San Francisco leaders break ground on historic Chinatown park renovation

[00:00:01]Today's San Francisco city leaders broke ground on a major project to renovate a historic park in Chinatown. The $73 million project will update Portsmouth Square with a new clubhouse, play areas, and event space for the community. Now, Portsmouth Square is considered the living room of Chinatown. It's located on Kearny Street between Washington and Clay. Maddie White is there live for us where the community is celebrating the square for its deep history while also looking forward to something new.

[00:00:29]Maddie?

[00:00:32]>> Elizabeth, a true convergence today of the past, present, and future. And while while many are looking forward to what's being added to the square, for others, the focal point is what is being slated to come down.

[00:00:47]>> 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, >> I've been there a lot of groundbreakings, but but again, this one's special.

[00:01:02]>> The so-called living room of Chinatown lit up in celebration. Established in 1833, Portsmouth Square is nearly as old as San Francisco itself. Mayor Daniel Lurie.

[00:01:12]>> The first American flag raising in our city happened right here.

[00:01:16]>> Now, a major investment is breathing new life into the historic square.

[00:01:21]>> There will be an upgraded fitness facility, an improved playground for kids, and an elevated stage for community events.

[00:01:29]>> For one city worker, being back here reminds him of his grandpa.

[00:01:33]>> I would still walk him down here so he could meet up with friends to play Chinese chess.

[00:01:36]>> He says Portsmouth Square became a gathering place out of necessity due to the density of single-room units nearby.

[00:01:43]>> If you can imagine living in a space that's 6x10 ft, you want to come out and stretch and enjoy company. This is the place to do that.

[00:01:50]>> He hopes the renovation improves the health and safety of people here.

[00:01:53]>> In an extreme heat or wildfire event, you don't have anywhere to go. Now, they're going to have a cooling center with air conditioning.

[00:02:00]>> The mayor of San Francisco is also optimistic.

[00:02:03]>> Let's go Chinatown and let's go San Francisco.

[00:02:06]>> But the unofficial mayor of Portsmouth Square, Wilma Pang, >> They say that I'm the mayor of Portsmouth Square.

[00:02:13]>> isn't sold on the planned changes.

[00:02:16]>> I like the Chinese like that, you know.

[00:02:18]>> Here are some of the renderings. Among the plans, removing the pedestrian bridge over Kearny Street. 77% of residents supported its demolition.

[00:02:26]>> I like this bridge, but what can you do?

[00:02:29]I think if the majority people, you know.

[00:02:32]>> She also dreads the park's 2-year closure during construction.

[00:02:35]>> We have to find somewhere else.

[00:02:37]>> Few realize Portsmouth Square is also a landmark in black history.

[00:02:41]>> This is was the only place in the world that treated everybody the same.

[00:02:46]>> This is where California's first public school stood, helped into existence by William Leidesdorff, an Afro-Caribbean entrepreneur.

[00:02:53]>> On the corner, he also had a whole tail over there. He was the first black hotel owner.

[00:02:58]>> Somewhere where we can continue to celebrate and support uh our Chinatown families and our Chinatown seniors.

[00:03:05]>> This is what America is all about.

[00:03:09]>> the >> The project is largely being funded by the 2020 Health and Recovery Bond, as well as public impact fees and grants.