THE OCTAVIA PROJECT:

The journey from the Central Freeway to Octavia Boulevard and Beyond

San Franciscans Rising Up to Bring It Down

Photo by: SF Chronicle

About

 
It’s been over a decade and a half since the Central Freeway was demolished, and later replaced by Octavia Boulevard, Patricia’s Green and new housing. The removal of the freeway — perhaps the final chapter of the freeway revolt that began decades prior — is a pivotal part of the history of San Francisco and Hayes Valley, and still unknown to many.
The community has discussed for many years the possibility of telling this the story with a commemorative installation in Patricia’s Green or along the Boulevard. With this in mind, the Market/Octavia Citizens Advisory Committee (MOCAC), in partnership with the San Francisco Planning Department and San Francisco Parks Alliance (SFPA), has undertaken an exploration called The Octavia Project (formerly known as the Market/Octavia Historic Commemorative Project), currently stewarded by the Octavia Project Alliance. 

   Mission

Inspire and empower future San Franciscans to realize that, through civic engagement of the freeway removal in the Market / Octavia area, you can change the city for the better!

marking memory, building community & dreaming the next san francisco

We’re proud to announce Envelope Architecture + Design Studio as the winning team for the Octavia Historic Commemorative Project. Have a look at their design proposal for future plans to honor the power of citizens to transform the city.

Looking to the Future

As we work to create a permanent “commemoration” along Octavia Boulevard, we want to remember, perhaps “never forget” what it means for ordinary citizens to rise up and take action, setting in motion the demolition of the Central Freeway in the face of many barriers.  The Octavia Project will need ongoing support, collaborative input, and leadership of community stakeholders to succeed.

Join us!

opportunities for community input

May 22, 2022 2-4pm: Community Conversations at Sunday Sound Series / PROXY – Check out a summary of the event HERE  
June 9, 2022 6-8pm: Community Design Workshop at SF First Baptist Church (corner of Octavia Blvd and Waller St)
June 21, 2022 7pm: MOCAC meeting (virtual)
June 26, 2022 2-4p: Community Conversations at Head West Market
July 11, 2022: LoHaMNA Meeting Presentation
July 16, 2022 1pm: Hayes Valley Carnival at PROXY
July 28, 2022: HVNA Meeting Presentation
July 31, 2022 1pm and 2pm: Octavia Walking Tour RSVP here
Early August, 2022 (date and time tbd): Community Workshop and Plaza Prototype
September 19, 2022 (7pm): MOCAC meeting (virtual)
*all dates subject to change

Call for action.

Get Involved.

The story of the Central Freeway lives on through our residents and in our neighborhood. This means you! Get involved by joining our Friends of Group.

Be on the lookout for community meetings and events this year to discuss updates to the commemorative design and other neighborhood commitments.

Explore Map

Take a walk through the area and through time. Click on pins to see what was there before and what is there now.

Explore History

Learn about the area’s most historic moments

Be a part of history

✨ Help our community commemorate the past and envision the future of the Market / Octavia neighborhood 

Your donations will help sustain art, programming, and pedestrian focused capital improvements – help us reach our goal!