Aquatic Park Historic District
Also known as: Aquatic ParkBounded by Van Ness Ave., Hyde and Polk Sts., San Francisco, California
Photo
Aquatic Park Bathhouse
Photo HABS/HAER, courtesy Library of Congress
Enlarge
Description
Aquatic Park, developed from 1936 to 1939, was one of California's largest Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects reflecting President Franklin D. Roosevelt's policy of providing employment to architects and artists during the Great Depression. The centerpiece of this group of "streamline moderne" structures, all employing nautical metaphors, is a multipurpose structure containing the bathhouse, concession stand and lounge. Its rounded walls, recessed upper stories, tubular steel railings and porthole windows were purposely designed to create the illusion of an ocean liner. Murals and other artwork carry out the nautical theme. This main building, lifeguard stations, stadium, Sea Scout building, a seawall and a semicircular pier form the Aquatic Park Historic District, now part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. -- National Historic Landmark statement of significance, May 28, 1987
National Register information
- Status
- Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on January 26, 1984
- Reference number
- 84001183
- Architectural style
- Modern Movement: Moderne
- Areas of significance
- Community Planning and Development; Art; Military; Architecture
- Level of significance
- National
- Evaluation criteria
- A - Event; C - Design/Construction
- Property type
- District
- Historic functions
- Museum; Restaurant; Civic
- Current functions
- Museum; Park
- Periods of significance
- 1900-1924; 1925-1949
- Number of properties
- Contributing buildings: 3
Contributing structures: 5
Update Log
- April 3, 2019: New photo from Richard Doody
- January 12, 2017: New Street View added by Bill Eichelberger