder to do business these days. The government should find ways to ease the burden on businesses instead of spending money on projects continuously,” he said.
Mr. Yuan particularly worries about the prolonged duration of large public projects, which can affect the surrounding business environment. He believes that in recent years, several construction projects in San Francisco have taken too long, impacting foot traffic in commercial areas.
However, regarding the renovation project at Portsmouth Square itself, he did not express clear opposition. Instead, he hopes that the city government will pay more attention to balancing the investment in projects with their actual benefits in the future.
He believes that when the government is spending so much taxpayer money on projects, the crucial aspect is whether it can truly bring in foot traffic and drive community development, which is the most important factor.
The renovation project at Portsmouth Square will also mark the last major park renovation in Chinatown in recent years. Previously, the Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground and Betty Ann Ong Recreation Center have completed their renovations.