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.
Located at 130 Sutter Street, the Hallidie Building stands as a testament to San Francisco's forward-thinking spirit. Designed by Willis Polk and completed in 1918, it is named after Andrew Smith Hallidie, inventor of the cable car. The building's innovative glass curtain wall, a groundbreaking feature for its time, consists of operable glass panels set in a grid of steel mullions. Gilded ornamentation adorns the upper and lower floors, adding a touch of elegance to the modern design. The building's fire escapes are artfully integrated into the facade, contributing to its unique aesthetic. The Hallidie Building was originally commissioned by the University of California as an investment property. The university sought a design that would generate income through leased office space. Willis Polk embraced the challenge with a design that defied convention. Instead of the heavy masonry structures that dominated the cityscape, Polk envisioned a light, airy facade of glass and steel. The result was a building that appeared to float, its glass curtain wall suspended beyond the supporting pillars. This innovative design not only maximized natural light but also created a striking visual contrast with its neighbors. In 2010, the fire escapes and balconies were deemed unsafe, leading to a two-year restoration completed in 2013. Today, the Hallidie Building houses a variety of tenants, including the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), which opened its Center for Architecture + Design in the building's street-level retail space in 2023.
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.
A brief summary to Hallidie Building
- 130 Sutter St, San Francisco, Union Square, California, 94104, US
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.
