Powell St. Modernization

BART completed the Powell St. Modernization Plan in November 2022.  The modernization program re-envisions the experience of the station, revitalizing the function, safety and security, capacity, sustainability, appearance, and customer experience. Among many upgrades, the station boasts reopened public restrooms, LED lighting, five-foot-tall glass fare barriers, a modern metallic grid ceiling, and a new external canopy. The modernization also includes the installation of a new illuminated ceiling artwork, titled “Elysium,” by San Francisco artist Stephen Galloway.

Powell St. Station Modernization improvements were funded by State of California Proposition 1B funds, BART Measure RR funds, San Francisco County Transportation Authority Proposition K funds, and through a funding partnership with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.

The BART Board authorized the General Manager to award the $11.3 million contract to modernize Powell St. Station On November 23, 2019. 

The Powell Street Station ceiling project was completed in Fall 2019, giving the station a modern metallic grid ceiling with new energy efficient lights.

Powell ceiling after modernization

Powell ceiling before modernization

Photos show after and before Powell Station ceiling project's completion.

Project Goals

As part of our Station Modernization effort, BART has developed a comprehensive vision for the Powell Station to upgrade and modernize the station. The Vision is to modernize the station so that it demonstrates BART’s commitment to advancing transit ridership, improving the transit experience, reinforcing Powell St. as a gateway station, enhancing the quality of life around the stations and meeting BART’s needs for the future. The station modernization revolves around the themes of:

Vibrancy – Reflect the energy of the surrounding community and enhance the station’s existing strengths

Connectivity – Strengthen multi-modal and universal access to the station and promote a safe and comfortable customer experience

Sustainability – Incorporate sustainable materials and technologies into the station to increase the life-cycle value of the station’s infrastructure and to conserve natural resources and protect the public investment

The improvements focus on increasing safety, capacity, sustainability, appearance, and enhancing the customer experience. In developing potential improvements for the station, BART has undertaken a planning process to:

  • Identify existing station deficiencies
  • Consider impacts of development and growth on station ridership
  • Understand future access, capacity and operational issues
  • Consider art & place-making improvements
  • Coordinate conversation with stakeholders
  • Engage the community to help identify and prioritize improvements


Please Contact Tim Chan ([email protected]) with any questions or comments.


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