Renowned for such projects as Manhattan's High Line and Staten Island's Freshkills Park, James Corner Field Operations was selected in December to design the park grounds connecting Crissy Field to the Main Post of the Presidio over 13 acres and the pair of tunnels replacing Doyle Drive. Known as the Presidio Parklands, the vision has shifted subtly as of last week with an eye toward the twin forces of the California drought and the restrictions of a $51 million total budget, which calls on private donors such as the S.D. Bechtel Jr. Foundation (who will provide $35 million).
The Chronicle's John King still seems duly impressed with the plans, writing that despite changes, "nothing matters except the first gasp of wonder from afar." It sounds like he thinks that will be well provided, and in King's opinion the shifts "reflect an understanding that there’s more to this site than panoramic vistas."
Last Thursday, Corner presented a progress report to the Presidio Trust’s board of directors. The plan is still basically the same: transform the area above what was Doyle Drive into a space to be defined by curving bluffs that descend to terrain where educational programs will take place while morphing several existing buildings and cypress trees next to the parade ground into what's being referred to as the "zocalo," which will include a visitor center.
As it may be: James Corner Field Operations
That bluff has been smoothed out (it was to be a sheer cliff) into descending terraces to be covered in succulents and tall native grasses with a few picnic lawns tucked in. What was to be a large amphitheater will instead be a procession of smaller ones that form a staircase facing the golden Gate. These alterations, writes King, "are driven partly by the budget and partly by the drought."
Previous design: James Corner Field Operations
Current design: James Corner Field Operations
Particularly interesting is that zocalo. There, Corner would apparently like to take down a 1970s former cafeteria, replacing it with a glass-walled, green-roofed building.
As it is: James Corner Field Operations
As it may be: James Corner Field Operations
A single proposal in plenty of detail should be ready in September for approval by year's end. With luck, we'll be ambling about the Presidio Parklands in 2018.
Previously: High Line Architect Chosen For Presidio Park Design
As it is: James Corner Field Operations
