Potrero Yard Modernization Project

Check out the most recent updates in the Potrero Yard Modernization Project Winter 2024 Newsletter

Project Introduction

The Potrero Yard Modernization Project will replace an obsolete, century-old bus yard with a modern, four-story, efficient bus maintenance and storage facility, equipped to serve the SFMTA as it transitions to an all-electric fleet.

A modern Potrero Yard will address critical transportation issues and improve:

  • Efficiency: Repair buses faster, improving Muni's reliability
  • Sustainability: Provide the green infrastructure needed for an all-electric fleet
  • Future Growth: Accommodate fleet as it grows – room for 54% more buses at the yard
  • Work Conditions: Improve environments, amenities and safety conditions for 800+ SFMTA staff

Learn more about the need to replace this 100+ year-old bus yard.
 

Public tours of Potrero Yard are usually offered monthly. Check here for tour availability: 

Potrero Yard public tour information
 

Project Design

On November 21, 2022, the SFMTA awarded the project's predevelopment agreement to Potrero Neighborhood Collective (PNC) as lead developer. PNC is working together with the City, community and project stakeholders to further refine the Project design during the pre-development phase.

The PNC design includes a modern, four-story bus storage and maintenance transit facility, up to 465 units of affordable family housing for those with low or moderate incomes, and multiple opportunities for commercial retail and concessions. The project would be the nation's first known joint development of a bus maintenance facility with housing constructed adjacent to and above the bus facility, a groundbreaking approach that prioritizes safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation while also supporting the City's housing goals.

Aerial view from the northwest of the bus facility and proposed housing)

Aerial view from the northwest of the bus facility and proposed housing (Arcadis IBI Group)

Project Highlights

  • Up to 465 affordable housing units that include a mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units
  • New public restrooms conveniently located near Franklin Square
  • Three retail offerings that reflect community needs and include community-based retailers or organizations, with additional spaces for street vendors on 17th Street
  • Improved pedestrian and bike infrastructure for enhanced safety and comfort
  • An economic inclusion plan that prioritizes Local Business Enterprise (LBE) inclusion and local hire
  • Proposed amenities for residents include childcare services, community gardens, recreation and community rooms, children's play area, short-term car rental, and bike storage
  • Three large-scale public art pieces in collaboration with the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC)

Experience more about the Yard and the Project.

Following the SF Transit-First City Policy, the Project promotes public transit, biking, walking, and other sustainable transportation modes while discouraging private car use. To support the use of public transportation, the Project will have Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plans that consider existing and new transportation resources for residents and employees. Being located in a prominent transit zone, there will be no designated residential or public parking on site.

The Project fosters a vibrant streetscape environment that improves safety and encourages street-level activity through a mix of retail offerings, public restrooms, safety enhancements for bicyclists and people walking, and public art.

At A Glance

Project Timeline
2018 to 2022
Planning
Completed
2022 to 2025
Design & Permitting
Pending
2025 to 2029
Construction
Pending
2029
Start operations
Pending
Project Status
  1. Planning
  2. Environmental Review
Cost Estimate
$500 m (in 2019 dollars and exclusive of costs not directly related to construction)
Current Phase or Stage
Design & Permitting
Predicted Completion
2029
Improvements
bus
Provide needed space for a growing bus fleet.
bus
Facilitate the transition to an all-electric fleet.
bus
Improve the efficiency and timeliness of bus maintenance and repairs.
bus
Improve working conditions for Muni staff.
bus
Enhance resiliency to climate change and natural disasters.
walking
High visibility crosswalks and safety improvements for people walking.
bike
Protected bikeway on 17th Street.
Streetscape
Up to 465 units of affordable and workforce housing.
Streetscape
New ground-floor retail spaces.

Building Progress Program

In 2017, the SFMTA launched the Building Progress Program, a $2.3 billion multi-year effort, to repair, renovate, and modernize the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's (SFMTA) aging facilities to keep the City moving and transition to an all-electric bus fleet. 

Potrero Yard, located at Bryant and Mariposa streets, is the first facility scheduled under the Program that the SFMTA will modernize and renovate. 

Project video(s)
Project Details, History or Features

Prior to the selection of the Potrero Neighborhood Collective (PNC) developer team in November 2022, the SFMTA had engaged in public outreach about the Project since 2018. View information about SFMTA project planning and concepts from 2018 through 2022. This early planning process also showcased a virtual tour of the Potrero Yard, which used conceptual renderings from prior to PNC's 2024 Project design. 

San Francisco City Seal
Muni logo
San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development logo
San Francisco Public Works logo
SF Planning Department logo
Contact Information
Potrero Yard
415.646.2223
Chris Lazaro, Project Director
Bonnie Jean von Krogh, Building Progress Public Affairs Manager
John Angelico, Public Information Officer