Southern Pacific Building, Historical skyscraper in Financial District, San Francisco, United States.
Description
The Southern Pacific Building is a twelve-story skyscraper with Italian Renaissance architecture made of brick and terracotta elements in the Financial District. Its E-shaped floor plan allows natural light to reach deep into all office spaces.
History
The building was constructed in 1917 as the headquarters for Southern Pacific Railroad and was the tallest steel-framed skyscraper in the western United States at completion. It shaped how tall buildings would be designed in the region afterward.
Culture
The marble lobby and decorated ceiling show how wealthy companies of the early 1900s displayed their status through architecture. Walking inside, you notice the craftsmanship of builders and artisans who carefully designed every detail.
Practical
The building sits in a central location with direct connections to public transit and is easy to reach on foot. Access inside is limited, so it is best to view the exterior and the publicly accessible lobby area.
Did you know?
Eight original elevator guide rails remain preserved from 1917 and show the engineering work from that era. These rare remnants offer a glimpse into early elevator system solutions used in tall buildings.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (San Francisco).
Embarcadero Center
275 m
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
106 m
Vaillancourt Fountain
156 m
101 California Street
290 m
Pacific Gas & Electric Building
258 m
Mohandas K. Gandhi
273 m
Rincon Center
239 m
San Francisco Railway Museum
119 m
Four Embarcadero Center
179 m
50 California Street
176 m
One California
197 m
Piers in San Francisco
357 m
Two Embarcadero Center
282 m
123 Mission Street
234 m
45 Fremont Center
358 m
Three Embarcadero Center
214 m
333 Market Street
293 m
388 Market Street
331 m
Providian Financial Building
312 m
Ferry Station Post Office Building
343 m
Matson Building
221 m
Audiffred Building
326 m
150 California Street
268 m
50 Beale Street
324 m
Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building and Annex
189 m
Apollo
346 m
Pier 1
329 m
Spear Tower
97 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes