At long last, Pier 70 is finally getting a new lease on life. For decades, most of the historic pier has been idle and inaccessible to the public, with a random mix of vacant land, deteriorating buildings and random storage. Soon, the 28-acre waterfront neighborhood will have new housing, waterfront parks, space for artists and local manufacturing, and rehabilitated historic buildings.

At a groundbreaking ceremony this week, mayor Mark Farrell, supervisor Malia Cohen and members of the Port of San Francisco, developer Forest City Realty Trust and the Dogpatch community celebrated the start of construction. Speaking in front of historic Building 12, a steel, glass and timber structure where WWII ship hulls were fabricated, officials applauded the years of collaboration with the community to create a project that has unprecedented support.

“This is an inspiring location reflective of San Francisco's history of ingenuity that will once again be a major source of economic, civic and cultural value to the city,” said Farrell. “The Pier 70 project provides meaningful solutions to city priorities by building significant affordable housing, creating signature spaces to support the arts, and providing revenue generating local manufacturing and commercial uses. Congratulations to all who have dedicated themselves to achieving today's milestone.”