Rincon Center

Rincon Center is a Streamline Moderne building complex occupying an entire city block near the Embarcadero and featuring a five-story interior atrium with a skylight. Stone relief friezes depicting dolphins adorn the exterior facade.

The building opened in 1940 as the Rincon Annex post office and served as a major postal processing center with around 1,500 workers. Operations shifted to another location in 1979, ending its role as an active postal facility.

The structure displays the flowing curves and smooth surfaces of the Streamline Moderne style, with geometric patterns evoking motion and water. You can see this design language clearly in the exterior details and interior courtyards as you walk through.

The complex sits at the intersection of Mission and Spear Streets in downtown San Francisco, making it easy to locate. Today you can enter the building to explore the interior atrium and browse shops, restaurants, and offices.

The 1988 renovation was an ambitious project that added two stories to the complex while respecting Gilbert Stanley Underwood's original design. This expansion allowed the building to house modern apartments, shops, and offices while preserving its historic character.

Location: San Francisco

Architects: Gilbert Stanley Underwood

Architectural style: Streamline Moderne

GPS coordinates: 37.79250,-122.39306

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44