Sentinel Building: A San Francisco Icon
Discover the iconic Sentinel Building in San Francisco's North Beach: a flatiron masterpiece with a rich history, home to film legends and a vibrant cafe culture at the crossroads of culture.
The Sentinel Building, also known as Columbus Tower, is a distinctive flatiron-style building located in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. Completed in 1907, it stands at the intersection of Columbus Avenue, Kearny Street, and Jackson Street, marking the convergence of North Beach, Chinatown, and the Financial District. Its copper-green exterior and unique shape make it a beloved landmark. Originally commissioned by political figure Abe Ruef, the building has housed a diverse range of tenants, including the legendary nightclub hungry i, and currently serves as the headquarters for Francis Ford Coppola's American Zoetrope film studio. Cafe Zoetrope, a popular bistro and wine shop, occupies the ground floor, offering a taste of Coppola's Napa Valley winery. A designated San Francisco Landmark, the Sentinel Building is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse into the city's rich history.
A brief summary to Sentinel Building
- 916 Kearny St, San Francisco, North Beach, California, 94133, US
Local tips
- Explore North Beach: Wander through the neighborhood's charming streets, discover hidden cafes, and soak in the Italian-American atmosphere.
- Visit Cafe Zoetrope: Enjoy a meal or a glass of wine at Francis Ford Coppola's cafe, located on the ground floor of the Sentinel Building.
- Take a photo: Capture the unique flatiron shape and copper-green exterior of the Sentinel Building for a memorable souvenir.
- Explore nearby attractions: Visit City Lights Bookstore, Washington Square Park, and other North Beach landmarks within walking distance.
- Consider public transport: The Sentinel Building is easily accessible by bus and cable car, making it a convenient destination for exploring San Francisco.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Fisherman's Wharf, take the F Market & Wharves streetcar towards downtown. Get off at the Columbus Avenue & Jackson Street stop, which is directly adjacent to the Sentinel Building. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.75 if you use a Clipper Card or the MuniMobile app. A day pass costs $5 and covers all Muni services except cable cars.
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Walking
From City Lights Bookstore on Columbus Avenue, walk north along Columbus Avenue for approximately 2 blocks. The Sentinel Building will be on your left, at the intersection of Columbus, Kearny, and Jackson. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 5-10 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Union Square, a taxi or ride-share to the Sentinel Building will cost approximately $15-25, depending on traffic and demand. The journey typically takes 10-15 minutes. Ask your driver to drop you off at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Jackson Street.
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Driving
Driving to the Sentinel Building can be challenging due to limited parking in the immediate area. Several parking garages are available within a few blocks, including the North Beach Garage (735 Vallejo St) and the Portsmouth Square Garage (733 Kearny St). Expect to pay around $30-45 for 2 hours of parking. Street parking is scarce and metered, with time limits strictly enforced.
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