The 2008 Master Plan for SoMa (South of Market)
was a significant urban planning initiative that aimed to transform the rapidly evolving neighborhood in San Francisco. This comprehensive plan sought to guide the future development of the area, addressing key priorities such as zoning, transportation, public spaces, and architectural design.
In SoMa, where industrial echoes linger, the master plan sparked a bold transformation. Balancing heritage and innovation, it charts a course for a future that honors the past while embracing the new.
One of the central goals of the 2008 Master Plan was to foster a vibrant, mixed-use community that would attract residents, Social Media Companys, and visitors alike. This involved zoning changes to encourage a diverse range of land uses, from residential to commercial to cultural. The plan also emphasized the importance of enhancing public transportation options and creating pedestrian-friendly streetscapes to improve the overall walkability of the neighborhood.
The implementation of the 2008 Master Plan for SoMa has had a significant impact on the evolution of the district, paving the way for the construction of iconic architectural landmarks, the expansion of cultural institutions, and the growth of a thriving, dynamic community. As San Francisco continues to evolve, the legacy of this visionary plan remains an integral part of the city's urban fabric.
SFMOMA 2016 Expansion by Snøhetta
SFMOMA underwent a transformative expansion in 2016, led by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta.
The ambitious project tripled the museum's gallery space to 170,000 square feet.
Snøhetta's design features a distinctive rippling white façade inspired by San Francisco's fog and bay.
The expansion seamlessly integrates with Botta's original brick structure, creating a harmonious architectural dialogue.
Pacific Bell Telephone Building
(also known by its street address, 140 New Montgomery
- Built in 1925
- 140 New Montgomery
- Architect Firm: Miller and Pflueger
- 22 Floors/304 Feet
The building at 140 New Montgomery Street, formerly known as the Pacific Bell Telephone Building, is a striking example of early 20th-century Art Deco architecture. Built in 1925, it briefly held the distinction of being San Francisco's tallest building.
FUN FACT: A distinctive feature of this building is the series of eight eagle sculptures perched atop its crown. Each eagle measures approximately 13 feet in height, serving as both decorative elements and symbolic guardians overlooking the city.
Also the façade showcases bell motifs, particularly around the main entrance arch reflecting its original association with the Bell System
The lobby is adorned with images of plants, clouds, unicorns, and phoenixes, and features a plaster ceiling inspired by Chinese brocade.
Linkedin Building
- Built in 2016
- 222 Second Street
- Architect firm: Gensler/Thomas Phifer and Partners
- 26 floors, 37 feet
Designed by the architectural firms of Gensler and Thomas Phifer and Partners, the Linkedin Building at 222 Second Street is a striking addition to the San Francisco skyline. With its dark, angular facade, the building has earned the nicknames "Darth Vader" and "Black Swan" among locals.
Completed in 2016, this modern high-rise serves as the West Coast headquarters for the professional networking platform Linkedin. The building's unique design and prominent location make it a noteworthy example of contemporary architecture in the city.
GOOD TO KNOW: The artwork in the lobby of LinkedIn's building was created by renowned artist Frank Stella. The public space features three of his works: The Pequod Meets the Delight, Riallaro, and Shards Ill.
The Millennium Tower continues to be under a spotlight of international mockery.
JP Morgan Chase Building
- Built in 2000
- 560 Mission Street
- Architects: Cesar Pelli & Associates
- 31 Floors/420 Feet
JP Morgan Chase Building (2000) is a 31-story minimalist tower located at 560 Mission Street in San Francisco. Designed by the architecture firm Cesar Pelli & Associates,
NOTED FEATURE: wrapped in black ribbons of steel, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Rising 420 feet tall, the JP Morgan Chase Building is a prominent fixture in the city's financial district. Its clean, geometric design and lack of ornamentation exemplify the minimalist architectural style that was popular during the late 20th century.
NOT TO BE MISSED: the building features a publicly accessible plaza that includes a kinetic sculpture by artist George Rickey titled "Annular Eclipse." This stainless steel artwork is positioned above a granite- lined reflecting pool, creating a dynamic visual experience as it moves gently with the wind. The plaza, designed by landscape architect Christian Lemon of Hart Howerton, offers a serene environment with terraces of grass, bamboo groves, and potted Japanese maple trees. This space has been recognized as one of San Francisco's best privately owned public open spaces (POPOS), providing a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city. The integration of Rickey's "Annular Eclipse" within this thoughtfully designed plaza exemplifies the building's commitment try hancing public spaces through art and landscape architecture.
Eco-Friendly Features – The building was one of the first in San Francisco to incorporate green building elements, including energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials.
345 California Center: "Tweezer Towers"
- Built 1986
- 345 California Center
- Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Designed by the renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in 1986, the 345 California Center is a distinctive pair of office towers located in San Francisco's financial district. Nicknamed the "Tweezer Towers", this landmark building features two sleek, parallel structures that rise 48 stories above the city.
GOOD TO KNOW: The 345 California Center stands as a notable example of integrating modern architecture with historic preservation. During its construction, developers made a conscious effort to respect the surrounding historic buildings, demonstrating how new developments could coexist with and enhance the existing architectural heritage. This approach was significant for building preservation in the city, as it served as a model for future developments in urban environments. The project preserved several historic structures, including the J.H. Dollar Building, the Robert Dollar Building, the 220 Sansome Street Building, and the 200 Pine Street Building. By placing the modern tower in the middle of the block, these historic buildings were able to remain intact, showcasing the importance of blending new structures with historical contexts. This thoughtful design not only preserved the area's architectural history but also set a precedent for harmonious coexistence between old and new in urban development.
Fun Fact The 345 California Center is nicknamed the "Tweezer Towers" because of its twin-tower design, which resembles a giant pair of tweezers when viewed from certain angles. The two distinct sections of the building are set at a 45-degree angle to the main structure, creating a V-shape that gives it the appearance of an oversized pair of tweezers gripping the sky. This playful nickname has stuck over the years, making it one of the more uniquely recognized buildings in San Francisco's skyline!
The Four Seasons Hotel currently occupies the top 11 floors of the building
Noted feature: Experience the dazzling display as sunlight transforms the top posts into beacons of brilliance, thanks to their reflective covering.
Shell Building
Built in 1929
100 Bush Street
Architect: George Kelham
28 Floors/382 Feet
Shell Building (1929) 100 Bush is an early 20th century skyscraper located in the heart of San Francisco's financial district. Designed by architect George Kelham, this 26-story office building is a prime example of the Art Deco architectural style that was popular during the 1920s.
Completed in 1929, the Shell Building's striking stepped-back design and decorative terra cotta ornamentation are hallmarks of the Art Deco aesthetic. The building's distinctive setback profile, with its series of diminishing upper floors, creates a dramatic silhouette on the city skyline.
In addition to its innovative architectural design, the Shell Building is also notable for its association with the Shell Oil Company, which occupied the building for many years as its West Coast headquarters. This historical connection has further cemented the building's status as a beloved landmark of San Francisco's downtown commercial district.
Today, the Shell Building continues to stand as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage, blending classic early 20th century styling with the bold, modern forms that would come to define the skyscrapers of the future.
FUN FACT: Art Deco Details Hidden in Plain Sight: While its overall form is classically Art Deco, many of the intricate decorative details are subtle and easily missed from street level. The building features stylized shell motifs (fitting, given its name) and other geometric patterns that are best appreciated up close. This attention to detail reflects the craftsmanship of the era, and often surprises those who only see the building from a distance.
Shell Oil Company, a major player in the oil and gas industry, is the American subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, a global energy corporation. The company was founded in 1912 as the American branch of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group, which was established in 1907 through the merger of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and the "Shell" Transport and Trading Company Ltd of the United Kingdom. This merger was aimed at competing with the dominant Standard Oil in the burgeoning oil market. Throughout the 20th century, Shell Oil Company expanded its operations across the United States, becoming a leading producer and marketer of oil and natural gas. The company was instrumental in pioneering various technological advancements in the industry, including the development of new drilling techniques and refining processes. Shell's commitment to innovation and sustainability has continued into the 21st century, as it invests in renewable energy sources and works towards reducing its carbon footprint. The Shell Building in San Francisco, which served as the company's headquarters, stands as a testament to Shell Oil's historical influence and economic significance in the American energy sector.
147 Natoma
This former 1909 firehouse building has a rich history and has become a beloved cult hit among locals and visitors alike. Originally constructed in the early 20th century to serve as a fire station, the building has since been repurposed and now stands as a unique and iconic structure within the city's architectural landscape.
Despite its transformation, the building has managed to retain much of its original character and charm. From its distinctive red-brick facade to its ornate details and design elements, the former firehouse continues to captivate those who encounter it, earning it a dedicated following among those who appreciate San Francisco's architectural heritage.
Now serving a new purpose, this historic building has become a hub of activity, attracting visitors and locals alike who come to explore its unique features and soak in the atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind structure. Whether you're a architecture enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the city's rich history, this former firehouse is a must-see destination on any San Francisco walking tour.
Fun Fact: Notably, it still features an authentic fire pole in the lobby, a remnant from its original use.
145 Natoma
Completed in 1971, The building at 145 Natoma Street was designed by Thomas Lile is a notable piece of architecture, particularly recognized for its distinctive red brick curved balconies.It's considered an excellent example of Late Modern architecture. The curved brick balconies and the ground-floor window openings are hallmarks of the playful architectural style of the 1970s.Its most striking feature is the series of projecting, open-air balconies with their curved red brick supports
FUN FACT: Today, a "cult favorite" among architecture enthusiasts and critics
Natoma Cabana
The Natoma Cabana, located at 90 Natoma St, San Francisco, is a tropical-inspired bar that offers a unique and inviting atmosphere. With its wicker furnishings, lush greenery, and vibrant art, the Natoma Cabana transports visitors to a cozy, Caribbean-inspired oasis in the heart of the city.
Beyond the charming interior, the Natoma Cabana's exterior is equally eye-catching. The building's facade has been transformed by the vibrant, colorful mural painted by local street artist Ian Ross, adding to the bar's playful and artistic vibe.
FUN FACT: the building was completed in 1921 and was originally a printing press factory hence the interior skylight which had flooded the interior with natural light perfect for operating the printing presses
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Mission Dolores: San Francisco's Oldest building
Established in 1776, Mission San Francisco de Asís (popularly known as Mission Dolores) stands as the oldest surviving structure in San Francisco. The mission was founded by Spanish colonists led by Father Francisco Palóu under the direction of Father Junípero Serra as the sixth of California's 21 missions.
The original adobe mission church, completed in 1791, remains remarkably intact despite surviving two major earthquakes in 1906 and 1989. Its four-foot-thick walls, redwood beams, and distinctive Spanish colonial architecture showcase traditional building techniques of the era. The colorful painted ceiling, featuring indigenous-inspired patterns, was created by native Ohlone artisans.
Architectural Features
- Hand-carved redwood altar from Mexico
- Original rawhide-lashed roof beams
- Traditional adobe brick construction
- Historic cemetery adjacent to the mission
Historical Significance
- Survived the 1906 earthquake when most of the city was destroyed
- Named after the nearby creek, Arroyo de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores
- Designated as California Historical Landmark #327
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The adjacent basilica, built in 1918, stands in stark contrast to the original mission with its ornate Spanish Baroque style. The mission complex also features a peaceful garden and cemetery where many notable early Californians are buried, including the first Mexican governor of Alta California, Luis Antonio Argüello.
Today, Mission Dolores serves as both an active parish church and a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into San Francisco's earliest days. It remains a powerful symbol of the city's Spanish colonial heritage and continues to be a significant cultural and religious landmark in the Mission District.
Unveiling History: San Francisco's Sunken Ships Map
