The Art of Historic Preservation

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Construction Of Public Assembly Venues in Silicon Valley


Pier 30-32, San Francisco, CA.
In spite of the poor economy, plans for the construction modern public assembly venues in and around the Silicon Valley continue at a feverish pace. There are some very high profile projects current underway as discussions about a possible new stadium for the Golden State Warriors gain momentum. The America's Cup debut in San Francisco has prompted some major improvements to the waterfront areas around Pier 30 and 32. The City of S.F. is spending $7-$8 million dollars to overhaul the pier in preparation of September's event. The plan is to use the piers to house up to five (5) sailing teams.
Piers 30/32
San Francisco

The City of San Francisco has been looking for ways to upgrade and utilize this area for many years. The piers are in such bad shape they have been unable to handle heavy truck traffic for years. With the spectators village planned for Piers 27-29, the restoration of Piers 30-32 would be a huge plus the City's tourism industry.
Original Rendering of Pier 30-32
After Renovations for America's Cup Race



There has been quite a bit of speculation about the use of the piers after the conclusion of the America's Cup races. Initially, the plan was for Larry Ellison to develop the area, with huge tax breaks and incentives from the City of San Francisco, of course. The plan called for a new waterfront residential and retail complex with access to public transit; within walking distance to AT&T Park. However, the negotiations between Larry Ellison and the City of San Francisco broke down and the plans were scrapped. Since that time, there have been rumors about the city developing the piers for cruise ship traffic. There has even been talk of removing the piers all together.
America's Cup
Rendering of Pier 27

Pier 30-32
May  2010










New Warrior's Stadium, San Francisco, Ca.
The most intriguing conversations involving the long term future of Piers 30-32 have been the proposed development of a new stadium for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors currently reside across the Bay at Oakland's Oracle Arena and have been looking for a new home since the new owners took control 17 months ago. The proposed stadium sit at the base of the SF Bay Bridge, would seat 17-19,000 people and would cost approximately $500 million. The development would also include 100,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space. According to Mayor Ed Lee, the investment group would be responsible for funding the construction of the new stadium, there would be no new taxes or money from the City's general fund.

Rendering of New Warrior's Stadium
at Pier 30-32 S.F.













The Old FMC Site
Home of Earthquake Stadium
Earthquake Stadium, San Jose, Ca.
A privately funded, soccer specific stadium is currently under construction for San Jose's MLS Franchise, the San Jose Earthquakes. The new stadium will seat 18,000 people, it will have 12 luxury suites and cost approximately $60 million. The project is privately financed and will include a mixture of residential, retail, R&D and possible hotel development.
Artist Rendering of
New Earthquake Sadium

The owner of the Earthquakes and developer of this state of the art MLS stadium is Lew Wolff. Mr. Wolff is also the owner of the Oakland A's baseball franchise. Coincidentally, the Oakland A's have been in a long running battle with the SF Giants over the rights to move the franchise to the South Bay. Could there be another stadium project in the South Bay's future?





49er Stadium, Santa Clara, Ca.
The voter approved stadium will cost over $1 Billion when all is said and done. The City of Sana Clara will borrow $850 Million from Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and U.S. Bank to fund the project. In addition, to the loans secured by the City of Santa Clara, the NFL has given the 49ers a $200 million loan to complete the deal. The new stadium will feature 9,000 premium club seats, 150 luxury boxes and a total seating capacity of 68.500.
Construction Begins at 49er Stadium




Turner Construction is the general contractor for this project scheduled for opening in September 2014.
Rendering of New 49ers Stadium

San Jose McEnery Convention Center Expansion, San Jose, Ca.
SJ Convention Center
Under Construction
The San Jose Convention Center is undergoing a much needed $120 Million expansion in upgrade of their facilities.
The expansion will add 125,000 square feet of flexible space to the facility; this will include 35,000 square feet of flexible Ballroom and 25,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.
In 2009, the local hotels instituted a special hotel occupancy tax to help finance the expansion of the convention center. The new facility is scheduled to open in Fall 2013.
Rendering of SJCC Expansion




Other Notable Projects

Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco, CA.
S.F. is planning a $500 million expansion to their 700,000 square foot convention center. The facility's re-grand opening is schedule for 2018.




Rendering of SFMOA
Expansion


The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, Ca.
SFMOMA is undergoing a $325 million expansion project that will double the current square footage. The grand re-opening is scheduled for 2016.






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