On Friday, city leaders announced that construction on the redesign of Castro's Harvey Milk Plaza at the Castro Muni station will begin in 2026, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Mayor Daniel Lurie, District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza (FHMP), Cleve Jones, Bevan Dufty, and others celebrated the announcement in the Castro.
Last November, voters passed Proposition B — a $390 million bond measure that included $25 million for the plaza redo project. The project is estimated to cost $25 million plus $4-6 million for additional features.
Overview of the design changes proposed by FHMP and SWA Group. | Image courtesy of Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza
According to FHMP executive director Brian Springfield, fundraising is underway to secure an additional $4-6 million for commemorative elements.
“Harvey Milk Plaza reflects the heart of this city and the spirit of one of its greatest leaders," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "After years of advocacy and community leadership, the memorial at Harvey Milk Plaza is officially moving forward."
“Harvey fought for dignity and equality. He believed in public service that was personal. He believed that government should reflect the people it serves. And he understood that hope requires action. Today, Harvey Milk’s legacy lives on," Lurie added.
Andrea Aiello (center), Cleve Jones, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, Brian Springfield (left), and others gathered at Harvey Milk Plaza on Friday. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
“For more than a decade, a persistent and growing band of neighborhood and community advocates have agitated to modernize and transform Harvey Milk Plaza into the iconic
public space and memorial, its namesake deserves,” said Supervisor Mandelman.
Castro Station officially opened to subway service 45 years ago on June 11, 1980, less than two years after Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone's assassination.
Castro Station and plaza under construction (1977). | Photo: OpenSFHistory
The Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza and its supporters have pursued the redesign project since 2017. In that time, the project has taken on many forms and received multiple approvals.
“The Castro is more than a neighborhood — it remains a symbol of visibility, courage, and community in the imaginations of LGBTQ+ people around the world," said Springfield. "Harvey Milk’s story is rooted in the fight for rights, dignity, and the freedom to live authentically, a struggle that continues to this day."
“The new Harvey Milk Plaza will celebrate the progress we’ve made and inspire future generations of LGBTQ+ people everywhere to keep pushing forward," added Springfield.
Current design features include "The Pedestal," an elevated platform at the intersection of Castro and Market streets; "The Beacon," a digital display on the new elevator; "The Grove," a memorial tree grove close to Collingwood; and "The Gallery," an art display on the Castro Muni station mezzanine level.
Canopy over the escalator and stairway. | Image: FHMP
Other design features include an expanded plaza area, a candlelight vigil light display, a pink glass canopy over the stairway and elevator, and an oculus lightwell.
To close the funding gap, Springfield told the Bay Area Reporter that "We found out a way to use available funds to create a base project that can be built for that amount without compromising at all the community’s vision for Harvey Milk Plaza."
Springfield explained that some project details will be termed "add-alternates," meaning they can be added back if additional funding can be allocated.
Originally, the project was estimated to cost approximately $35 million - $27.8 million for transit and infrastructure improvements and $7.2 million for commemorative elements.
Mezzanine-level art display. | Image: FHMP
Springfield tells Hoodline that they were able to reduce the cost because "earlier projections carried a lot of contingencies because the start date was unclear."
"Once Prop B passed, Public Works explored what was possible to build right now with the $25 million, and it turned out that it was possible to build the whole project," added Springfield.
Asked for a more specific project start date Springfield said, "Last I heard, the city was targeting Fall 2026. Given that is more than one year away, they may be communicating a general target date.
"After all, there is still some process ahead — including completing construction documents, a bid process, and permitting," added Springfield. "As these steps are completed, I imagine the City will be providing more specificity about groundbreaking."
Oculus light well going down to the mezzanine level. | Image: FHMP
The project has already received a significant amount of state and federal funding. State Senator Wiener has directed $2.5 million in state funding to the project.
Last March, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi secured $500,000 for the project as part of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. Pelosi was unsuccessful in securing the full $5 million she had sought for the project.
The project is currently seeking a new fiscal sponsor after allegations of misspending against the SF Parks Alliance arose earlier this year.
Candlelight vigil light display leading back to the memorial grove. | Image: FHMP
Originally, the redesign of Harvey Milk Plaza was supposed to occur in tandem with the long-delayed Castro Station Accessibility Improvements project. That project, which includes a new four-stop glass elevator, kicked off last summer.
The elevator project is anticipated to be completed early next year.
