COW HOLLOW ASSOCIATION

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The Presidio

We believe that Cow Hollow's continuing efforts are important because the Presidio is really part of our neighborhood, and therefore part of our daily lives, with the YMCA as an example. The proximity of the Presidio means that the density of development there will affect the parking and traffic flow and congestion in our neighborhood streets.

Cow Hollow, as an organization, has been participating in the process of converting the Presidio from an army base into a National Park, as one of the various concurring parties in the Master Plan for the Main Post. We also participate as delegates to NAPP, Neighborhood Associations for the Planning of the Presidio.

Recent developments of interest in the Presidio are as follows:

  • The greening of the Main Parade is underway. CHA has ascertained that nothing with respect to the greening will enable the construction of a hotel complex in the Main Post. However, construction of the hotel complex remains on the Presidio Main Post master plan, over the near unanimous objection of historic groups, and CHA.
  • Pershing Hall will soon open as a B&B facility. If this facility is successful, which is anticipated, this argues against the necessity and advisability of new construction for lodging.
  • The Heritage Center or History Museum will be in the Old Officer's Club, with limited exhibits. CHA is advocating a more amplified history museum with extensive exhibits.
  • The YMCA and the Bowling Center will remain intact for now. CHA advocates leaving them to function, as they serve an important public service.
  • The Visitor's Center will be located near the Transit Center, whose site has not yet been determined. CHA advocates locating the transit center outside of the Main Post area, so that the historic district of the Main Post will remain historic.
  • The Montgomery Street Barracks building #101 and #103 will serve "public uses" on the first floors, probably retain and food service. Upper floors will be rented for offices. CHA advocates that the first floors of these buildings be used for the following: a re-enacted barracks exhibit, showing how the army actually used these buildings; an authentic mess hall, and a history museum showing the extensive collection of military items owned by the National Park Service. We have also advocated no parking in front of the Montgomery Street barracks, except for registered historic vehicles of the era, up to WW11.
  • The construction of Doyle Drive continues. It will be completed in 2014 and will have major impacts on access to and from the Presidio and the Cow Hollow Neighborhood. It is too complex to discuss here, but ongoing details can be found at presidioparkway.org.
  • CHA is a concurring party to the Main Post Update, which is an amendment to the Presidio Trust Management Plan. As such, we will have the opportunity to consult on "design review" for:
    • The Main Post Theatre
    • El Presidio improvements
    • The Chapel
    • The Lodge
    • Parking and circulation
    • Mid Crissy Field Design Guidelines

There are ways you can participate as an individual in the process. You can write letters and emails to the Trust Board of Directors, as the issues come up. And you can also take the opportunity to voice your opinion at the periodic public Board of Directors Meetings of the Trust. So please look for the notices that Cow Hollow send out ahead of these meetings and let your voice be heard. Please contact us if you would like to be involved in our efforts to track, influence and respond to Presidio issues.