Open Houses Showcase Presidio's Vision for Main Post

Presidio of San Francisco (March 3, 2009) — As plans to revitalize the heart of the Presidio move into a new phase, the public is getting a new opportunity for an up close look at the Presidio Trust’s vision for the historic Main Post. The Trust is hosting the first in a series of open houses this Friday, March 6th, from 10 am-noon in building 105 on Montgomery St. in the Presidio.

The Main Post is the birthplace of San Francisco, where the original garrison was established by Spain in 1776. With more than 100 buildings, it is a small town center that complements the park’s forest, trails and open spaces. The Main Post was once the social and administrative center of the Presidio. Archaeological sites, historic architecture, and parade grounds recall the generations of soldiers that shaped the military post over the course of two centuries.

The Presidio Trust is weighing a variety of proposals to revitalize the Main Post as the heart of an urban national park, reveal its history to visitors, and create a home for art and culture. Proposed projects include a heritage and archaeology center, a park lodge, reuse of the historic theater, and a contemporary art museum.

The open houses offer the public a voice in the planning process — a chance to interact with Presidio staff and discuss ideas for restoring the Main Post to its former vitality. Visitors can examine models of the latest proposals, including an aerial view of what the Main Post would look like under the current plan. Trust staff members will be available to answer questions and comment cards will be available.

The open houses will run Fridays and Saturdays from March 6 to April 18 from 10 am-noon in Building 105 on Montgomery St. in the Presidio. Admission is free.

The Presidio Trust was established by the United States Congress in 1996 to oversee the Presidio of San Francisco, an urban national park located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1,500-acre site contains expansive open space and spectacular views, a 300-acre historic forest, and rare and endangered plants and wildlife. It also comprises nearly 6 million square feet of buildings, including 469 historic structures that contribute to its status as a National Historic Landmark District.