Treasure Island Reconstructed

Treasure Island is a small man-made island, built by the Army Corps for the 1939 World's Fair. Ornate art deco towers, sculptures, and gardens illuminated the island to the world at large, celebrating the newly constructed Golden Gate and Bay Bridges. 

But as soon as the fair ended in 1940, the US Navy occupied the island, redirecting its focus towards WWII preparations. Now, the 400 acre island is currently undergoing another massive overhaul - transforming mid-century military buildings into a multibillion dollar neighborhood development site anticipating 18,000 new residents by 2032.

Meanwhile, amidst dilapidated buildings, mountains of rubble and machinery lies beauty and community. Residents and businesses persevere and thrive on the island during the construction, despite looming threats of displacement.

Woods Beer & Wine Co., whose brewery and winery has called Treasure Island home since 2016, relocated their production site in 2020 and reopened their Island Club taproom in 2022 after a hiatus due to the construction. Production on the island never stopped, however, and they have only continued to grow their footprint throughout the Bay Area.

This series of images was taken on Treasure Island between the years 2020-2022, documenting quiet details on the island prior to its complete transformation, paying homage to this tiny island’s history and ongoing legacy.

These images are now featured as labels for Woods Beer & Wine Co.’s 2022 wine collection, produced on Treasure Island.