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Behold Building 1, whose design is as artificial as the island underneath it. It is the twin of a former European airport terminal, recreated here to serve as the administrative center for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. On Tuesday, San Francisco officials signed a transfer deal to finally pass ownership of Treasure Island from the Navy to the city.

Steer Clear

The construction of Treasure Island began in 1936 on top of a treacherous sandbar, where the water depth ranged from 2 to 26 feet. Ships avoided this navigational hazard that was derided as “waste territory.”

Can-Do Attitude

The United States Army Corps of Engineers built the island in 181/2 months out of 20 million cubic yards of rock. Spanning 403 acres, it was the largest artificial island on earth.

No Runways Now

After the exposition, Building 1 was supposed to be part of San Francisco's international airport, but the city swapped Treasure Island to the Navy in exchange for Mills Field in Millbrae.

Movie Model

Identical to — although smaller than — Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Building 1 served as a less-expensive stand-in for the German structure in the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

Underground Victory

During World War II, Treasure Island was the primary West Coast departure point for sailors. Adm. Chester Nimitz conducted the war in the Pacific from the basement theater of Building 1.

Raunchy Rodeo

The amusement park at the 1939 exposition was called Gayway. Attractions were thrill rides, freak shows and Sally Rand's Nude Ranch, which had topless cowgirls wearing only boots, hats, scarves and strategically placed pistol holders.

Huge Hopes

The monumental figures outside Building 1 represent the Pacific Unity theme of the fair.

Buying it Back

After disputing the value of Treasure Island since 1993, the city and the Navy agreed on a deal. The Navy will receive $55 million over 10 years, and an additional $50 million and 35 percent of net revenues after return-on-investment costs.

The Quake Factor

Tony Hall, the former executive director of Treasure Island, described it as a “seismically unsafe toxic landfill 8 to 15 feet deep,” on top of one of the strongest fault lines in California.