Eagle Plaza is a unique pedestrian plaza located along12th Street, between Harrison and Bernice Streets, in the Western South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood of San Francisco. The plaza is a "shared public way," allowing cars at times but with emphasis on a pedestrian-priority space. It commemorates and honors the area's LGBTQ and leather heritage and provide a much needed public space for the neighborhood. Check out the design here.
Has Eagle Plaza been completed?
Yes! On February 11th, 2016, the San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously voted in favor of allocating $1.5 million in funding towards Eagle Plaza's design & construction. The official groundbreaking was held on June 18, 2019. On September 22, 2019, even as construction of the plaza was underway, a large new leather flag was raised, with representatives from many leather community groups helping to unfurl it. The Friends of Eagle Plaza adopted formal bylaws in April of 2020, and formed a board that meets monthly. In August of 2021, "SOMA Second Saturdays", a monthly artists and artisans fair, moved into Eagle Plaza, and community events have become increasingly common and popular in the space. A weekly Farmers Market is ran from July through October of 2022, and is expected to return in the spring. To keep informed, like and follow the Eagle Plaza Facebook Page.
Is Eagle Plaza only for the Leather Pride community?
Eagle Plaza is for everyone! While the initiative to commemorate the LGBTQ heritage in the neighborhood has served as inspiration for the plaza's design, the project was a response to community-wide demand for more public open space in Western SoMa. Eagle Plaza is designed as an inclusive public space to be open and welcoming to every member of the community. The Friends of Eagle Plaza Facebook Group invites your membership.
Who is Friends of Eagle Plaza?
Friends of Eagle Plaza (FoEP) is a neighborhood-based group that will be responsible for managing and maintaining Eagle Plaza. It meets regularly and is representative of the surrounding community, with property owners, business owners, residents, community groups and other stakeholders participating. In time, FoEP will enter into a Public Stewardship Agreement with the City, through SF's Plaza Program, and oversee Eagle Plaza's long-term maintenance and activation. If you would like to get involved please let us know!
Why is it necessary to create Friends of Eagle Plaza? Why can’t the City take care of the plaza itself?
The City and County of San Francisco does its best to maintain its vast array of public parks, playgrounds, plazas and streetscapes - and it has a tough job. The SOMA West Community Benefit District plays an important role in maintaining the streets of this area of SOMA. The Friends of Eagle Plaza can supplement these services with enhanced maintenance, activation, and capital improvements funded by grants or local donations. Planning and funding community events in the plaza, and maintaining and improving the leather-themed elements of the Plaza, are two important roles for the FoEP. Your donations can help.
How will you make sure Eagle Plaza doesn't become a tent encampment or a haven for unhealthy behaviors?
San Francisco is facing unprecedented street maintenance and street behavior issues. Keeping public spaces clean, safe and welcoming is only one part of the solution; accompanying social services must also provide care for those experiencing homelessness and addictions. However, as a new public space Eagle Plaza is set up for success in ways that other public spaces often are not. First, Eagle Plaza will be bordered on both sides by activating businesses and residences that will bring foot traffic at various times throughout day and night. Second, the adjacent residential development at 1532 Harrison Street is providing daily maintenance and cleaning on the plaza. Third, the Friends of Eagle Plaza will become the official Plaza Steward of Eagle Plaza which will provide City assistance for activating plaza events and programs. Please read more on the Maintenance page.
Who owns Eagle Plaza?
Eagle Plaza will always be a 100% publicly owned space, under the jurisdiction of SF's Public Works Department. The plaza will be managed for the benefit of the public by the nonprofit Friends of Eagle Plaza to ensure a high level of maintenance, programming, care and accountability. The plaza will remain public and publicly accessible in perpetuity.
How was Eagle Plaza funded?
Eagle Plaza's design and construction costs were partially funded through City grants, and partially through San Francisco's innovative In-Kind Agreement (IKA) process. With an IKA, a portion of the development impact fees generated by 1532 Harrison Street, a multi-family residential development across the street, were re-allocated directly to a nearby public space. Learn more about Eagle Plaza's IKA here. These funds were supplemented with other sources such as grants and charitable contributions from individuals or organizations.
How can I give feedback?
Feedback is always welcome! Please let us know what you think here. In addition, please feel free to contact any of the Friends of Eagle Plaza members to share your thoughts.
How can I support the project?
Stay informed by signing up to receive occasional emails about project updates and upcoming events. You can also submit feedback or request to learn more about Friends of Eagle Plaza here.
Who is Place Lab?
“Place Lab” was a department within the San Francisco Parks Alliance, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that champions, transforms and activates public parks and open spaces throughout San Francisco. Since 2014, Place Lab oversaw the design development and city approval process for Eagle Plaza in collaboration with Build Inc., the property owner and developer of 1532 Harrison Street whose in-kind impact fees partially funded Eagle Plaza. Place Lab, formerly called Build Public, was an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit from 2014 — 2018.
