Activation of the Downtown Public Access Walkway Called "The Breezeway"

The City of South San Francisco (“City”) is seeking proposals on activating a City-owned public property located at 356 Grand Avenue in downtown South San Francisco, known as the Breezeway. The City envisions a use that will encourage additional foot traffic downtown, complement the neighboring retail and restaurant uses along the Grand Avenue corridor, and help activate a centrally located under-utilized space. This vision is part of the City’s effort to build on the revitalization efforts in the downtown core.

The City intends to enter into a lease agreement with an entity for a selected concept. Proposals submitted in response to this RFP may be evaluated by City staff, boards or commissions, or the City Council. The City reserves the right to select one concept, multiple, or none.

THE SITE

The City is the owner of the vacant property located at 356 Grand Avenue (APN 012-312-300) which currently serves as a public-access walkway between the Miller Parking Garage to the north, and Grand Avenue to the south. The total area of the site is approximately 7,000 square feet, with the lot measuring 50 feet wide by 140 feet deep. The site has frontage on Grand Avenue and is accessible by vehicle with loading and unloading on 4 ^th Lane. The site does not have dedicated parking but is adjacent to the Miller Avenue Parking Garage with 244 paid parking spaces.

The site contains an existing public-access walkway that runs the entire length of the property connecting the Miller Avenue Parking Garage to Grand Avenue. The existing walkway is 12 feet wide and will need to remain with any future activation of the site. The City also has existing landscaping running the length of the existing walkway, as well as lighting. These elements must be maintained and cannot be removed as part of any future activation concepts. There is also an existing light steel post fenced area on the site, which can be removed to utilize additional space, or remain depending on the activation concept. Any improvements to the site would be at the expense of the future lessee.

Utilities are not active on site, and there are minimal electrical outlets connected to the City landscaping and lighting portion. In 2022, the City made grading and paving improvements to the site allowing for greater accessibility to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The grading work that was completed on site currently only allows for tables, chairs, equipment set-up for event activation such as canopies or small vehicles, but is not currently stable enough to hold structures, food trucks, or large vehicles.

Attachment 1 depicts a map of the site.

CURRENT USE OF THE SITE

The City currently leases the adjacent building, located at 366 Grand Avenue, known as the Economic Advancement Center (“EAC”). The EAC opened its doors in 2022 and serves as an economic mobility hub for job seekers, small businesses and entrepreneurs, and a variety of service providers for North San Mateo County community members. Since its opening, the EAC has hosted several activations within the Breezeway which have included small food and makers space fairs, cultural and holiday events, and a night market. Some nonprofit service providers connected to the EAC currently use the Breezeway on Fridays for community outreach.

The site is currently maintained and operated as a rental event space for the public through the City’s Parks and Recreation Department.