Generosity or Arrogance?
The museum, a massive white modern building with a glass front, would stand on the most prominent spot in the Presidio’s Main Post, on a rise overlooking the main parade ground, which is now a concrete parking lot but is to be revived as a great green open space. It would be three times bigger in volume than the largest of the Spanish Civil War-era barracks below it, according to Hall. Art works would be installed inside the building, outside, on a high platform, and on the roof. Just west of the proposed site is El Presidio, where archeologists are still discovering remnants of the northernmost Spanish military settlement, founded in 1776.

The hotel, which the Trust calls a “lodge” and compares to Ahwanee Lodge and others in non-urban national parks, would stand alongside the parade ground. It would have restaurants, a bar, a fitness center, and an underground garage, and would be suitable “for small corporate retreats,” as described by the Trust.

In selecting a site for the museum, the Trust noted that it was considering Fisher’s wishes. Many have suggested that it be built at Crissy Field, on the site of the old Commissary that now houses Sports Basement. That is one of three alternative sites presented in the Trust’s proposal. Fisher has said, however, that he would accept only his preferred site.

If he wins approval, Fisher has said he would establish a foundation to build and operate the museum, rehabilitate an adjacent barracks building for an arts education center that he would endow, and provide $10 million toward the planned conversion of the main parade ground to a green space.

To build the museum and hotel, the Trust proposes to raise the ceiling for allowable new construction provided in the management plan and increase the allowable amount of demolition. Up to 141,000 square feet of buildings on the Main Post could be demolished, including the bowling center, Red Cross building, Presidio Child Development Center, YMCA Fitness Center, and Herbst Exhibition Hall.

During June and July, the draft Update, together with a draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, was available for public comment. The Trust offered well-publicized guided walks to explain its proposed projects, but at least three people who went on them found that their guide was insufficiently informed.

On July 14, at the only public board meeting during this public comment period--held before the required historical Finding of Effects was completed--the Fisher family’s spokesmen had a press release ready: “Supporters line up to tell the Presidio Trust they want CAMP [Contemporary Art Museum of the Presidio].”

What happened was rather different. About 700 people came, filling Herbst Hall to capacity, with a crowd of maybe 200 unable to get in at 6:30 p.m., when the meeting began. By the time it ended, shortly after midnight, about 100 had spoken, mainly in opposition to the projects as proposed.

Museum advocates said the Update proposals would revitalize the Main Post and bring in other projects to enliven the place. A letter from former mayor Willie Brown was read: “The Fishers’ generosity is beyond belief.” Carpenters Union Local 22 offered a letter of support. Mayor Gavin Newsom said he supports having the museum in the Presidio, and offered the assistance of his office to help resolve concerns about the site.

Opponents, questioners, and doubters included a wide range of citizens and perspectives: “If the Fishers are retaining ownership of the collection, is that a gift?” “The Presidio is a sacred place, I would no more revitalize it than Monticello.” “A modern art museum proposed as the centerpiece of our historic district--the idea is illogical.” “The special genius of this place is what happened here. Who was involved in building this place? Where were these men coming from, where were they going?” “There is no museum of the Presidio in the Presidio. The real culture of the Presidio is its history.”