Saturday, August 13
The Ferry Building
History
The Ferry Building (in its current form) has been around since 1898. Its architecture was a direct response (backlash) against the ornate, elaborate, somewhat imposing motifs of Victorian Architecture and instead it borrowed on style from such places as the Cathedral of Seville and the original Madison Square Garden Tower. It survived 1906 (Earthquake and Fire) and has undergone a number of major changes since, most notably from its original intended purpose as a major transportation hub to a now world renowned tourist attraction and food mecca.
In the early 50's a double deck freeway was built in front of the Ferry Building and effectively divided and isolated the Building from the rest of the City. The Ferry Building felt into terrible decay after this and would have been lost forever (there were plans to tear it down) had it not been for the Loma Prieta Earthquake. In the early afternoon of October 17, 1989 the San Francisco Bay Area was hit with a powerful 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake. The damage was extensive and included the collapse of a double deck freeway in Oakland that killed 42 people (2/3 of the people that died during this Earthquake). This event led to a re-examination of the area surrounding The Ferry Building and to the conclusion that the Embarcadero Freeway (as it was known) had to be torn down.
In the early 50's a double deck freeway was built in front of the Ferry Building and effectively divided and isolated the Building from the rest of the City. The Ferry Building felt into terrible decay after this and would have been lost forever (there were plans to tear it down) had it not been for the Loma Prieta Earthquake. In the early afternoon of October 17, 1989 the San Francisco Bay Area was hit with a powerful 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake. The damage was extensive and included the collapse of a double deck freeway in Oakland that killed 42 people (2/3 of the people that died during this Earthquake). This event led to a re-examination of the area surrounding The Ferry Building and to the conclusion that the Embarcadero Freeway (as it was known) had to be torn down.
A new renaissance of sorts took place here and the area changed from one in major decline to being now one of the most beautiful and popular spots in the City. If you are in this area there are a variety of things to do here besides the Ferry Building itself, including...
The Farmers' Market
The Ferry Building Farmer's Market may not the best Farmers Market in the City (that honor goes to The Alemany Farmers' Market) nor the cheapest, yet there is something wonderful about being able to grab a bite to eat on a clear sunny day next to one of the piers and look out into the Bay to spot the Ferries going under the Bay Bridge taking people out to Oakland and Alameda. You can also head across the street to Justin Herman Plaza and sit down at the steps of Vallancourt Fountain and watch tourists ride the Historic F Street Car down towards Fisherman's Wharf while you enjoy a grilled Cheese Sandwich from Cowgirl Creamery.
Other things you can do here include playing Bocce Ball, checking out the Admission Free Street Car Museum or heading into the Embarcadero Center Complex where you can shop til you drop if that's your kind of thing. If you happen to be here in December do not miss the Holiday Ice Rink at Justin Herman Plaza and if you are here in February definitely try not to miss The Valentine's Day Pillow Fight! (pictures from last year).
Other things you can do here include playing Bocce Ball, checking out the Admission Free Street Car Museum or heading into the Embarcadero Center Complex where you can shop til you drop if that's your kind of thing. If you happen to be here in December do not miss the Holiday Ice Rink at Justin Herman Plaza and if you are here in February definitely try not to miss The Valentine's Day Pillow Fight! (pictures from last year).
Pier 14
East of the Ferry Building you will encounter Pier 14. Here you will be able to find some of the most beautiful and unadulterated views of the bay. I need to mention this because this whole area (from Pier 14 down to Pier 22 1/2) is currently in danger of losing its beautiful vistas so that it can accomodate the Yachts of a few rich cats for the 2013 America's Cup (see link below on Rincon Point Open Basin). In the meantime however, this is the perfect spot to relax, read a book and enjoy some sun and sea breeze.
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Dolores Park
What does Dolores Park have to do with The Ferry Building. The answer to that is "absolutely nothing". I have to say that I'm biased toward this place because first of all it is in the Mission (my home) and second it serves as the type of place you will often find me enjoying a picnic, a live performance, a movie in the park or simply taking a nice siesta on a Sunday afternoon. On this particular day Dolores Park felt right after spending the whole morning eating all kinds of delicious foods from the Farmers' Market. Thus we conclude day two of 49 not with a bang but with a siesta. Until tomorrow.
For more information on the Ferry Building (and Dolores Park) follow the links below:
Catedral De Sevilla
Loma Prieta Earthquake - Damage in Oakland
The Ferry Building - The (short) History
Embarcadero Center
Rincon Point Open Basin in Danger (East of Pier 14)
Wiki Dolores Park
What a colorful blog entry. I love the photos of the farmers market, and I could definitely take a siesta in the park if the weather was that nice. :) This was a pleasant entry.
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