Osaka Way / Buchanan Mall Upgrade Project
Japantown Community Benefit District Osaka Way / Buchanan Mall Upgrade Project Update
June 8, 2026
PG&E/UCS utility work continues on Osaka Way / Buchanan Mall in preparation for the larger Osaka Way renovation project.
Work has now started in the transformer area, which may be more visible and disruptive than some of the earlier trenching activity. Nearby businesses, residents, and visitors may notice equipment, barricades or work zones, noise, dust, and temporary impacts near business frontages.
JCBD is not managing the construction work, but we are continuing to share updates as information becomes available.
JCBD Staff
415-265-5207 or email us at info@jtowncbd.org
Don’t forget to follow the JCBD @jtowncbd and @sf_japantown
June 5, 2026
PG&E utility work continues in the Osaka Way / Buchanan Mall area as preparation for the future Osaka Way renovation project.
Construction activity may continue to include trenching, excavation, utility infrastructure work, temporary removal of string lights, construction vehicles, and related project activity. JCBD is now receiving rolling two-week construction schedules from PG&E and will continue sharing updates as information becomes available.
Current projections indicate civil work may continue into early July.
JCBD Staff
415-265-5207 or email us at info@jtowncbd.org
Don’t forget to follow the JCBD @jtowncbd and @sf_japantown
May 28, 2026
PG&E has officially started preparatory work on Osaka Way ahead of the major upgrades planned for hopefully after the Peace Plaza renovation is completed.
When: Monday – Friday, 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Next 6 weeks).
What to Expect: Conduit installation is underway. Additionally, cranes will be brought in to move transformers, which means the overhead string lights will be temporarily taken down at some point during this 6-week window.
Property Owners: Please pass any future notifications received from PG&E along to your tenants.
The Japantown Community Benefit District is actively working with PG&E to secure a precise timeline so our small businesses can plan ahead. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know so we can coordinate with PG&E and SF Public Works on your behalf.
You can learn more about the upgrades here.
JCBD Staff
415-265-5207 or email us at info@jtowncbd.org
Don’t forget to follow the JCBD @jtowncbd and @sf_japantown
About the Project
Japantown’s Buchanan Mall is the pedestrian portion of Buchanan Street that runs for one block between Post and Sutter streets. Along with Peace Plaza, it’s the geographic and cultural heart of the neighborhood.
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