San Francisco Claims Treasure Island

The City of San Francisco has secured a deal with the U.S. Navy to purchase Treasure Island, a man-made island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The city has broad plans to redevelop the site.

1 minute read

December 19, 2009, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The agreement paves the way for the city to undertake one of its most ambitious development projects - remaking the closed naval base on a man-made island in the middle of San Francisco Bay into a model of sustainable development.

'We can finally begin the hard work of making sure the city's grand vision for Treasure Island can be realized,' Newsom said in a statement announcing the deal with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus."

Treasure Island was built in the 1930s for the Golden Gate International Exposition and was later turned into a Naval base. The City has agreed to a $55 million guaranteed payment over the course of several years. The full cost could total about $105 million.

Thursday, December 17, 2009 in San Francisco Chronicle

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Historic homes in St. Augustine, Florida.

Florida Considers Legalizing ADUs

Current state law allows — but doesn’t require — cities to permit accessory dwelling units in single-family residential neighborhoods.

March 18, 2025 - Newsweek

Aerial view of single-family homes with swimming pools in San Diego, California.

San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule

The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.

March 9, 2025 - Axios

Aerial view of suburban housing near Las Vegas, Nevada.

HUD Announces Plan to Build Housing on Public Lands

The agency will identify federally owned parcels appropriate for housing development and streamline the regulatory process to lease or transfer land to housing authorities and nonprofit developers.

March 17, 2025 - The Wall Street Journal

Red and yellow surfboards leaning against fence in Maui, Hawaii.

Surf’s Upcycling: Hawai‘i’s Latest Green Building Material is Recycled Surf Boards

“Surf Blocks” are fire-resistant, termite-proof, and close the loop on mountains of waste from the state’s beloved sport.

5 hours ago - Honolulu Civil Beat

Group of older people sitting at table indoors laughing.

Building Age-Friendly Homes

Designing for the unique needs of elderly people can help them maintain social connections and mental acuity.

6 hours ago - Happy Cities

Times Square with Broadway billboards at night.

Nightlife and the 15-Minute City

Plans for compact, walkable cities often don’t address nighttime concerns like transportation and lighting, which can make neighborhoods more vibrant and safe around the clock.

7 hours ago - Cooperative City