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| Copra Crane at Islais Creek |
The Port of San Francisco coordinating with the SF Municipal Transportation Agency and the Copra Crane Labor Landmark Association (CCLLA) (a group of active and retired laborers, historians and other stakeholders) have started the initial phase to restore the Copra Crane as an eventual landmark to labor.
The condition of the crane’s pile supported substructure has required the removal of the crane so that the pile supported structure could be repaired. The Crane will be completely removed within the next week and is underway. The Port will them work with the CCLLA on the repair of the crane and platform so that the crane can be put back into place.
Background
The condition of the crane’s pile supported substructure has required the removal of the crane so that the pile supported structure could be repaired. The Crane will be completely removed within the next week and is underway. The Port will them work with the CCLLA on the repair of the crane and platform so that the crane can be put back into place.
Background
The Copra Crane is the last remnant artifact along San Francisco’s waterfront of the days when the Longshoreman used hand operated machinery to off load material from cargo vessels. It is also the last surviving over water part of the former Carghill industrial plant that was developed on the northern shore of Islais Creek at the terminus of Indiana Street, known as Pier 84. The crane stands 5-stories high and weighs approximately 90,000 pounds and was last used by Carghill in 1974 to off load Copra (dried coconut) that was imported primarily from the Philippines. The crane was built in the early 1970’s by Carghill to replace an older Copra Crane.
A Group of individuals approached the Port and formed an organization called the CCLLA a volunteer organization that represents active or retired waterfront building trades, including the ILWU, the Pile Drivers Local 34, the Ironworkers Local 377 and the Electricians, Local 6. In addition there are a number of individuals that also volunteer including Rex McCardell, the engineer that designed the crane, community members, Friends of Islais Creek and Labor Historians. The organization was formed to restore and save the crane and to eventually honor its historic Labor significance and contributions to San Francisco’s Waterfront History by seeking official Landmark designation and protection afforded by Article 10 of the City Planning Code, the City’s landmarks preservation ordinance. Currently the crane is recognized by the City Planning Department and State Office of Historic Preservation as a historic resource that is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places pursuant to the City’s Planning Department’s 2001 Central Waterfront Cultural Resources Survey.
The CCLLA has devised a restoration and improvement plan for the Copra Crane that abates the significant deterioration and hazardous condition of the crane and that portion of the wharf structure that supports it. The plan is consistent with the Port’s and the community’s interest in preserving this iconic structure. The restoration is also a central part of future plans for the enhancement of the Islais Creek area and will support the recognition of the importance of labor history in the development of
San Francisco’s waterfront.
If you would like more information on this project contact:
David Beaupre at the Port of San Francisco david.beaupre@sfport.com or 415-274-0539
or
Robin Chaing, Friends of Islais Creek at rchiang@designbythebay.com or 415-995-9870
h/t Alex Lantsberg
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