City Considers Permanent 3-Block Pedestrian Zone On Stockton

City Considers Permanent 3-Block Pedestrian Zone On StocktonWinter Walk. (Photo: Allison Webber/Union Square Business Improvement District)
Geri Koeppel
Published on February 05, 2016

Union Square could eventually get a full-time pedestrian-only zone—similar to its popular "Winter Walk," which has closed off Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis for the past two holiday seasons. 

We discovered via public record that the city is starting to look into a Lower Stockton Improvement Project, potentially modeled after the Winter Walk.

In 2014, the zone of urban greenery and merriment was instituted to help area businesses that have been affected by the extensive Central Subway construction that's largely closed off Stockton. Intended to lure holiday shoppers with a respite from the noise and dust, it has featured amenities like Off the Grid food trucks, live musical performances, and booths from local artists.

SFMTA spokesperson Paul Rose confirmed that the agency participated in a kick-off meeting for the Improvement Project on Jan. 29th, hosted by the Union Square Business Improvement District. The project also involves the Planning Department and SF Public Works.

Here's what he told us via email:

Based on feedback from local businesses and other stakeholders, we have heard that Winter Walk was a success. This meeting kicked off talks to discuss a similar set-up for the future. While the project limits have not been set, the SFMTA is studying a closure of the three blocks between Post Street and Market Street. This and future meetings will help shape the form and function of a possible new Stockton Street.

We are holding meetings to develop a new design for the street in consultation with the Business Improvement District, stakeholders, and representatives of our advocacy groups. When the group comes up with a design, we will present it to the public for further discussion.

We also reached out to the Business Improvement District for more information on how its members are reacting to the idea, but did not receive a response by deadline.

This news comes shortly after the implementation of the Powell Street Safety and Sidewalk Improvement Project, which was intended to create a pedestrian-and cable car-only zone on the 100 and 200 blocks of Powell Street, to promote safety for pedestrians and reduce wear and tear on the cable cars. 

Due to concerns from local businesses, the project was modified before it commenced in November, to allow for delivery trucks, shuttle vans, and some private vehicles taking people to or from hotels on the 200 block of Powell. 

Two months in, the pilot was revised again to allow private vehicles on both sides of the street on the 200 block. It's possible that the plans for Stockton may be faced with similar concerns from businesses regarding deliveries and passenger drop-off. 


The 200 block of Powell Street. (Photo: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline)

The Stockton project is still in early talks, but we'll let you know when a possible new design for the street is announced to the public.