Cavallo Point
The ‘post-to-park’ transformation of Fort Baker to Cavallo Point demonstrates the potent interrelationship between sustainable, contemporary design and cultural landscape rehabilitation. Adaptive reuse of this 40-acre National Landmark District resulted in a state-of-the-art conference center, the restoration of endangered habitat and the regeneration of 27 acres of public open space.
Cavallo Point - The Retreat at Fort Baker
Sausalito, California
“Fort Baker’s post-to-park transition was truly a collaborative effort that brought together the entire community. Moving forward, Fort Baker will play a key role in advancing the cause of both local and global environmental stewardship and preserving our planet for our children and the future.”
The ‘post-to-park’ transformation of Fort Baker to Cavallo Point demonstrates the potent interrelationship between sustainable, contemporary design and cultural landscape rehabilitation. Adaptive reuse of this 40-acre National Landmark District resulted in a state-of-the-art conference center, the restoration of endangered habitat and the regeneration of 27 acres of public open space.
Based on the minimalist and utilitarian character of the former military outpost, the landscape design subtly transforms the site for human comfort. Linked pathways, prospects, dining terraces, fire pits and moveable chairs create spaces for congregation and quiet contemplation. The removal of invasive trees has opened views to the Bridge and Bay which have not been available for 100 years. A tennis court was re-purposed as event space; a rectangular lawn panel framed by a broad, gravel ‘fault’ zone reveals its former use. The most dramatic transformation was the restoration of the coastal scrub habitat with genetic natives—58,000 plants propagated from seed harvested on the Cavallo Point site. Guest quarters are now immersed in a sensory and educational experience within a rich native landscape tapestry.
In 2015, Cavallo Point was one of five international sites awarded the National Geographic/ITB Berlin World Legacy Awards. The first North American site to be recognized, Cavallo Point received the Sense of Place Award for excellence in placemaking and authenticity, including protection of historical monuments
Project Team: Architectural Resources Group, LMS Architects, Nelson-Nygaard, Flack + Kurtz, URS Engineers, WorldBuild