Both submitted preliminary proposals to the city officials this month. Each company says its proposal will transform the former military base into a combination of residential neighborhoods and commercial space.

Both proposals follow the city's 1996 guidelines for redeveloping the island. The difference is Navillus Associates' proposal has more housing, while Treasure Island Community Development officials envision more entertainment and retail.

Navillus Associates, a joint venture that includes Cushman & Wakefield and Dinwiddie Construction, is suggesting three 12-story hotels that would line the island's southwestern edge, including a 12-story time-share resort nearby. In addition, the company envisions a museum devoted to the bay's ecosystem, an entertainment center – possibly with an Imax theater - and a shopping center that includes restaurants. Finally, Navillus' proposal also calls for a small wetland of 18.5 acres that would cover the northeast corner of the island, and a possible Grand Prix car racetrack.

Treasure Island Community Development, comprised of Kenwood Investors and the Lennar Corp., says it would build more than 3,000 one- and two-story homes, complementing the existing 1,000 homes on the island. In addition, the group says it will build a cluster of retail stores and offices near a residential park in the center of the neighborhood to serve the residents, while hotels would be located on the island's southwest corner. Existing film production soundstages next to the marina would be central to any new entertainment venues.

According to city officials, it will be months before the proposals gain serious support from the city or the Treasure Island Project Authority. First, it must be decided if the two groups are qualified to take on such an enormous project. Once that is established, city officials and the Treasure Island Project Authority still have to determine exactly what they would like to see on the island.

The island, which took three years to evolve, was created after local citizens wanted to hold a fair to celebrate the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge and recognize the thriving economic, political and cultural force enveloping the Pacific region and San Francisco area. While six sites were considered, the locale was eventually chosen because of its accessibility from all parts of the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Development Groups Submit Proposals to Transform Treasure Island

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