Gap Founder Plans San Francisco Museum

If you've created one of the most successful clothing companies in the world what do you do for a follow-up project? How about giving your hometown a huge art museum. Donald Fisher, the founder of the Gap has revealed the plans for the contemporary art museum he wants to build in San Francisco's Presidio. Fisher's ambitious plan calls for a two-story, 100,000-square-foot modern structure on the crest of the Parade Ground of the former military base that in 1994 became a national park. The design is composed of white masonry interspersed with glass that will allow people outside to view some of the art within. Fisher is one of the top collectors of contemporary art and the museum would house his collection.

As the San Francisco Chronicle reports, this is not the only proposal for the Presidio. A rival museum plans comes from the Presidio Historical Association which has proposed a 48,000-square-foot "History Center of the Golden Gate." Their building idea is quite different, a more traditional structure that will explore the culture of the American West. The Presidio Historical Association asserts that their structure fits the surroundings and is the proper choice for the already historic Presidio whereas a contemporary art museum could go anywhere.

Fisher's proposal also would add exhibit space on the Parade Ground, and restore one of the neighboring structures to offer educational space, a bookstore, art studios and office space for the main museum. Fisher really wants this spot, he has also offered to give an additional $10 million toward helping to landscape the area. The Presidio Trust directors are expected to choose one of the proposal at the start of next year.