The proposed Pier 9 Earthquake Safety Project will develop and implement a phased earthquake retrofit program to improve safety and reduce risk of damage at this highly active and mostly original historic finger pier. Completed in 1938 (bulkhead wharf in 1917), the Pier remains in good shape and is a contributing resource to the Embarcadero Historic District. The pier includes a mix of tenants and maritime uses including the San Francisco Bar Pilots, Water Emergency Transportation Authority facilities, and large vessel berths that can support disaster response. Earthquake retrofits are expected to include seawall and substructure strengthening, seismic joints, building retrofits, and utility retrofits. Retrofitting will be timed with other capital improvements and leasing of spaces. A future project is anticipated to fully replace and elevate the seawall and wharf for flood and earthquake resilience.
Location: Northeast Waterfront, Embarcadero near Broadway
Updates
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Initial studies were completed in 2024
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Design of additional phases is expected to advance in 2026
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Seawall and substructure strengthening is targeted to start construction in the summer/fall 2026. This is an initial phase with construction bid anticipated in early 2026
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Earthquake strengthening of the shed roof is part of a re-roofing project anticipated to be completed in 2026. A construction bid for the work was advertised in October 2025