Hallidie Building: A Pioneering Glass Curtain Wall
A pioneering architectural marvel in San Francisco's Financial District, featuring a revolutionary glass curtain wall design from 1918.
The Hallidie Building in San Francisco's Financial District is a landmark of architectural innovation. Completed in 1918 and designed by Willis Polk, it's celebrated as one of the first buildings in the U.S. to feature a glass curtain wall facade, honoring cable car inventor Andrew Smith Hallidie. Its unique design and historical significance make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
A brief summary to Hallidie Building
- 130 Sutter St, San Francisco, Union Square, California, 94104, US
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the interplay of light and shadow on the building's glass curtain wall.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Union Square, just steps away, for a taste of San Francisco's vibrant culture.
- Look closely at the building's fire escapes; they're not just functional but also an integral part of the architectural design.
Getting There
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Walking
From Union Square, walk east on Geary Street for two blocks until you reach Kearny Street. Turn right onto Kearny Street and walk south for approximately two blocks until you reach Sutter Street. Turn left onto Sutter Street, and the Hallidie Building will be on your right at 130 Sutter St. This walk should take about 10-15 minutes.
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Public Transport
From the Powell Street BART station, head north towards Market Street. Exit the station and walk northeast on Market Street, then turn left onto Sutter Street. The Hallidie Building will be on your right, a short walk from the station. A single ride on BART costs approximately $2.50-$4.00 depending on the distance traveled. Numerous Muni bus lines also serve the area, with a single ride costing around $3.00.
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Cable Car
For a classic San Francisco experience, take the Powell-Hyde or Powell-Mason cable car. Board the cable car at Powell Street, about 3 blocks from Union Square. Ride the cable car up to the Powell & Sutter stop. Once you disembark, walk one block east on Sutter Street, and you will reach Hallidie Building at 130 Sutter St. A one-way fare on the cable car is $8.00.
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