THE YARD AT MISSION ROCK | SAN FRANCISCO, CA

As a precursor to a longer-term, large, mixed-use development in Mission Rock, the San Francisco Giants wanted to create a pop-up village of converted shipping containers to provide a vibrant social space for eating, drinking, shopping, and entertainment. It was important to feature local businesses and to appeal to the community, tourists, and baseball fans. It was envisioned that the site would host classes and activities in addition to the food and beverage offerings.

The Yard was active for four years during which the longer-term development was put on the ballot for San Francisco residents’ approval, planning, and building approval processes. During its existence, the site, located in a portion of Parking Lot A along the waterfront, featured local food and drink establishments such as Anchor Steam, the Whole Beast, and Bel Campo, as well as the retail vendor North Face. It was a favorite destination pre-game for Giants fans as well as a popular activity and hang-out spot for locals. The Yard was dismantled and sold in 2019 prior to the groundbreaking on what is now China Basin Park and the Mission Rock Mixed Use Development.

This project was UrbanBloc’s first of many “Phase 0 projects” where a temporary activation was strategically used for a period of years prior to a longer-term development. Container construction is ideal for these projects because of its mobile nature and reusability.