McAllister Tower Apartments

McAllister Tower is a 28-story Gothic Revival skyscraper in the Tenderloin with a facade of pale brick and dark ornamental metal plates. Today it serves as student housing operated by the University of California College of Law, accommodating approximately 300 residents.

Constructed in 1930 as Temple Methodist Episcopal Church and William Taylor Hotel, it served as federal offices during World War II. This evolution shows how the building shifted from religious and hospitality purposes to government use.

The Sky Room on the 24th floor was San Francisco's first public viewing lounge, shaping how visitors experienced the city from above before becoming student housing. This shift reflects how the building adapted to serve different groups over time.

The building is easy to locate in the Tenderloin neighborhood and its distinctive appearance makes it recognizable from the street. Access to the interior is typically limited to those with specific purposes, so viewing the architecture from outside is the best approach for most visitors.

The building contains the Great Hall, an original church element that remains unrefurbished and awaits transformation into a performance space. This hidden architectural feature shows how parts of the original church have been preserved within the modern skyscraper.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: January 1930

Architects: Miller and Pflueger

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Floors above the ground: 28

GPS coordinates: 37.78100,-122.41400

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:49