Aquatic Park Historic District

  • Also Known As: Aquatic Park

  • Address:
  • Vicinity: Bounded by Van Ness Ave, Hyde and Polk Sts
  • Travel Genus: Sight
  • Sight Category: Historic District

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. - NPS


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Timeline

Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Y/M/D Person Association Description Composition Food Event
Works Progress Administration (WPA) Government Program

Data »

Particulars for Aquatic Park Historic District:
Area of Significance Architecture
Criteria Architecture-Engineering
Area of Significance Art
Historic Use Civic
Area of Significance Community Planning and Development
Owner Federal
Sight Category Historic District
Criteria Historic Event
Area of Significance Military
Architectural Style Moderne
Museum Type Museum
Level of Significance National
Historic Use Restaurant



US National Registry of Historic Places Data »

Accurate at time of registration: 26th January 1984

PLACE DETAILS
Registry Name: Aquatic Park Historic District
Registry Address: Bounded by Van Ness Ave., Hyde and Polk Sts.
Registry Number: 84001183
Resource Type: District
Owner: Federal
Architect: Works Progress Administration
Architectural Style: Moderne
Area in Acres: 1
Contributing Buildings: 3
Contributing Structures: 5
Other Certification: Designated National Landmark
Certification: Listed in the National Register
Nominator Name: National Historic Landmark
CULTURAL DETAILS
Level of Significance: National
Area of Significance: Community Planning and Development, Art, Military, Architecture
Applicable Criteria: Event, Architecture-Engineering
Period of Significance: 1900-1924, 1925-1949
Historic Function: Social, Recreation and Culture, Defense, Commerce, Trade
Historic Sub-Function: Museum, Restaurant, Civic
Current Function: Recreation and Culture, Landscape
Current Sub-Function: Museum Park

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