The Port of San Francisco manages some of the country’s most famous real estate, including 7-1/2 miles of Bayside waterfront, piers, and property containing businesses, restaurants, housing, industrial, and maritime operations. These properties, specifically the piers, are in various states of occupancy and many have utilities that have not been changed since the 1950s. Turnover of tenants, extreme weather and tides, and a highly corrosive marine environment have left these facilities in need of assessment and upgrades.
The Port hired McGovern McDonald Engineers to assess the condition of these facilities so that the Port could plan and prioritize for future capital improvement costs over the next three decades. McGovern McDonald Engineers evaluated the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems (MEPF) for 10 piers, above and below deck, and 7 large facilities. MME also managed the subconsultants and discipline experts that evaluated ADA compliance.
Findings
Typical findings during the assessment were that sanitary system infrastructure was in need of replacement, as it had not been upgraded since installation, which went as far back as the 1930s. The stormwater systems were also a signification maintenance issue for the Port. Any under pier piping was typically in poor condition due to seawater corrosion or damage from tide and debris.
General condition of above pier assets.
Under pier piping was often directly exposed to seawater.
Deliverable and Recommendations
The end result of the study was the development of Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) for each pier over a 30 year period. Port staff plans to use these CIP prioritized pier renovations to maximize return on real estate investments. They can continue to use this asset management model to identify where to maximize investments in equipment by assessing and repairing equipment at the ideal point for the highest return on investment versus repair cost.
