Q&A with Transportation Project Manager Calvin Gee

As part of ongoing Presidio Forward work to improve the park’s infrastructure, the Presidio Trust is making it safer and more comfortable to walk, bike, drive, and take transit in the Presidio, a national park site at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Starting this summer, much of this work will be centered in the Main Post – the heart of the park – where we’re repaving roads, adding sidewalks and curb ramps, and improving transit stops. 

We sat down with Transportation Project Manager Calvin Gee to learn about what’s on the horizon for the Presidio, including better sidewalks, bike lanes, and decorative “cannonball curbs” that will surround the park’s landscaping in areas where it’s historically accurate. 

How long have you been at the Presidio Trust and what originally brought you here? 

I came to the Trust a little over a year and half ago for the chance to design and build transportation projects that improve the experience and safety for everyone who uses the park and to do it in one of the most picturesque backdrops in the world – the Presidio of San Francisco! 

What does a Transportation Project Manager do? 

I’m responsible for managing various transportation-related projects through the planning, design, and construction phases. Project Managers typically define the scope, set schedules, and manage the budget. 

What projects are you excited to work on this year? 

Starting this spring, I’m working on projects that will make it easier and safer to get around the Main Post, where lots of people live and work and many people start their visit. 

You’ll see us repaving Moraga Avenue, Funston Avenue, Mesa Street, Presidio Boulevard, and the parking area near the Presidio Officers’ Club. When we do this, we’ll add or widen sidewalks, improve curb ramps, and add safety enhancements at pedestrian crossings. 

While there may be temporary delays and limited parking during active work, these short-term inconveniences will deliver long-term improvements in safety, comfort, and reliability for all park residents, tenants, and visitors. All businesses – including Colibri, Baptiste Power Yoga, Inn at the Presidio, Presidio Officers’ Club, and Presidio Theatre – will remain open during construction.

Also, if you walk along historic Funston Avenue near Presidio Boulevard and Mesa Street, you’ll see the landscaping is surrounded by “cannonball curbs” – that is, cannonballs used to frame and protect the landscaping. Thanks to the vision of our own Transportation Engineer Rachel Krieger and Federal Preservation Officer Rob Thompson – it’s their dream! – I’m hoping to deliver more cannonball curbs in other parts of the Presidio’s landscaping where they’re historically accurate. There will be A LOT happening, and we hope to have the work wrapped up by the end of the year. You can see complete details on the Paving Plus section of the Presidio website.  

What’s your favorite thing about working at the Presidio? 

My favorite thing is interacting with staff across the Trust, learning about their projects, and witnessing all the great work that’s happening, all while being surrounded by the Presidio’s beautiful San Francisco Bay views. 

Do you have any special memories about the Presidio? 

I’m a local – I was born and raised in the City and remember growing up with the Presidio as my backyard and anytime my family would have out-of- town visitors, we’d stop by the Presidio and take in views of the Golden Gate Bridge.