**updated April 26, 2007**

The Trust has issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for the Public Health Service Hospital (PHSH) and is moving forward to rehabilitate and reuse buildings within the 42-acre PHSH district, to re-introduce residential uses to the district, and to undertake related site improvements (view the Project Documents).

The Trust based it decision on careful consideration of the issues and concerns raised by the public during the extended course of the project’s environmental review process. The Trust acknowledges and thanks the members of the public who contributed their time, knowledge and energy, which lead to materially improving the project. The project will:

• rehabilitate and reactivate the severely deteriorated historic buildings within the district, particularly the main hospital building (Building 1801)
• protect the National Historic Landmark District and other historic and cultural resources
• address the health and safety risks to the Presidio and surrounding city neighborhoods from dilapidated and largely vacant buildings within the district
• improve the unsightly appearance of the existing unimproved landscapes within the district
• generate revenue for the long-term enhancement of the Presidio’s resources, and for ongoing operation of the Presidio as a national park site

The gross square footage of occupied buildings will total approximately 332,000 square feet (sf). The non-historic wings of Building 1801 will be removed together with other non-historic buildings and additions. Up to 133,000 sf will be demolished and new construction consisting of up 35,000 sf at the rear of Building 1801 and a 16,000 square-foot building on Belles Street on the “central green” west of the Wyman Avenue residences may occur. Up to 186 dwelling units will be provided in combination with approximately 76,000 sf of other uses, including offices and cultural/education. More than half of the proposed dwelling units will be studio and 1-bedroom units, which are in highest demand for Presidio-based employees.

The increase in activity levels within the district and improved security will allow improvements such as trails, trailheads and scenic overlooks, interpretive signs, natural areas and landscaping to enhance public enjoyment of the site. Points of interest and interpretive opportunities that include wayside displays, walking tours and exhibits related to the ecology and history of the site will now be feasible.

The expected increase in traffic will not substantially affect anticipated traffic congestion given the roadway capacity in the surrounding area, and “capping” and monitoring of traffic at the 14th and 15th Avenue gates. Parking will be provided sufficient to meet demand, and tenants in the district will be required to implement aggressive transportation demand management measures to limit demand. Measures will be undertaken to discourage traffic not destined for the district from passing through the area, including considering restrictions on Battery Caulfield Road to allow passage by district traffic only. Traffic-calming techniques to slow traffic through the district will also be instituted. 

Adequate buffers and visual screening will limit the visual impact on the neighborhood.  Tree stands will create the visual screen, and small-scale design elements will accentuate a residential setting. The project will incorporate sustainable development and building practices, including “green” design with the goal of achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Potential LEED technologies will include energy conservation and efficiency strategies, indoor environmental and air quality management, and resource efficiency practices such as construction waste management, storm water management and water-efficient irrigation systems.

Demolition and building rehabilitation activities will be restricted to developed sites, and no new construction at Battery Caulfield is proposed. Therefore, no direct impacts to the local quail population, wetland habitat, the rare dune annual habitat (including the federally endangered San Francisco lessingia) and the oak woodland habitat within the district are expected. The relatively low daytime population will have minimum potential for adverse indirect impacts on native plant communities, habitat or individual populations of special-status species.

The project documents are available on this website and in the Presidio Trust Library at 34 Graham Street in the Presidio. Please contact the Presidio Trust at (415) 561-4183 or phsh@presidiotrust.gov with any questions regarding the Public Health Service Hospital.

View the Project Documents