SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — On Wednesday, S.F. Mayor Edwin M. Lee celebrated the completion of Phase One of the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal at Pier 27, which will be used as the headquarters for the 34th America’s Cup Races in 2013.
“The new Cruise Terminal is a legacy project that will not only boost tourism and create jobs this summer during the America’s Cup races, but it will welcome visitors and residents to our waterfront for generations to come,” said Mayor Lee. “This major infrastructure project that is being delivered on time and on budget is the centerpiece of the America’s Cup Park and when it begins serving the cruise industry next year, it will provide a significant economic impact to our City.”
After the America’s Cup event in 2013, the Port will complete the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal by 2014 (Phase 2) to make it operational for cruise ships, and create a new 2.5 acre public park known as the Northeast Wharf Plaza.
“With its expansive vistas and centralized waterfront location, the new James R Herman Cruise Terminal is the perfect picture frame for all that is both iconic and exciting about San Francisco: from the spires of the Bay Bridge and Ferry Building, to the Transamerica Building and Coit Tower and the wonderful homes nestled into Telegraph Hill,” said Port Director Monique Moyer. “From the moment of arrival, visitors will be beckoned out to the experience that is San Francisco.”
The new Cruise Terminal will be sized to handle vessels up to 1,200 feet long and carrying 2,600 passengers and has the capacity at key areas to allow it to service vessels carrying as many as 5,000 passengers. On non-cruise days, the terminal will be used as a special event facility.
The Pier 27 Cruise Terminal is to be named in honor of James R. Herman, former Port Commissioner and President of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. The James R. Herman cruise terminal has been designed to meet modern ship and operational requirements of the cruise industry.
The Cruise Terminal project provides an ongoing stimulus to San Francisco’s economy by attracting visitors and contributing tax revenue to the City’s General Fund. It is estimated that the cruise industry in San Francisco supports $31.2 million annually in economic activity and generates 300 jobs within San Francisco.
The Department of Public Works, along with the Port is responsible for construction management of the Cruise Terminal project. The number of direct labor jobs created for the construction is expected to be over 1,000 jobs.
“The new terminal will be a more beautiful and functional experience for passengers, and keep San Francisco as a world-class destination for the important cruise-ship industry,” said DPW Director Mohammed Nuru. “The Department of Public Works is a proud partner in enhancing our vibrant waterfront not just for the upcoming America’s Cup event but for the generations beyond.”
DPW is providing construction management and landscape architectural services for the Pier 27 project. The contractor is Turner Construction with designers and architect team of KMD Kaplan McLaughlin Diaz, Pfau Long Architecture, JV, Bermello Ajamil & Partners, cruise terminal design consultants. The local hiring goal is 20 percent, and currently is at 26 percent. The Local Business Enterprise (LBE) participation goal is 17 percent, currently at 17.5 percent and anticipated at 19 percent.
The Port of San Francisco, an enterprise agency of the City and County of San Francisco, oversees a broad range of commercial, maritime and public access facilities along the City’s waterfront that are held in public trust for the people of California.
About America’s Cup:
The America’s Cup, at 161 years old, is the oldest trophy in international sport. The 34th America’s Cup, hosted by the City and San Francisco, brings the competition back to the US for the first time in 18 years. Set on the natural amphitheater of San Francisco Bay, the 2103 races are designed to be viewed from land for the first time in their history and promise an exciting “Summer of Sailing” for Bay Area visitors and residents alike.
About ONESF:
ONESF is a civic engagement effort to mobilize the City’s businesses, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and other organizations around the legacy and community benefits of events like the 34th America’s Cup races. Hosting national and international events can be a catalyst for infrastructure, open space and environmental enhancements to the City and the Bay.
