Southern Pacific Building, Historical skyscraper in Financial District, San Francisco, United States.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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