We, the Friends of Parcel B on Hunters Point Shipyard, respectfully petition the City of San Francisco to ensure the preservation of the Artists’ buildings on Parcel B, and request a change to the outdated 25 year-old development plan so that a portion of Parcel B will be maintained in perpetuity as a campus for the Arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For forty years Parcel B has housed over 130 artists on the northern border of the Shipyard, formerly a Submarine Base of the US Navy during WWII. This is a vibrant community of enterprising small business artists, who remain in San Francisco only because of this last vestige of affordable studio space. In a city which takes great pride in its bohemian culture, and where the challenge of affordability is driving its artists away in droves, it is crucial that the City stand behind this stalwart community. (photo by Judy Reed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It would be a tragic loss to lose these structures. The Bayview Hunters Point Community deserves the same imaginative vision in the repurposing of its military facility as the Presidio or Fort Mason on San Francisco’s north side. The current plan calls for the demolition of all historic Navy buildings, but for a select few, that would be surrounded by new construction on all sides. Preserving these buildings in their original context preserves the history of the Shipyard, both sordid and glorious, and harkens back to a bustling facility which brought an entire population of African American neighbors to our community, who were integral to our WWII victory. 

The Hunters Point Shipyard Artists Community is the largest community of artists in the country. Twice a year thousands of people come from far and wide to enjoy Open Studios at the Shipyard, to experience the creativity and energy of this community. As visitors wander through these historic buildings, there is joy and fascination on their faces as they take in the architecture, the open space, and the magnificent vistas. It is a quiet, timeless spot, apart from the crammed bustle of the city. There is much wildlife that finds respite here as well - herons, osprey, hawks, coyote, and many other flocks migrating of birds. It would be a tragedy to lose this environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The loss of Parcel B would also be a significant loss to San Francisco’s historic architecture citywide. The last ornamental plaster shop in the city - one of its Legacy Businesses - has been housed for forty years on Parcel B. Therein is the only remaining archive of San Francisco’s historic cast plaster ornaments, which are unique to our City’s exquisite period architecture. This collection is crucial to the proper maintence and restoration of its façades and interiors, and used daily by homeowners, contractors, architects, and designers citywide. This precious resource still exists only because of the affordability of the old Torpedo Training Center which houses it in Building 115; otherwise it would be priced out just as were the other small shops which used to be in town. (Photo by Mitch Nelles)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parcel B holds promise for even more shop space for artists, craftspersons, and makers, as there are a few remaining sturdy and breathtaking buildings which could be repurposed to house them. Parcel B could be a refuge for struggling small trades, who can no longer afford San Francisco.

 

 

It is our fervent hope that the City will preserve historic Parcel B. At this moment, because of environmental cleanup setbacks, the developer has petitioned to remove projects from the Shipyard project to their Candlestick Point site, where there are no such impediments. The current development plan calls for the creation of commercial space on Parcel C, adjacent to parcel B. Twenty five years ago the city needed this commercial space; but post-pandemic, the last thing the City needs is more empty commercial space. There is plenty of space on Parcels B and C to accommodate the need for housing, without destroying the history and character of the Shipyard neighborhood - character which vitally contributes to its value, and which so many cherish and enjoy.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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