Workers Dismantled Iconic Sculpture at Embarcadero Plaza
The 45-foot structure, known as R-Evolution, was removed to make way for a new park in downtown San Francisco.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Remote Work
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Crews began dismantling the 13,000-pound sculpture known as I Am, formerly titled R-Evolution, at Embarcadero Plaza on October 13. The 45-foot figure is being removed after 18 months to facilitate the construction of a new city park.
Why it matters
The removal marks the end of the sculpture's residency in San Francisco as the city prepares to transform the plaza into a public park. The project reflects the city's ongoing efforts to repurpose urban spaces ahead of planned construction starting by year's end.
The sculpture, which consists of nine distinct pieces, is currently listed for sale with an asking price of $5 million. It stands 45 feet tall and weighs 13,000 pounds.
The players
Burning Man
This is an annual event held in the Black Rock Desert that is known for its focus on community, art, and self-expression.
The details
Workers utilized a crane to disassemble the figure limb by limb at the Market Street site. The components are being crated for transport to a warehouse in Petaluma, where the art piece will undergo refurbishment.
Timeline
The sculpture was originally created for the 2015 Burning Man festival.
The installation was completed at the site in April 2025.
Disassembly work began on October 13, 2026.
Trucks are scheduled to haul the sculpture away on October 14, 2026.
Construction on the new city park is slated to begin before the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
The removal of the R-Evolution installation follows an 18-month placement that served as a major public art feature in the city. The shift reflects broader municipal transitions where temporary cultural landmarks are cleared to accommodate planned land-use changes.
Residents and commuters should expect localized transit disruptions at Embarcadero Plaza as crews clear the site. The area will remain under transition as the city prepares for upcoming park construction projects.
The takeaway
The dismantling of this large-scale installation highlights the temporary nature of urban art placements in busy transit corridors. Interested buyers may note the piece remains available for purchase as it moves to a private facility for maintenance.
What happens next
Construction on the new park at Embarcadero Plaza is scheduled to commence before the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more on how local landscape changes affect the downtown environment, visit Remote Work.
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