Marina District Part 2: Quakes and Rebirth

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Marina series. The neighborhood’s very foundation tells a story of resilience and risk.

After the 1906 earthquake, debris from destroyed buildings was dumped into the Bay to create the landfill that would support the Panama-Pacific Exposition and later homes. Beautiful as it looked, this fill left the ground unstable. The danger showed itself again during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, when sections of the Marina suffered the worst damage in the city. Buildings tilted, gas lines ruptured, and fires raged. Images of collapsing apartment houses and heroic rescues defined the quake for much of the world.

Recovery was swift but thoughtful. Engineers strengthened foundations and reinforced seawalls, while residents rebuilt with a mix of care and pride. The neighborhood emerged with safer structures and a renewed sense of community.

In Part 3 we’ll explore the Marina today, from its bustling Chestnut Street to the sweeping views along Crissy Field.