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Why is there a plaza named after him in the Financial District? |
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When urban renewal laws took hold in San Francisco in the 1950's, city planner M. Justin Herman spearheaded a plan to redevelop the site where Embarcadero Center now stands into a mixed-use "city within a city." David Rockefeller, John Portman, and Trammel-Crow submitted the winning proposal to develop the 8.5 acre site. Justin Herman Plaza is located at the foot of Market Street at the Embarcadero, just behind the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It is just across the street from the Ferry Building. You can take BART or Muni to the Embarcadero Station. Taking public transit is an excellent idea, because parking may be difficult. If you must drive, there are parking garages at Embarcadero Center, and at various locations South of Market. Some believe the he started the skate scene due to his building efforts. |
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Justin Herman was city planner who used eminent domain to uproot working class black neighborhoods in order to create the present manifestation of the Embarcadero, and the not so pedestrian friendly Japantown/Geary Street super road area. Rich people called it "urban renewal", poor people called it racist. His actions were hotly contested political issues at the time (1950's). hey! welcome to sfanswers! feedback is welcomed.
(26 Apr, 18:55)
ashbury ♦♦
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