tiexp:
the
island: history
A
century ago, the island was nothing more than shallow salt water next
to an outcropping of rock. Now it's a real neighborhood with a cool view,
a tourist bus mecca spot, and mysteriously toxic soil.
Here's how it all got started.
To celebrate the construction of the new bay and golden gate bridges, san francisco scoops up lots of mud from the sacramento river and dumps it in the shallow shoals next to yerba buena island. The new island is romantically called 'treasure island' because of the possibility that there's gold in the landfill mud.
1939
- 1940
A
happy world exposition highlighting california, san francisco and pacific
unity takes place on the island for two years as the nazis attack their
neighbors in europe. The year after the fair is over, the island is supposed
to be converted into a new city airport for san francisco.
Pan Am operates 'china clipper' air service to the far east. Planes landed in the water between treasure island and yerba buena island, which is now called clipper cove. Two huge airplane hangers still exist from the inital airport plans. They are now used to film disney movies and nash bridges.
February
1941
The
us navy leases the island from the city and trades land near san mateo
for the new airport. The city builds san francisco international airport
there, while the navy builds treasure island into a naval base.
American military cutbacks result in the navy withdrawing from treasure island. After fifty years of marching, parading and toxic waste dumping, the navy and the city work out a deal to clean up the mess and convert the island for reuse.
March
1998
To finance plans to convert island into entertainment
uses, the city contracts with a management company to begin leasing out
the abandoned island military housing to city residents, with special
consideration for students, city employees, low income and homeless people.
Tony, who has lived on the island for about six months, is searching for new roommates. Tat, a friend from japan, calls looking for a place to stay. Tat moves in as the former tenants move out.
Nick responds to a craigslist.org advertisement for treasure island housing. Soon after, on an ocean hike, the idea sparks and cameras start rolling on the treasure island experiment.