|
PIER 39 Celebrates 25 Years Of Success
On San Francisco Bay
October 4, 1978 to October 4, 2003
Premier Festival Marketplace is San Francisco's #1
Attraction
PIER 39, San Francisco's #1 Attraction is celebrating 25
years as the premier festival marketplace on the Bay. This waterfront
success with specialty shopping, waterfront dining and endless
entertainment is what millions experience annually.
When PIER 39 opened on October 4, 1978, its attendance
averaged 25,000 guests per week. Visitors were delighted to experience 105
retail shops, 23 restaurants, 12 fast food eateries, a diving pool, an
indoor carousel and street performers. In 1981, PIER 39 was purchased from
San Francisco businessman and developer, Warren Simmons by real estate
investors Moor + South. At the time of purchase, PIER 39 generated $35
million in gross annual sales. Moor + South appointed a new team to manage
the property which today is led by President and CEO Robert MacIntosh.
Under the PIER's new leadership, many changes were
implemented to improve the tenant mix with the goal set to surpass
customers' expectations. Through the many years, property reconfigurations
and remodels occurred resulting in the original 23 restaurants being
scaled down to 11 Bay view establishments, 105 retail shops increased to
110 and 12 fast food eateries now totaling 20. The diving pool was
removed, and the carousel was then relocated to the Bay end.
Blue & Gold Fleet, established to provide pleasure
cruises on the Bay, grew from being a sightseeing bay tour operator to
become in 1997, the exclusive provider of passenger transportation to
Alcatraz Island. It also now holds the distinction of being the largest
ferry and passenger excursion vessel operator serving the San Francisco
Bay.
Free entertainment has always been an integral part of
PIER 39's history. Visitors enjoy a taste of San Francisco when they
absorb the unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel
Island and the Bay itself. The amusing shows featuring PIER 39's street
performers including jugglers, magicians and comedians is still a favorite
of audiences. In January 1990, the unexpected and welcome arrival of
hundreds of California sea lions to PIER 39's K-Dock became the most
popular attraction creating a local and international sensation for the
thousands of spectators that marvel at their playfulness.
In 2002, the San Francisco Carousel with hand-painted
depictions of San Francisco landmarks was unveiled, a new Riptide Arcade
became the largest game and prize arcade in San Francisco, and Hard Rock
Cafe opened with an authentic collection of music memorabilia in PIER 39's
Entrance Plaza. With its variety of offerings and strong customer base, in
December 2002 PIER 39's gross sales for retail, restaurants and
attractions tallied $151 million.
Today, in 2003, we celebrate PIER 39's 25th Anniversary
and acknowledge its contributions to specialty shopping, Bay view dining,
and wholesome fun on San Francisco Bay. On Saturday, October 4, 2003, PIER
39 will host a celebration from Noon to 8 p.m. that will showcase
entertainment from years past including performances by Pride & Joy
with their timeless pop/soul music, and PIER 39's world-renowned street
performers that are sure to keep everyone in a celebratory mood.
For more information about PIER 39's 25th Anniversary,
please phone 415.705.5500
For more information go to California Family
Attractions. For Hotels and Resorts go to
California Hotels and
Resorts
|
