Flood Building: A San Francisco Icon

A historic San Francisco landmark in Union Square, the Flood Building offers stunning architecture and a vibrant mix of businesses, embodying the city's enduring spirit and resilience.

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The Flood Building, a Beaux-Arts landmark at the bustling intersection of Market and Powell Streets, stands as a testament to San Francisco's resilience and architectural grandeur. Completed in 1904, it was once the city's tallest building and remarkably survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire. Today, it remains a vibrant hub, housing diverse businesses and retail spaces. Its prime location, adjacent to the Powell Street cable car turnaround and BART station, makes it easily accessible and a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The Flood Building is more than just an office building; it's a symbol of San Francisco's enduring spirit and a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history.

A brief summary to Flood Building

870 Market St, San Francisco, Union Square, California, 94102, US
+1415-982-3298
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Local tips

Explore the building's lobby to admire its original marble floors, walls, and columns, showcasing the elegance of early 20th-century architecture.
Visit the Flood Building as part of a walking tour of Union Square to experience the heart of San Francisco's shopping, dining, and cultural scene.
Take a ride on the Powell Street cable car, which stops right outside the Flood Building, for a quintessential San Francisco experience.

Getting There

Public Transport

The Flood Building is directly adjacent to the Powell Street BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station. Exit the station at the Powell Street exit, and the Flood Building is immediately visible. BART fares vary depending on your origin station, but a typical short trip within San Francisco costs around $1.95-$2.10. The Flood Building is also served by several Muni bus lines. Check the Muni website or app for specific routes and schedules. A single Muni bus fare is $3.00.
Cable Car

The Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason cable car lines both terminate at the Powell Street turntable, right in front of the Flood Building. A single ride on the cable car costs $8.00. Tickets can be purchased at the cable car terminals or from the conductor. Consider purchasing a Muni Passport for unlimited rides on cable cars, buses and metro.
Walking

From Union Square, walk south along Powell Street for one block. The Flood Building will be on your left, at the corner of Powell and Market Streets. The walk is short and flat, taking only a few minutes.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are readily available throughout San Francisco. A short ride from Fisherman's Wharf or downtown hotels to the Flood Building will typically cost between $15-$25, depending on traffic and demand.
Driving

Driving directly to the Flood Building is possible, but parking in the immediate area can be challenging and expensive. There is no on-site parking at the Flood Building. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, including the Ellis-O'Farrell Garage and the Fifth & Mission/Yerba Buena Garage. Expect to pay $20-$40 for a few hours of parking. Consider using a parking app like SpotHero to find and reserve a spot in advance.

Discover more about Flood Building

The Flood Building, located at 870 Market Street in San Francisco, is a historic landmark that embodies the city's resilience and architectural splendor. Rising twelve stories above the intersection of Market and Powell Streets, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece has been a prominent feature of the Union Square area for over a century. Commissioned by James L. Flood, son of the Comstock Lode millionaire James Clair Flood, the building was designed by architect Albert Pissis and completed in 1904. It was intended as a tribute to Flood's father and quickly became the largest building in San Francisco at the time, costing $1.5 million to construct. The Flood Building replaced the Baldwin Hotel and Theatre, which had been destroyed by a fire in 1898, marking a new era of prosperity and growth for the city. Just two years after its completion, the Flood Building faced its greatest challenge: the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. Remarkably, the building survived with relatively minor damage, a testament to its robust steel-frame construction and the quality of its materials. While much of the city was reduced to rubble, the Flood Building stood tall, becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for San Franciscans. The interior, however, required two years of restoration before it could fully reopen. The building's architecture is a prime example of the Beaux-Arts style, characterized by its symmetrical design, classical details, and grand scale. The exterior is clad in grey Colusa sandstone, while the lobby features imported marble floors, walls, and columns, as well as intricately carved wood stair rails. The building's rounded prow commands the corner of Powell and Market Streets, offering stunning views of the cable car turnaround and the bustling cityscape. Throughout its history, the Flood Building has served various purposes. From 1907 to 1917, it housed the headquarters of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Later, it became a center for medical and dental offices, a function it maintained through the 1940s. In the mid-20th century, the building underwent some interior modifications to accommodate larger office spaces. Many San Franciscans fondly remember the Flood Building as the home of Woolworth's Department Store, a beloved five-and-dime that occupied the basement and first two floors until 1996. The Woolworth's store was the largest in the United States until 1992, when it was downsized. In recent years, the Flood Building has undergone extensive renovations to restore its original grandeur and modernize its facilities. The Flood family, who still own the building, have been committed to preserving its historic character while adapting it to the needs of contemporary businesses. Today, the Flood Building houses a diverse mix of tenants, including retail stores, professional service firms, non-profit organizations, and consulates. Urban Outfitters is a major retail tenant. The building's location, adjacent to the Powell Street BART station and cable car turnaround, makes it easily accessible to both locals and tourists. The Flood Building's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is a vibrant hub of activity, a place where people work, shop, and connect with the city. Its location at the intersection of Market and Powell Streets places it at the heart of San Francisco's commercial and tourist district, surrounded by shops, restaurants, theaters, and hotels. The building is a popular spot for visitors who come to ride the cable cars, explore Union Square, and experience the city's unique atmosphere. The Flood Building also plays a role in San Francisco's cultural landscape. It has been featured in numerous films and television shows, and its image is often used to represent the city. The building's rich history and architectural significance have made it a beloved landmark for generations of San Franciscans. As San Francisco continues to evolve, the Flood Building remains a constant presence, a reminder of the city's past and a symbol of its enduring spirit. Its elegant facade, bustling lobby, and prime location make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting San Francisco. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply experiencing the city's vibrant atmosphere, the Flood Building offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of San Francisco. The Flood Building stands not only as a physical structure but also as a living testament to San Francisco's ability to overcome adversity and thrive. It has weathered earthquakes, fires, economic downturns, and social changes, emerging each time stronger and more resilient. Its story is intertwined with the story of San Francisco itself, a city that has always embraced innovation, diversity, and a spirit of unwavering optimism. Today, as you stand at the corner of Market and Powell Streets, gazing up at the Flood Building's majestic facade, take a moment to appreciate its significance. It is more than just a building; it is a symbol of San Francisco's past, present, and future, a place where history and modernity come together to create a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Flood Building

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The Samuels Clock

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Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

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Phelan Building

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The San Francisco Mint

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Powell St & Geary St

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Old Chronicle building (Historical Landmark)

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450 Sutter Street

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Stockton Street Tunnel (1914)

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Tenderloin Museum

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Chinatown Landmark

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Essential places to dine

ONE65 San Francisco

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The Rotunda

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MKT Restaurant and Bar

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LUCE

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Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

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Sears Fine Food

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Cesario's

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Mourad

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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Urban Outfitters

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Gift Shop

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Louis Vuitton San Francisco Union Square

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Hermes San Francisco Store

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Maison Margiela San Francisco

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Saks Fifth Avenue

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DIOR San Francisco Post Street

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Angelic Pretty San Francisco

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Secret Shop

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SFMOMa Museum Store

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Butterfly's Gift Shop Inc

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Fashion House & Gifts

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China Station

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Oriental Treasures San Francisco

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Flood Building: A San Francisco Icon

A brief summary to Flood Building

Local tips

Getting There

Public Transport

Cable Car

Walking

Taxi/Ride-Share

Driving

Unlock the Best of Flood Building

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Flood Building

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Flood Building

The Samuels Clock

Cable Car Turnaround Powell St.

Phelan Building

The San Francisco Mint

Powell St & Geary St

Dewey Monument

Monument to American Squadron, Manila Bay

Frank Lloyd Wright Spiral Interior

San Francisco Ghosts

Old Chronicle building (Historical Landmark)

450 Sutter Street

Stockton Street Tunnel (1914)

Tenderloin Museum

Chinatown Landmark

Unmissable attractions to see

Sister Cities of San Francisco Sign

The Selfie Market

Union Square

Hearts of San Francico Art Sculpture

The Contemporary Jewish Museum

American Conservatory Theater

Heart of San Francisco Series

Painted Ladies Tour Company

San Francisco Magic Theater (w/Jay Alexander) at the Marrakech

Yerba Buena Gardens

Lotta's Fountain

Children's Creativity Museum

The Haunt SF Ghost Tours

White Wolf Private Tours

Museum of the African Diaspora

Essential places to dine

ONE65 San Francisco

Kin Khao

The Rotunda

MKT Restaurant and Bar

LUCE

Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

Sears Fine Food

Cesario's

E&O Kitchen and Bar

Roxanne Cafe

Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc

Bouche

Sons & Daughters

Café de la Presse

Mourad

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Urban Outfitters

Gift Shop

Louis Vuitton San Francisco Union Square

Cuyana

Hermes San Francisco Store

Maison Margiela San Francisco

Saks Fifth Avenue

DIOR San Francisco Post Street

Angelic Pretty San Francisco

Secret Shop

SFMOMa Museum Store

Butterfly's Gift Shop Inc

Fashion House & Gifts

China Station

Oriental Treasures San Francisco

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Johnny Foley's Irish House