Trust Board to Not Move Forward with Mid-Crissy Finalists
(Presidio of San Francisco — February 3, 2014) The Presidio Trust Board of Directors has unanimously decided not to pursue any of the proposals to build a cultural institution in the historic Presidio along Crissy Field.
“The site will only become more spectacular as the dust clears and the massive road construction is completed,” said Presidio Trust Board Chair Nancy Hellman Bechtle. “All three proposals are excellent expressions of generosity and vision for this iconic location. After much deliberation, however, we have determined that none are right for this landmark site at this time. We thank all three finalists, their supporters, the public, our neighbors, and the citizens of San Francisco for their input in this very important public process. As stewards of this historic property, we are united as a Board in believing our decision is in the best interest of the Presidio and the American people.”
While the Board is not selecting a project for the Mid-Crissy Field site, the Trust is continuing discussions with the proponents to house proposed programs in other locations on the Presidio. “There is a tremendous amount of merit and imagination in each of these proposals,” said Executive Director, Craig Middleton. “We hope that all three organizations will continue to work with us to bring their programmatic vision to the public here in the park.”
The Trust has asked George Lucas to consider an alternative location within the Presidio for his proposed digital art museum. The Lucas Cultural Arts Museum (LCAM) would house his collection of populist art that ranges from Maxfield Parish and Norman Rockwell to props from his acclaimed movies. “Mr. Lucas has been a vital partner of the Presidio for many years. We remain grateful to him for his many contributions to the park, in particular the transformation of the Letterman District,” said Bechtle.
The Trust is also interested in talking with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy about opportunities for collaboration. “The Presidio Trust hopes to work with the Conservancy to bring key elements of the Presidio Exchange (PX) to the park,” said Bechtle. The Conservancy had proposed to develop a dynamic cultural center that explores the intersection of people and the environment. “We have a very positive, long-term relationship with the Conservancy and deeply value them as a partner in the future of the park,” Bechtle added.
The Trust is appreciative of the importance of the third proposal – The Bridge/Sustainability Institute – submitted by Chora and WRNS Studio. The Trust welcomes discussions with the project proponent about ways to join forces around the critical and fitting theme of sustainability in the Presidio.
The Mid-Crissy Field site is currently occupied by the popular fitness retailer, Sport Basement. The one-story 93,000 sq. ft. structure stands right in front of the old “Doyle Drive,” which is being transformed into the Presidio Parkway – a roadway tucked into the natural contours of the Presidio. The Presidio Parkway will create a spectacular regional gateway between the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. The project will reconnect the waterfront along Crissy Field to the heart of the Presidio’s Main Post. The roadway project will be complete in 2016.
About the Presidio Trust: The Presidio Trust, a federal agency, is an innovation in the management of a treasured American place. The Trust was created to save the Presidio and transform it for a new national purpose. The Trust’s vision is that the Presidio will be forever a public place: vital to the Bay Area, important to all Americans, and recognized for achieving broad benefits for the nation. Today, the Presidio welcomes visitors, is home to a vibrant community of residents and tenants, and inspires greater good through programs that draw on its history and natural resources. The Presidio Trust serves the public with events, lodging, venues, and recreational opportunities. To learn more, visit www.presidio.gov.