Join us for the grand reopening of the Sunnyside Conservatory, (236
Monterey, between Baden and Congo), December 5, 2009, from 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. (Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at noon). Enjoy music, tour the garden
grounds and discover the history behind this enchanting park jewel.
SAN FRANCISCO-- The historic Sunnyside Conservatory, an official San
Francisco Designated Landmark (No. 78), will reopen on Saturday, December
5, 2009, after a fabulous $4.2 million renovation project that saw the
Victorian-style structure and surrounding garden grounds returned to their
former glory.
“The new Sunnyside Conservatory will simply knock your socks off,” said
Mayor Gavin Newsom. “The Conservatory has been somewhat of a hidden park
gem for several decades, but this is its coming-out party.”
On Saturday, visitors will be treated to light refreshments, music and
docent tours of the Conservatory and gardens. A ribbon cutting ceremony is
scheduled for noon.
The Conservatory, originally built in 1898 by then-owner William Augustus
Merralls, an inventor and stargazer, is an octagon-shaped structure that,
in its heyday, housed a wide collection of exotic plant and flower species.
It was designated an official city landmark in 1975.
With Open Space funds, the Recreation and Park Department acquired the
property in 1980 and a partial renovation project ensued in 1987. In 2001,
together with the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Friends of
Sunnyside Conservatory, the Department began plans for the full-scale
renovation of the site.
The project included the restoration of the building’s walls and finishes
to match the other historic features of the Conservatory; new operable wood
windows and skylights; new wood doors; new wood siding and trim; a new
roof; copper cresting; and finial. The garden and garden pathways were
also upgraded.
Also included in the renovation project was the installation of a public
art collection commissioned by the San Francisco Arts Commission.
Sunnyside Menagerie is a family of 23 fantastical bronze creatures designed
by the artist team of Wowhaus. The textured artworks, which include five
unique hybrid species, are nestled at various locations along the walkways
and in the garden and are meant to be discovered and handled by visitors of
all ages as they wander the grounds.
“The Conservatory and surrounding garden offer a glimpse into the city’s
colorful past. I have no doubt this will be one of the top park
attractions for years to come,” said Phil Ginsburg, general manager of the
San Francisco Recreation and Park Department.
The initial feedback from the public on the newly renovated Conservatory
has been positive. Neighbors are already clamoring to host parties and
community gatherings at the site.
"We want this to be a lively neighborhood hub where there are pumpkin
carvings, knitter groups, lectures on selecting backyard fruit trees, jazz
concerts, and jam and seed exchanges. On the day-to-day, the public garden
will offer a quiet respite from the pace of city life,” said Friends of
Sunnyside Conservatory co-chairs, Stacy Garfinkel and Arnold Levine.
District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty praised Garfinkel and Levine for their
group’s work. “I want to thank the Sunnyside neighbors and others who
advocated relentlessly to make certain the City didn't allow the
Conservatory to fall into ruin.”
Sunnyside Conservatory is located at 236 Monterey Boulevard, between Baden
and Congo streets. Parking will be limited on December 5, so participants
are encouraged to walk, bike or use public transportation. The
Conservatory is accessible by MUNI via the 23 Monterey line.
