Frequently Asked Questions

Who owns the existing Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club site?

The Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club property is owned by Golden Gateway Center; the Club is managed by Western Athletic Clubs (WAC). San Francisco Waterfront Partners LLC currently has an option to purchase the site.  

What will happen to the Tennis and Swim Club if the 8 Washington project is approved?

After renovation, it is intended that the recreation club will continue to be managed by Western Athletic Clubs (WAC). San Francisco Waterfront Partners is working with the community, club members and club management to determine the ultimate program for the Club. During the construction period, interim facilities will be in place for Club members.

Is there a need for more housing in the area?

There continues to be an undersupply of housing throughout all of San Francisco. The citywide population is expected to increase by 27,800 people between 2005 and 2015. Housing production has not kept pace with population growth, resulting in the continual increase of housing costs. Moreover, the City needs to add housing in areas that are transit-rich, for the good of the environment and the region overall. And finally, the Barbary Coast neighborhood will benefit immeasurably from the addition of more families and other new residents, who will provide more “eyes on the street,” night and day, and add to the social fabric of the community. Furthermore, it is a stated goal of the City of San Francisco to increase housing density and jobs along transit corridors. The project site is located directly adjacent to Muni, Bart and Ferry lines.    

Are the proposed buildings to scale with the surrounding community?

The 8 Washington proposal adheres to existing city land use controls for the project site. It is located within a high-density residential zoning district, which allows for commercial uses and buildings that are up to 84 feet tall. The project is also compliant with the Port of San Francisco Waterfront Land Use Plan for the Ferry Building area.

Will the residential building shade the swimming pools?

The project’s architect, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, has prepared multiple shadow studies. As a result of studying these models, the pools have been located in the most sun rich area on the site.

Will the project have an impact on vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area?

The project is expected to bring traffic improvements to the neighborhood. With NO curb cuts on the Embarcadero, the 8 Washington project proposes to consolidate Ferry Building area parking into one centralized location, thus eliminating circular traffic patterns while visitors search for parking spaces. The project plans also include improved bicycle lanes and bicycle-related amenities for the area.
 
Consolidating the fitness club’s facilities to one side of Drumm Street will also eliminate the existing pedestrian hazard for club members, who currently must dodge traffic on the busy street to get from the clubhouse to other facilities. Additional residents, restaurants and retail will also add to the safety and viability of the neighborhood by bringing more stakeholders, business and activity to the neighborhood.    

Will anything be done to minimize pile driving noise and other construction disruptions?

The loudest construction activity, pile driving, will only occur sporadically for three to four months during construction. Numerous measures will be taken to minimize the temporary disturbance to neighbors, including the use of low vibration pile driving methods. Notice will also be given to owners and occupants within 200 feet of the site at lease 48 hours prior to beginning pile driving- the notice will provide work dates, hours and expected duration.

San Francisco Waterfront Partners recently completed the historic renovation of Piers 1 ½, 3 & 5, which included 2 ½ years of construction with minimal disruption to neighbors.

What is the status of the 8 Washington project?

Project plans include two variations – with and without the use of SWL 351. The project team is currently moving forward with the entitlement process and environmental review for both iterations of the project.

The San Francisco Planning Department has published an Initial Study for the project, which can be downloaded here.

In the coming months there will be numerous opportunities for public participation in the process.

What is Seawall Lot (SWL) 351?

SWL 351 is a triangular 27,937-square-foot piece of land on the Embarcadero at the corner of Washington Street, adjacent to the Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club. The site is Port property and is currently used as a surface parking lot.
 
The SF Port recently issued an RFP for the development of SWL 351 through a competitive bid process. San Francisco Waterfront Partners has responded to the RFP with a bid to develop the lot as part of the 8 Washington project. Please visit the Port website http://www.sfport.com/swl351 for more information.