Valencia Street
Between 15th and 19th Streets
Mission District
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These tree grates are part of Phase One of the Valencia Streetscape Improvement Project. They were designed by DPW architects John Dennis and Martha Ketterer and manufactured by Iron Age Grates company.
Phase one of the Valencia Streetscape Improvement Project included removal of the striped center median, sidewalk widening, bulb-outs, more accommodating curbside loading zones for trucks, improved traffic, parking and bicycle lane alignments, the removal of the striped center median, pedestrian scale lighting, art elements, bike racks, and new street trees.
The project included the replacement and addition of 76,000 square feet of sidewalk and the installation of pedestrian bulbouts to provide traffic calming, facilitate street crossing and add space for gathering. Additional improvements included the planting of 106 Brisbane Box and London Plane trees along the sidewalks, new trash receptacles, 69 bike racks, 32 wheel chair accessible curb ramps, 26 roadway-scale lights and 46 pedestrian-scale lights. Four Victorian-themed street posts, uniquely designed for Valencia Street through the San Francisco Arts Commission, were also installed. This public art feature entitled ‘Valencia Street Post’ was installed by artist Michael Arcega.
The cost of the program was $6.1 million and was funded through a combination of a multi-year federal transportation bill called the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act (“SAFETEA“) and two Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) federal grants with local matching funds.
Another example of our “socialist” government handing out our hard-earned tax dollars to pretty up a street.
I’m kidding, I’m kidding! I think it’s wonderful and love those bony figures. In fact, I’ve been jumping up and down this morning singing “Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones!” You don’t believe that? Ok. How about if I tell you I was singing that song in my head. True.
It’s just funny to me that so many people beat up on the government when so much of what they have and are is due to our government. I’ve got friends on Medicare and Medicaid who have nothing good to say about the fed govt but would die without it! BTW, the Tampa Bay Times Union in which the RNC just had a convention was built with federal dollars. 🙂
I sure wouldn’t mind my tax dollars being spent towards this!
Neat! Money well spent IMO.
This is the kind of project that makes a city special and more livable! Good use of money I say.
What a great project — making the city even more attractive and interesting! Those muertos fit right in!
We spend millions each day on war, this investment in infrastructure is life enhancing!
What a great find! I love everything that’s related to the Mexican Dia de los Muertos.