Posted on 12/10/2017 1:01:51 PM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Editor's Note: This article was originally published in June 2012 and has been updated with the most recent information.
After the construction of the Bay Bridge in 1933, San Francisco began considering duplicating the bridge and running a second one further south across the bay. Enter Frank Lloyd Wright, a little-known architect whose idea and design for a second Bay Bridge never came to fruition.
The noted architect hated the idea of a second steel structure similar to the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. Partnering with engineer Jaroslav J. Polivka, Wright proposed a concrete "Butterfly Bridge,” spanning from Army Street (now Cesar Chavez) and Third Street to its eastern terminus on Bay Farm Island, just north of the Oakland Airport.
Wright and Polivka saw steel truss bridges as extravagant and obsolete, so the design was all reinforced concrete, resting on a series of giant hollow almond-shaped piers—which they claimed to be earthquake-proof construction. Long curved arms would carry six lanes of traffic and two pedestrian walkways, supported by two arches connected by a butterfly-shaped garden park (!) as “a pleasant relief and perhaps a stopping point for the traffic.”
During a May Day appearance at San Francisco Civic Center in 1957, Wright unveiled his bridge to the public for the first time. His presence at the event, sponsored by the city’s Planning and Housing Association, drew a rapt, large crowd. Men standing before model of proposed "Butterfly Bridge" by Frank Lloyd Wright. Photo via SF Public Library
The San Francisco Chronicle (via Frank Lloyd Wright and San Francisco) described the event:
(Excerpt) Read more at sf.curbed.com ...
Pinging mairdie
Very interesting post. I think you might be interested in it.
;>)
Frank Lloyd Wrong. Someone/thing else we have the Chicago World’s Fair to thank for.
I have a good memory. I even remember my locker number from jr high
True! But it’s still pretty. :-D
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.