Streetscape Improvements for City by the Bay

by Larry Shield

The Duboce & Church Trackway Improvement Project area runs through the Duboce Triangle neighborhood. Proposed condition: Sidewalk extensions, new planting, seating and custom railings create a more comfortable transit stop at the Duboce Park stop.
Courtesy of Royston Hanamoto Alley & Abey

In 2008, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency began design for a $20 million capital improvement project to replace tracks and light rail infrastructure along the J-Church and N-Judah lines on Duboce and Church Streets.

Because the project would make a significant impact on the surrounding neighborhood, Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association took an early and active interest in the project. DTNA recognized the opportunity for the project to better serve the needs of commuters.

Royston Hanamoto Alley & Abey’s involvement in the project began when members of its staff, who lived in the neighborhood, participated in DTNA’s transportation subcommittee. Recognizing that the project would benefit from more substantial support and resources from a design firm, RHAA provided services to the DTNA through its 1 percent pro bono design program. Each year the firm donates 1 percent of its billable design hours to various projects.

Currently the project is under construction with NTK as the general contractor, with the trackway being completed. The streestscapes work has a target date set for completion by March 2013. Specifications were made by San Francisco with construction drawings, city standards for lighting, while the city provided bicycle racks, custom railings, brick edging and aggregate cast in place.

“What began as an infrastructure project to replace rails has evolved into an opportunity for street improvements that have been needed since the 1980s,” said Nathan Lozier, landscape architect for RHAA.

“This deterioration has affected the quality of the neighborhood, but now through the efforts of the design firm, they’ve been given an opportunity to create a more interesting and pedestrian-friendly aesthetic with walkways and additional beautifications.”

RHAA coordinated street infrastructure, utilities and navigated the different agencies. The firm approached community groups, went to the city and its supervisors to get different departments on board with the project, while finding and reallocating funds.