The recent redevelopment proposal for Pier 45 in San Francisco has sparked considerable debate after receiving a non-binding endorsement from the Port Commission. While this backing is not mandatory, it has ignited passionate discussions, even leading to a public spat between the father-and-son duo behind the famous Boudin Bakery.
One of the main motivations for the Port Commission’s endorsement is the urgent need to reinforce Pier 45, which risks shutting down like Pier 54 due to years of neglect. However, the controversy centers around the proposed development in Section C and north of Jefferson Street.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Section C was previously used by fishermen to store tools, but after a major fire in 2020 destroyed the warehouse, the area is now a makeshift storage site for fishermen. The $55 million redevelopment plan aims to build a new fish market and exhibition space at the southern end of Section C, which would significantly limit the space available for fishermen.
North of Jefferson Street, alongside Boudin Bakery, there is a winery and a distillery, but the new plans propose additional winery and distillery constructions, along with ten new rental apartments. Dan Giraudo, the second-generation owner of Boudin Bakery, has voiced strong opposition, arguing that the development threatens existing businesses and fails to promise adequate foot traffic.
Contrarily, retired Lou Giraudo has shown robust support for the initiative, even participating in the advocacy group “Fisherman’s Wharf Revitalized.” He believes the area—the place of his childhood—requires transformation and revitalization, which he argues would benefit the fishing industry.
However, the redevelopment proposal still faces obstacles. The Port Commission’s approval is non-binding and will require the approval of the city council. Even if the council approves, an environmental impact assessment must be completed, meaning any construction isn’t likely to start until after 2028. Additionally, the port’s endorsement includes stipulations that existing contracts with fishermen, which have a 66-year term, must be respected.
Opponents, however, remain unconvinced, stressing that fishing space is already limited and that taking away even more land from Pier 45 will hinder their operations. They express concerns about how parking spaces will be opened to the public post-development, further complicating logistics for fishermen and transport operators. Michael Rescino, whose family has called Fisherman’s Wharf home since 1908, remarked on the absurdity of the city planning to host events behind where fishermen are actively working, saying it is “too foolish for words.”
Yet supporters are not backing down. Kenny Belov, who has run “TwoXSea” at Pier 45 for 13 years, argues that the pier must evolve, and developing a fish market and exhibition space is a critical first step to engage the public. He even echoed presidential campaign slogans, saying, “We must move forward; we cannot go backward.”
At 78 years old, Lou Giraudo remains optimistic about the eventual transformation of Fisherman’s Wharf, believing in the possibility of miracles. As the council vote approaches, it remains to be seen whether a consensus can be reached between both sides, who share the same ultimate goal but envision different paths to achieve it.