SAN FRANCISCO—On July 1, the National Park Service unveiled the results of the $3 million, year-long restoration of Alcatraz.
The project improved and restored historic features such as the guardhouse, library, and schoolhouse. In addition to new roofing and fresh paint, the foundations of the structures were stabilized as well.
The refurbishments are expected to boost tourism, as well as bring in more revenue to Bay Area businesses.
Alcatraz Island is now a popular tourist attraction, with 1.5 million visitors a year. It is best known for its history as Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, the notorious high-security prison. Before it became the home of infamous criminals like Al Capone and “Birdman” Robert Franklin Stroud, Alcatraz was a military base. In those days, the island fortress featured guns, a moat, and a secure, controlled entryway referred to as a “sally port” in military jargon.
The restoration project uncovered artifacts from that era of the island’s history, including the original entrance sign, which reads “Alcatraces Island 1857.” A cannon port on the east side of the island has also been restored.
A park spokesperson has said that they plan to do still more repairs
