© McCormack's Guides
Zip Code: 94130
A
neighborhood San Francisco lost in 1942 and won back in 1997. Located mid-Bay,
Treasure Island, 365 acres, was built from fill for the 1939 World's Fair and
is connected to Yerba Buena Island, 150 acres, a rocky hill that serves as the
middle anchor for the Bay Bridge. www.mccormacks.com
San
Francisco owned Treasure Island until the Navy took it over in 1942. With the
end of the Cold War, Treasure Island was decommissioned and given back to the
City.
Click for regional or detailed map
The
location is choice, the views delightful, the possibilities, seemingly,
endless. On the downside, because the island has sunk about four feet since it
was built and might need extensive earthquake reinforcing, its infrastructure repairs
will be costly.
For the
present, there are about 1,000 apartments on the island, a good portion of them
rented out. About 200 units were built for the homeless. Small marina.
In 2006,
the city approved a plan to raise $1.2 billion to rebuild the infrastructure
and clear the way for developers to construct 6,000 housing units, hotels, shops
and a ferry terminal.
To be
decided: how many units will have rent controls, how many units and jobs will
be set aside for San Francisco residents. Also many design issues. Initial
plans call for apartment towers 40 stories high, parks, ball fields, paths and
an organic garden. www.mccormacks.com
If all
goes well, the first units will open in 2013 and the entire job completed by
2022. The infrastructure costs are to be repaid by developer fees and by taxes
on the new units and stores.
Big and
complicated project. The city politicians reserved the right to review costs
and monitor the job.
Movie and
television studios rent some of the facilities. A good deal of “Nash Bridges,”
featuring Don Johnson, was filmed in an old hangar-sound stage. The old
administration buildings hosted high-school proms.
• One
worry: Treasure Island residents would ignore the ferry and take to the congested
Bay Bridge. Some people are arguing for a $5 toll on T.I. motorists using the
Bay Bridge during peak commute hours. A decision is a long way off but already
some current residents are howling at the idea.
