For Immediate Release -
8/8/2007
Presidio Trust Invites Proposals for Premier Cultural Institutions in the Heart of the Presidio
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Presidio of San
Francisco (August 8, 2007) -- The Presidio Trust today announced
the release of a Request for Proposals, or RFP, for cultural
institutions to be located at the Presidio’s Main Post. The proposal
includes the opportunity for a new building south of the Parade Ground,
the Main Post’s principle open space. Two of the 19th century red-brick
barracks buildings that flank the Parade Ground are also included in the
offering.
The Trust is working with Philadelphia-based Olin
Partnership to create a design for the Parade Ground that revitalizes it
as a spectacular public open space. With sweeping views of the San
Francisco Bay and Golden Gate framed by historic buildings and forested
ridgetops, the Main Parade will be one of the grandest open spaces at
the Presidio -- a place that invites public activity and interest.
The
RFP follows an offer from Doris and Donald Fisher, co-founders of the
Gap, to build a public museum in the Presidio to display their
collection of contemporary art, which includes works by such 20th
century masters as: Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, Frank Stella, Gerhard
Richter, Chuck Close, Ellsworth Kelly, Richard Serra and others. The
Fishers would pay for the construction and operations of the museum.
Fisher was a founding board member of the Presidio Trust.
“The
presence of a major cultural institution, such as the one proposed by
the Fishers, would be an important catalyst for attracting other
vibrant, public-serving uses to the Main Post,” said Craig Middleton,
Presidio Trust Executive Director. “The Trust envisions the Main Post,
once the ceremonial and administrative center for a military community,
as the cultural and civic center for this unique national park.”
"Don
was an early leader in the fight to save the Presidio," said Speaker
Nancy Pelosi. "Don and Doris’s proposal to build a museum at the
Presidio shows the lasting commitment that they have both to the
Presidio and to the City of San Francisco, and exemplifies the kind of
public-private parternship that has been critical to the creation and
success of this urban park."
The Trust is required to undertake
reasonable competition for opportunities in the Presidio. When a
proposal of merit is submitted, the Trust offers an RFP for the proposed
use or site so that others may compete for it and so that the public
understands what is being proposed and what actions the Presidio Trust
may take.
“The Fisher proposal is very exciting. It would be
great for the Presidio and great for the City,” said David Grubb,
Chairman of the Presidio Trust Board of Directors.
In addition to
the new construction site, the Presidio Trust has identified two of the
historic Montgomery Street Barracks for this opportunity. Proposals for
one or all of the sites would be considered. The proposed uses must
respect the Presidio’s important history and its spectacular setting and
contribute to making the Presidio a great and unique national park.
Proposals received by November 9, 2007 will receive first consideration.
The selection process will include presentations to the public. The RFP
will be widely distributed to cultural organizations and related
entities and is available from the Presidio Trust upon request.
The
Presidio Trust was established by the United States Congress in 1996 to
manage the Presidio of San Francisco, a former army base located at the
southern anchor of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1,500-acre site contains
the infrastructure of a small city as well as expansive open space, a
300-acre historic forest, spectacular views, and rare and endangered
plants and wildlife. It comprises nearly 6 million square feet of
buildings, including 469 historic buildings that contribute to its
status as a National Historic Landmark District.