Architect Explores San Francisco's Distinctive Styles | Walking Tour | Architectural Digest
1.0M views · 16 min · 2022
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Transamerica Pyramid
Landmark · Financial District
Offset window frames mean the sloping edge always ends in a full window, never a sliver.
Hallidie Building
Historic site · Financial District
The glass facade hangs on a metal armature over the sidewalk, a forerunner of Mad Men-era glass towers.
Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Building
Historic site · SoMa
Look above the entrance for the Bell System bell, plus rows of bells on the lower spandrel panels.
555 California Street
Landmark · Financial District
Seen as the start of the 'Manhattanization' of San Francisco, a building both loved and feared for creating downtown canyons.
Coit Tower
Landmark · Telegraph Hill
A hammer and sickle in the murals was painted over, but figures reaching for Das Kapital remain visible.
Painted Ladies
Landmark · Alamo Square
The bright colors only date from the late 1960s, when hippies renting cheaply painted them psychedelic shades.
The Wall (3200 Block of Pacific Avenue)
Landmark · Presidio Heights
3232 Pacific, Ernest Coxhead's 1902 home, is a prime example of First Bay Area style; one lot narrows to just 14 feet.
Golden Gate Bridge
Landmark · Presidio
The Navy wanted stripes; architect Irving Morrow insisted on orange. The name comes from the Golden Gate strait, not the color.
