Public Proposals for Alcatraz Island (1963-1976)

Alcatraz Penitentiary closed its doors and decommissioned the prison in 1963 because of high operational costs and deteriorating facilities. For many this was seen as an opportunity to use Alcatraz Island for various purposes. Many ideas were conceptualized by the public and sent to the mayor’s office. Here are some of the visions for Alcatraz.

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Pyramids

Borut Prah

An idea for building glass pyramids on Alcatraz Island
Om Dome

Robert Bell

An idea for a light and sound planetarium
Tour idea

Wayne J. Quint

Letter that discusses the idea of giving tours of Alcatraz Prison
Amusement Park

Alan Lewerenz

Letter from a middle school student with an idea for an amusement park on Alcatraz Island
Peace Pole

Margaret Valline

Idea for a wooden Peace Pole on Alcatraz Island
Statue of Justice Monument

Fredric Fosshage

An idea for placing a Statue of Justice Monument on Alcatraz Island
Torch of Peace

Dan Oliveri

An idea for a Torch of Peace on Alcatraz Island
Spirit of Freedom Monument

Charles W. Warburton

An idea for a Spirit of Freedom Monument for Alcatraz Island
Saint Francis Statue

Bernard J. Cassidy

Letter discussing an idea to build a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi on Alcatraz Island
Angel of Peace

Harry Johnson

Letter about building an Angel of Peace statue on Alcatraz Island