Upgrading Utilities
We're bringing the Presidio's infrastructure into the 21st century.
Improving the Presidio's Electrical & Water Systems
The Presidio has the infrastructure of a small town. However, many of its utilities were built decades ago when it was an Army post. We’re now bringing this national park site into the 21st century by replacing outdated electrical, water, sewer, and storm drainage systems so that the Presidio can serve its residents, tenants, and visitors reliably for years to come.
What's Happening Now
Planning a New Power Grid
The Presidio Trust is responsible for maintaining the park’s electrical grid, which was built by the U.S. Army in the 1960’s. Much of the system is beyond its useful life. We’re now planning for a modern 12kV power system — with upgraded substations, transformers, electrical switches, and circuits. This will ensure reliable service for the Presidio 3,100 residents, 300+ businesses, and millions of visitors.
In 2025, we completed two backfeeds to allow for re-routing of power so we can upgrade the grid with as few disruptions as possible. In 2026, we’re designing a new system with enough capacity to power the future. Improvements will be made in phases over approximately five years.
Updating Water Utilities
Parts of the Presidio’s water, storm, and wastewater systems date to the 19th century and are past their useful life. We’re now updating the components most urgently in need of care to ensure reliable service and protect against infiltration and costly leaks.
Upgrading the Historic Storey Neighborhood
We’re upgrading utilities in the historic Storey neighborhood, which had experienced recurring flooding due to outdated infrastructure. In 2025, we replaced sanitary sewer pipes, water main lines, and storm drains, and also upgraded the street and sidewalks. In 2026, we’ll complete the neighborhood by updating the landscapes around homes with plants more suited for the Presidio’s climate and that will provide better habitat for birds and insects.
Past Projects
Adding an EV Charging Station at Crissy Field
In fall 2023, we installed an electric vehicle charging station at Crissy Field in the parking lot across from East Beach. With 19 ports, it’s the Presidio’s largest EV charging site and one of the largest in San Francisco, helping to meet demand for this critical service. Its waterfront location serves park employees as well as beachgoe
Opening a New Power Distribution Sub-Station
In early 2024, we completed a new electrical sub-station near the Lombard Gate. It distributes reliable power to two-thirds of the Presidio and provides a second connection point to PG+E, which means if there is trouble in one area, electricity can be rerouted.
Undergrounding Power Lines
In 2024, we finished undergrounding power lines in the Presidio’s eastern residential neighborhoods: the Quarry neighborhood near Fernandez Street and the East Washington neighborhood near Amatury Loop. These are places where overhead lines have been vulnerable to falling tree limbs during winter storms. undergrounding.
Saving Water + Reducing Flooding
In 2024, we re-routed and replaced a leaky underground water line near San Francisco National Cemetery, ensuring none of this precious resource goes to waste.
Four Ways We're Improving the Presidio
Upgrading Utilities
We’re bringing the Presidio’s infrastructure into the 21st century through much needed upgrades.
Improving Access & Safety
We’re adding new parklands, improving roads and sidewalks, and introducing better ways to get around.
Restoring Green Space
We’re replanting our forest and restoring habitats so nature thrives through storms or drought.
Revitalizing Historic Buildings
We’re making more places to work, live, and visit – and bolstering the park’s financial engine.