Pier 27 Cruise Ship Terminal

The Port of San Francisco retained the services of Public Works to oversee the development of the existing Pier 27 into a new primary cruise ship terminal and public plaza. We provided overall project management and landscape architectural services for the construction of this significant capital project. The joint venture of KMD Architects and Pfau Long Architecture provided the architectural and engineering services. These teams will work in collaboration to deliver a complete, efficient, functional, and operational facility within the targeted quality, budget, and schedule goals of the project.

With our leadership, the Port transformed the existing ten-acre Pier 27 site into a vibrant year-round cruise terminal, public plaza and community facility that meets security and passenger handling demands of the cruise industry, while also allowing for public recreation and special event uses. The terminal is a 21st century new fresh face for the cruise line visitor designed to stream line the embarking and debarking exercise and enhance their visit to San Francisco.

The new terminal functions as the main point of entry for ships during the cruise season but will be available for rent most of the year for special events such as conventions, nonprofit fundraisers, private parties and community festivals such as Fleet Week and International Arts Festival.

During the America’s Cup in San Francisco, Pier 27 was used for two purposes – first as the starting & finishing line for the America’s Cup and subsequently as San Francisco’s premier cruise ship terminal.

In September 2007, the Mayor formed a panel that recommended that the Port of San Francisco develop a new, primary cruise terminal to meet the increased demand for cruise ships. The panel selected Pier 27 to be the primary site because it would be the most cost-effective and strategic location on the San Francisco waterfront. The site is located at the intersection of The Embarcadero, Lombard Street and Battery Street.

The project was constructed in two phases. As a part of the agreement with the America’s Cup, the terminal was ready for their use in January 2013. At the close of the event, the terminal building was returned to the Port and Phase 2 began. Phase 2 included completing the interior spaces specific to the needs of the cruise terminal, landscaping and public plaza.