Administration Building, Treasure Island
A Moderne masterpiece on San Francisco Bay, this 1938 administration building once welcomed passengers aboard Pan American Airways’ China Clipper during the Golden Gate International Exposition.
At a glance
The Administration Building stands as a defining structure of Treasure Island’s transformation from exposition fairground to naval facility. Designed by William Peyton Day and George William Kelham, it represents a pivotal moment when aviation dreams gave way to military necessity.
History
Construction began in 1937 with extensive landfill and site preparation across the newly created island. By 1938, the building was complete and ready for the Golden Gate International Exposition.
During the exposition, it functioned as the terminal for Pan American Airways’ China Clipper flying boat service—a crown jewel of transpacific aviation. When the Navy assumed control of Treasure Island after the exposition closed, the building’s purpose shifted decisively. Rather than continue as an airport terminal, it became the island’s administration headquarters.
The building housed a museum from its military service through 1997. When San Francisco acquired Treasure Island from the U.S. Navy in 2011, plans emerged to reopen the museum as part of broader island redevelopment.
What you see
The Administration Building exemplifies Moderne design principles—streamlined forms, horizontal lines, and machine-age aesthetics that defined optimistic 1930s architecture. The building’s clean proportions and functional elegance reflect its dual identity: civic grandeur and utilitarian purpose.
Cultural significance
This structure embodies a pivotal chapter in Bay Area history. It witnessed the zenith of the Golden Gate International Exposition and the dreams of transpacific air travel before World War II reshaped the nation’s trajectory. The building was recognized for its historical importance and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.
Key facts
- Country: United States
- City: San Francisco, California
- Coordinates: 37.81694444, −122.37027778
- Architects: William Peyton Day and George William Kelham
- Style: Moderne
- Completed: 1938
- National Register of Historic Places: 2008
Practical information & getting there
Treasure Island is accessible via the Bay Bridge from San Francisco. Check current access and tour availability before visiting, as the island undergoes ongoing redevelopment and portions may have restricted access.
Sources & resources
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