The presidio of san francisco main parade ground

The Presidio, a former defensive stronghold since the area’s earliest Spanish military settlement in 1776, was decommissioned as a U.S. Army post in 1989. The redesign of the Main Parade Ground poses a complex array of issues related to the site’s history, culture, environment, social function, and economic concerns. OLIN advocated for equally addressing all of these points, resulting in a holistic and meaningful design. The concept for the Main Parade Ground is expressed through its deliberately orthogonal organizing structure, which is reflective of the military in many ways. The legibility of the site is further defined through proposed new buildings along the edges to supplement those of the Main Post, including a grand park lodge and a cultural institution at the head of the Main Parade. The plan proposes an esplanade along the eastern edge to serve as a pedestrian connector, providing places for historical interpretation and accommodating different types of social spaces. A large central green will allow for civic events, as well as provide room to stroll, lie on the grass, or throw a ball. Contemporary art will be integrated into the landscape. To activate the space, public uses will be housed on the ground floor of all buildings.

Location
San Francisco, CA

Owner
The Presidio Trust

Status
Master plan completed 2006

Key Team Members
Lucinda Sanders, Partner-in-Charge
Tiffany Beamer, Landscape Architect