Three Embarcadero Center

Three Embarcadero Center is a 31-story tower with a glass and steel facade that stands along the San Francisco waterfront district. Inside, the building holds office floors, retail shops, and dining options that occupy the lower levels and serve both workers and visitors.

The tower opened in 1977 as part of the Embarcadero Center complex, which was designed to reshape the downtown business district. Architect John C. Portman Jr. created this project to transform how urban spaces could be organized and used.

The tower is part of a larger complex that weaves together office spaces, shops, and public walkways into one interconnected area. Visitors can move through the open plazas and corridors that link different parts of the neighborhood together.

Public areas of the building are generally open during daytime hours, with clear elevator and stairway access throughout. The location near BART and MUNI transit stations makes it straightforward to get there and move around the downtown area.

The building was originally known by the name of its original corporate tenant and employs modernist design with expansive interior spaces. These generous spaces allow natural light to flood in through the windows, keeping the work areas bright throughout the day.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: 1977

Architects: John C. Portman Jr.

Official opening: 1977

Floors above the ground: 31

Address: 155 Clay Street, San Francisco, CA, United States

GPS coordinates: 37.79510,-122.39700

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:03