For 218 years, the Presidio served as an army post for three nations. World and local events, from military campaigns to World Fairs and earthquakes, left their mark. Come enjoy the history and the natural beauty of the Presidio. Explore centuries of architecture. The Presidio has a rich history spanning back to the time of the native Ohlone people. The Spanish arrived in 1776 to establish the northernmost outpost of their empire in western North America. The Presidio fell under Mexican rule for 24 years before the U.S. Army took control in 1846. Over 148 years, the U.S. Army transformed the Presidio grounds from mostly windswept dunes and scrub to a verdant, preeminent military post. Since 1994, the Presidio has been a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. On this tour led by experts from the Presidio trust you will learn about current preservation efforts, and how current preservation efforts go hand in hand with efforts to develop new uses for the Army buildings. Some of the best views of San Francisco can be found in the Presidio – don’t forget your camera.
Tour Highlights will include:
Arrive at Presidio- Main Post
- Introductions, History of the Presidio and Presidio of San Francisco National Historic Landmark District
- History of the Presidio Trust
- Outline tour
Montgomery Street Barracks
Discuss the various project in the 6 iconic barracks buildings: Disney Family Museum, Presidio Trust Main Offices, Commissary Restaurant, Swirl, Center to End Violence (all completed within last 5 years)
- Preservation and conservation challenges, sustainable features
Visit to Building #97- temporary Exhibit: Andy Goldsworthy’s “Tree Fall”
- Discuss partnering with artists, use of historic buildings
Visit Building 42: Inn at the Presidio-
- Recent rehabilitation of a Bachelor Officers Quarters to boutique hotel
- Discuss project, sustainable features
Trust Archaeology Lab and Collections Facility
- Discuss recent rehabilitation of 3 garage structures into state of the art laboratory and collections facility
- Discuss rehabilitation project, special considerations for Trust collections facility
- Visit Trust architecture/archaeology conservation lab, discuss Trust conservation activities (in house)
Building 50- Officers’ Club- oldest building in the Presidio (1776) one of the oldest in San Francisco
- Discuss current 19 million dollar rehabilitation
- Focus on conservation issues- specifically adobe repair and seismic upgrade to adobe and other historic materials
- Visit 2nd floor for sweeping view of San Francisco Bay (maybe have refreshment?)
Visit the National Cemetery
Visit to the Golden Gate Bridge Overlook.
Maximum number is 20 people. Many tours sell out fast. Around the beginning of March, AIC will need to decide, based on the number of people registered for each tour, if a tour needs to be canceled. Register early to secure your spot and to help AIC determine interest in the tours.
