The Bluepeter Building Has Been Demolished!
The Bluepeter building was demolished in March, 2012 despite the efforts of many neighborhood activists and preservationists to save it.
History
Constructed of heavy timber with truss roof and exposed vaulted ceiling, this two-story industrial modern building at 555 Illinois St. was built by the Martinolich Company for WWII contract ship repair. When built, it had direct access to the bay; access was later lost in one of the last bay filling operations. Leased by CJ Hendry Company, a ships chandlery business started in 1890 at Sacramento and Market Sts., the building was used for warehousing the company's aircraft parts from 1947-1961. Around 1955 the rear of the building was notched out to preserve the building and to accommodate the newly constructed bay side street now known as Terry Francois Blvd. The second floor was occupied by Jotz Sailmaking during the 1970's. The Bluepeter Company, by which name the buidling is now known, was an exhibit design company which leased the building in the late 1970's-late 1980's.
Bluepeter Building - Illinois Street
Bluepeter Building from Terry Francoise Blvd.
Bluepeter Building from the south
Inside the Bluepeter Building
A group of people interested in the building were given access to the building on August 22, 2008 by the Port of San Francisco. The group included interested community members, former employees of the Bluepeter Company, and staff members of the Port of San Francisco, the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, and the Catellus Corporation.