555 California Street

555 California Street is a 52-story office tower in San Francisco's Financial District rising 779 feet (237 meters) with a granite facade featuring thousands of bay windows. The pale stone exterior gives the structure a crisp appearance, while the regular pattern of windows lends the tower a rhythmic quality.

The tower was completed in 1969 and held the title of tallest building west of the Mississippi until 1972. The Transamerica Pyramid then surpassed it in height, ending its brief reign.

The plaza contains the black granite sculpture 'Transcendence' by Masayuki Nagare, which locals refer to as the Banker's Heart. The dark stone work contrasts with the pale facade and serves as a meeting point for office workers during lunch breaks.

The tower houses 38 elevators serving all floors, with direct access to public transit stations within walking distance. Parking options are available on surrounding streets and in nearby garages.

The upper floors feature irregular cutouts designed to echo the silhouette of the Sierra Nevada range. This design gives the roofline a jagged profile that stands out from certain angles.

Location: San Francisco

Location: California Street

Inception: 1969

Architects: Pietro Belluschi, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, William Wurster

Official opening: 1969

Floors above the ground: 52

Elevators: 38

Website: http://555cal.com

GPS coordinates: 37.79208,-122.40376

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:35