Long before the Golden Gate Bridge became just another entrance; the Presidio has been one of San Francisco’s most treasured locations. Once a historic military base, its ongoing conversion into a national park continues to earn environmental accolades in the innovative world of sustainable development. As stewards for the National Park Service (NPS), the restoration goals of the Presidio are to apply sustainability objectives to historic renovation projects in order to increase resource protection and raise public awareness.
The challenge for the NPS was to actually integrate the most suitable of sustainable practices without sacrificing historic preservation. The most recent and successful marriage of these concepts can be seen in the restoration of a 2,400 square-foot engineering warehouse located directly on the Bay between Fort Point and Crissy Field. Originally built in 1909, the “Warming Hut” currently houses an information center, bookstore and, cafe. Less than a year was available to design and renovate the dilapidated structure, but this building provided design professionals and environmental consultants the unique opportunity to combine sustainable design, construction, public education and operations all in one project.
From the design and material selection to merchandising, maintenance and operation, the proper integration of all components remained the paramount concern. Building materials were selected based on recycled content, low-toxicity levels and re-use potential. Retail products and fixtures were chosen for their educational value and ability to meet sustainability objectives. Even story panels and photographs interpreting contextual themes are framed in recycled barn wood. The cafe uses local organically grown produce in support of sustainable farming practices. Add to that renowned Bay Area chef Alice Waters consulting on the organic menu, and it wasn’t long before the Warming Hut left the best taste possible in everyone’s mouth.
In short, the Warming Hut is one of the most integrated examples of sustainable design available to the public. And even as the project continues to receive awards, most recently the 2002 NPS Environmental Achievement Award, its ultimate goal will always be the inspiration of even better practices for the future.
For more information, contact Ms. Carrie Strahan at (415) 561-4931 or via e-mail at carrie.strahan@nps.gov
