200 Powell Street, Historic building in Union Square, San Francisco, US
200 Powell Street is a historic commercial building from 1913 in Union Square with three levels and about 8,000 square feet of retail space distributed across ground, second, and basement floors. The building underwent full restoration with its original terracotta parapet recreated using modern materials to maintain the historical facade while meeting contemporary safety codes.
The building was constructed in 1913 during the early commercial development of this part of downtown. Its major restoration in 2008 revived the original architectural details and adapted the structure for contemporary use while respecting its historic character.
The building sits at a busy corner of the city where shops and foot traffic create a working commercial space. Its restored facade with period details adds to the neighborhood's character and shows how older structures remain active in San Francisco's downtown today.
The building sits at the corner of Powell and Geary Streets, a central crossroads with good access from multiple directions. Its location on a busy corner makes it easy to find and convenient to reach when exploring or shopping in the area.
The parapet was recreated using advanced materials that are more earthquake-resistant than the original terracotta, an invisible upgrade that strengthens the building's safety. This approach demonstrates how historic structures can gain modern protection without compromising their appearance.
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