Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The $25 Reward That Cost $2,416,825.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2021
1. The $25 Reward That Cost $2,416,825. Marker
When Pier 39 opened exactly on October 4, 1978, just as developer Warren Simmons had planned months before construction had even begun, it was the result of determination,pride and tremendous effort by almost everyone concerned.
For those few who weren't adequately motivated by determination and pride, Simmons pulled out the ace in his sleeve - money.
The Jackpot.
For the restaurant tenants, who carried a lot of the construction burden, the monetary incentive was quite a motivator, The tennants were given a basic structural shell, courtesy of the developer, and a $25 per square foot bonus to each tenant who opened on time on October 4, 1978, at 11:30 AM.
For a 7,500 square foot restaurant, that works out to be $175,000 worth of motivation. In total, since all tenants were rewarded their full bonuses, the $25 reward cost the developer $2,415,825. Give or take a few dollars!
Feinstein Grateful??
But still, the reward was worth every penny it cost us. Because it sure helped us open the Pier on time.
And because without it, we'd never have gotten to see Dianne Feinstein in her bikini. (See Pier Story #20)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is October 4, 1978.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Big Pier 37 Fire (a few steps from this marker); Deep Pockets - But Not Deep Enough. (within shouting distance of this marker); Kids for Hire. (within shouting distance of this marker); Pier 39 Obsolete for Shipping? (within shouting distance of this marker); San Francisco's Most Popular Postcard. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Rare Moment of Cooperation (about 400 feet away); Our Legal Hassles. (about 500 feet away); A Fisherman's Tale (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
More about this marker. The marker is located on the upper level of Pier 39, mounted to the exterior wall of the Sea Lion Center, which is located towards the rear of the complex.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2021
2. The $25 Reward That Cost $2,416,825 Marker - wide view
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2021
3. The $25 Reward That Cost $2,416,825 Marker - wide view
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 21, 2021
4. Construction and Opening Day Plaques
At the front of the complex, mounted to the side of the Eagle Cafe (next to the fire extinguisher), are Construction and Opening Day plaques. Although opening day plaques are not that rare, to have one indicate the exact time of opening, 11:30am, is unusual.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 22, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
