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Pier 70 in San Francisco, California, is a historic pier in San Francisco's Potrero Point neighborhood, home to the Union Iron Works and later to Bethlehem Shipbuilding. It was one of the largest industrial sites in San Francisco during the two World Wars. Today, it is regarded as the best-preserved 19th century industrial complex west of the Mississippi.[1]
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The pier is 65 acres (0.26 km2) in size.[2]
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The area around Pier 70 has been used for shipbuilding since the Gold Rush.[3] Since becoming home to the Union Iron Works in 1883, Pier 70 has been occupied by a variety of industrial concerns, including the Pacific Rolling Mills, Risdon Iron & Locomotive, Kneass Boat Works, Union Iron Works, Bethlehem Shipbuilding, and BAE Systems.[4]
After Bethlehem acquired Union Iron Works in 1905, the pier also housed Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation's administrative offices in Building 101.[5]
Bethlehem Steel sold their holdings in the area to the Port of SF in 1980.[4]
In the 1990s, the Eureka Dry Dock, former USS Steadfast (AFDM-14), was acquired by the BAE Systems and are now still in use at the Pier.[6]
Early beginnings and industrial boom
Pier 70, situated on San Francisco's eastern waterfront, has played a pivotal role in the city's industrial evolution since its establishment in the mid-19th century. Originally developed during the Gold Rush era to support San Francisco's burgeoning population and economy, Pier 70 initially served as a vital hub for shipbuilding activities. The Union Iron Works, founded in 1884 on the site that would become Pier 70, emerged as a leading industrial employer in the region .[7][full citation needed]
The World Wars and industrial expansion
Pier 70's significance soared during the World Wars, particularly World War II, when it was acquired by Bethlehem Steel Corporation. This acquisition transformed Pier 70 into one of the West Coast's largest shipyards, contributing significantly to the nation's naval capabilities by producing numerous ships, including the renowned Liberty ships crucial to the Allied war effort .[8][full citation needed]
Post-War decline and redevelopment
Following World War II, Pier 70 experienced a decline in shipbuilding activity, mirroring broader shifts in the industrial landscape. By the 1970s, the area faced neglect and decay as heavy industrial operations dwindled. However, efforts to preserve Pier 70's historical significance gained traction, leading to collaborative initiatives between the Port of San Francisco and private developers to revitalize the site.[9][full citation needed]
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As of Jan 3, 2017, the facility is operated by Puglia Engineering, Inc, who operate 2 other ship repair facilities in Washington State. Puglia Engineering purchased the facility from BAE Systems Ship Repair in January, 2017.[10] The two dry docks were formerly operated by BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair, employing approximately 200 people.[11]
Most of the pier's buildings have been unoccupied since the decline of shipbuilding in the area.[12] However, some of the pier's historic buildings are still used, one is used for artist studios.[13]
In 2015, the Port of San Francisco started planning to redevelop the pier for mixed commercial and residential use in partnership with Orton Development, Inc. and Forest City Development. The redevelopment was expected to include roughly a thousand housing units and two million square feet of office space.[2][5] In 2013, plans included a "Crane Cove Park" that would feature the historic cranes in the northern part of the pier complex.[14]
A $120 million restoration and rehabilitation effort for the eight buildings in the pier's historic core began in 2015 and is expected to complete in 2017.[1]
Several of the buildings are used as a large-scale event venue operated by Pier 70 Partners.[15]
Current developments and future plans
Neighborhood
Pier 70 is situated on the eastern corridor of San Francisco, in the heart of the Dogpatch neighborhood.
Current developments
As of September 2024[update], Pier 70 is undergoing significant transformation. With ongoing collaboration between the Port of San Francisco and Brookfield Properties, the site is being developed into a mixed-use district, integrating local retail, dining, arts, and maker studios with residential and office spaces. Pedestrian-friendly streets and outdoor public spaces are central to the design.
The redevelopment plan for Pier 70 includes new public parks, promenades, and recreational spaces.
The redevelopment plan includes:
- Residential and commercial spaces: Construction of new residential units, commercial spaces, and office buildings designed to complement the area's industrial heritage.[16][full citation needed]
- Historic preservation: Restoration and adaptive reuse of several historic structures such as the Union Iron Works Machine Shop and the Bethlehem Steel Office Building.[17][full citation needed]
- Public spaces and waterfront access: Creation of parks, open spaces, and improved waterfront access to enhance recreational opportunities and aesthetic appeal.[18][full citation needed]
- Sustainability initiatives: Integration of green building practices, renewable energy sources, and efficient water management systems to minimize environmental impact.[19][full citation needed]
Future prospects
Looking forward, the vision for Pier 70 includes the establishment of cultural and artistic spaces, economic stimulation through job creation and business attraction, and ongoing community engagement to ensure the project aligns with local interests and needs.[20][full citation needed][21][full citation needed][22][full citation needed]
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Potrero Point is eligible for the National Register as a historic district for its contribution to three war efforts (Spanish–American War, World War I & World War II) and because of the 19th-century buildings that remain. Some of the buildings are individually eligible for landmarking for their architectural and historic merit. Worthy of historical landmark status is the 1917 Frederick Meyer Renaissance Revival Bethlehem office building, the Charles P. Weeks designed 1912 Power House#1, the 1896 Union Iron Works office designed by Percy & Hamilton, and the huge 1885 Machine shops.
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