Pier 70, San Francisco facts for kids
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Pier 70 is a historic area in San Francisco, California. It's located in the Potrero Point neighborhood. This site was once home to the Union Iron Works and later Bethlehem Shipbuilding. Pier 70 was one of San Francisco's biggest industrial spots during the two World Wars. Today, it's seen as the best-preserved 19th-century industrial area west of the Mississippi River. The pier covers about 65 acres (0.26 square kilometers).
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A Look Back: Pier 70's History
The area around Pier 70 has been used for building ships since the Gold Rush began in 1849. Over the years, many important companies worked here. These included the Pacific Rolling Mills and the Kneass Boat Works.
In 1883, the Union Iron Works set up shop at Pier 70. This made the pier a major industrial hub. In 1905, Bethlehem Steel Corporation bought Union Iron Works. Pier 70 then became home to Bethlehem Shipbuilding's main offices in Building 101.
World Wars and Ship Building
Pier 70 became even more important during the World Wars, especially World War II. Bethlehem Steel turned it into one of the West Coast's largest shipyards. They built many ships here, including the famous Liberty ships. These ships were vital for the Allied forces during the war.
After the Wars: Changes at Pier 70
After World War II, shipbuilding at Pier 70 slowed down. By the 1970s, the area started to look neglected. However, people soon realized how important Pier 70's history was. Efforts began to save and restore the site. In 1980, Bethlehem Steel sold its land at Pier 70 to the Port of San Francisco.
In the 1990s, the Eureka Dry Dock was acquired by BAE Systems. This dry dock, once known as the USS Steadfast (AFDM-14), is still used at the pier today.
Pier 70 Today: New Life and Future Plans
As of 2017, Puglia Engineering, Inc. operates the ship repair facilities at Pier 70. They bought the site from BAE Systems Ship Repair. This company also runs two other ship repair places in Washington State. The two dry docks at Pier 70 used to employ about 200 people.
Many of the old buildings at Pier 70 have been empty since shipbuilding declined. But some historic buildings are still in use. For example, one building is now used for artist studios.
Exciting Redevelopment Plans
In 2015, the Port of San Francisco began planning to redevelop Pier 70. They are working with Orton Development, Inc. and Forest City Development. The goal is to create a mixed-use area with homes and businesses.
The redevelopment plans include:
- Building about a thousand new homes.
- Adding two million square feet of office space.
- Creating a "Crane Cove Park." This park will feature the historic cranes in the northern part of the pier.
- Restoring and reusing several historic buildings. These include the Union Iron Works Machine Shop.
- Making new parks and open spaces. This will also improve access to the waterfront.
- Using green building methods and renewable energy. This helps protect the environment.
A big restoration project for eight historic buildings started in 2015. This $120 million effort was expected to finish in 2017. Some of the buildings are now used as a large event venue by Pier 70 Partners.
What's Next for Pier 70?
The future vision for Pier 70 includes:
- Creating spaces for art and culture.
- Bringing new jobs and businesses to the area.
- Working with the local community. This ensures the project meets their needs.
Important Historic Buildings
The Potrero Point area is recognized as a historic district. It played a big part in three wars: the Spanish–American War, World War I, and World War II. Many 19th-century buildings still stand there.
Some of these buildings are especially important. They are considered landmarks because of their architecture and history. These include:
- The 1917 Bethlehem office building, designed by Frederick Meyer.
- The 1912 Power House #1, designed by Charles P. Weeks.
- The 1896 Union Iron Works office, designed by Percy & Hamilton.
- The huge 1885 Machine Shops.
