The National Park Service at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is seeking comments regarding a proposed project involving rehabilitation of the amphitheater within the Aquatic Park National Historic Landmark District. This project would entail repair, and in some cases substantial reconstruction, of the 1939 structure’s bleachers and underground workspaces. The rehabilitation, projected to begin in the fall of 2007, would close the amphitheater bleachers, and much of the grassy area immediately adjacent, to the public for 12-18 months.
Published: December, 2005
from U.S. Department of the Interior
October 24, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
The National Park Service at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is seeking comments regarding a proposed project involving rehabilitation of the amphitheater within the Aquatic Park National Historic Landmark District. This project would entail repair, and in some cases substantial reconstruction, of the 1939 structure’s bleachers and underground workspaces. The rehabilitation, projected to begin in the fall of 2007, would close the amphitheater bleachers, and much of the grassy area immediately adjacent, to the public for 12-18 months.
Due to age, water intrusion, and general weathering/exposure within its sea-salt environment, much of the poured-cement structure has deteriorated. A portion of the bleachers is currently being supported by temporary shoring. Repairs would include: upgrades for increased accessibility, bringing mechanical and electrical systems up to building code requirements, rehabilitation of an historic first aid station, and skylight replacement.
The amphitheater rehabilitation is the second, and more substantial, phase of repairs scheduled for this National Historic Landmark building. The first phase, slated to being in June, 2006, focuses on the structure’s "topsides." Tasks include patching the roof (and replacing its contemporary coating with period tiles), and fixing leaking windows.
The Aquatic Park bathhouse, which now houses the Park’s Maritime Museum, is a nationally significant example of the "streamline moderne" style. The bleachers, flanking either side of the bathhouse, were designed for spectators watching swimming and boating events in the protected Lagoon. The Bathhouse, and associated structures, were nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
An early step in the National Park Service planning process is to involve the public. Park managers, therefore, are soliciting comments in the concerns and issues to be addressed in an Environmental Assessment (EA) that is being prepared for this project. The EA should be available for public review in late 2005.
For more information or to provide comments, please call (415) 561-7006 weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or write to Management Assistant, San Francisco National Historical Park, Attention: Aquatic Park Amphitheater Rehabilitation, Building E, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA 94123; or e-mail SAFR_Planning@nps.gov.
Sincerely,
Kate Richardson
Superintendent
