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Salesforce Tower: San Francisco's Soaring Landmark

San Francisco's tallest skyscraper, Salesforce Tower, redefines the city's skyline with its modern design, sustainable features, and connection to the vibrant Salesforce Transit Center and Park.

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Dominating the San Francisco skyline, Salesforce Tower is a modern architectural marvel and the city's tallest building. Designed by César Pelli, this 61-story skyscraper is a visual spectacle, featuring a sleek glass and steel curtain wall and a distinctive obelisk shape. While primarily an office building, its presence has reshaped the city's landscape and symbolizes San Francisco's innovative spirit. The tower is directly connected to the Salesforce Transit Center and the elevated Salesforce Park, offering a unique blend of urban development and green space. Although public access to the Ohana Floor is limited, the tower's exterior and surrounding area provide a compelling experience for visitors, especially with the 'Day for Night' public art installation illuminating its crown each evening. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a must-see for anyone exploring downtown San Francisco.

A brief summary to Salesforce Tower

Local tips

  • Visit Salesforce Park, the rooftop garden connected to the Transit Center, for a unique urban oasis experience.
  • View the 'Day for Night' public art installation on the tower's crown in the evening for a mesmerizing light show.
  • Check for occasional public tours of the Ohana Floor for panoramic city views, though access is limited.
  • Explore the area around the tower, including the Salesforce Transit Center, for a taste of San Francisco's modern urban development.
  • Use public transportation to reach the tower, as it's well-connected via Muni and BART.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    For the final approach to Salesforce Tower, utilize San Francisco's efficient public transportation system. From anywhere in the city, take BART or Muni to the Salesforce Transit Center. Several bus lines also stop near the tower, including the 114, 14R, 292, 38R, and 5R. From the Transit Center, the tower is a short walk away, clearly visible. A single ride on Muni costs $2.50, while BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    If arriving by taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft), request a drop-off at the corner of Mission Street and Fremont Street, directly in front of Salesforce Tower. Be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours. A short ride from Union Square typically costs between $15-$25, depending on traffic and surge pricing.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Financial District or SoMa, walking to Salesforce Tower is straightforward. From Market Street, walk south on First Street or Fremont Street towards Mission Street. The tower is easily recognizable and accessible from all directions. Be mindful of pedestrian crossings and traffic signals.

  • Driving

    Driving directly to Salesforce Tower is possible, but parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited and expensive. Several parking garages are located within a few blocks, including those at 110 Main St, 81 Fremont St, and 521 Mission St. Expect to pay between $35-$55 for a few hours of parking. Be aware of traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Some parking garages offer validated parking for tenants of Salesforce Tower.

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Discover more about Salesforce Tower

Salesforce Tower, located at 415 Mission Street in the heart of San Francisco's SoMa district, is more than just an office building; it's a statement. Completed in 2018, this skyscraper stands as the tallest in San Francisco, a testament to modern architectural ambition and the city's thriving tech industry. Designed by the renowned Argentine-American architect César Pelli, the tower reaches a height of 1,070 feet (326 meters), surpassing the iconic Transamerica Pyramid by a significant margin and becoming a defining feature of the city's skyline. The tower's design is characterized by its sleek, obelisk-like form, smoothly tapering towards the top. A grid of metal fins runs vertically along the building's exterior, adding texture and depth to its glass and steel curtain wall. The building's construction is an engineering feat, with multiple load-bearing pillars extending deep into the bedrock below, ensuring stability on the city's reclaimed land. Each floor incorporates 'brises soleil,' sunshades designed to maximize natural light while reducing solar heat gain, contributing to the building's overall sustainability. Salesforce Tower is not just a visual landmark; it's also designed with sustainability in mind. The building incorporates water conservation measures and high-efficiency air intake systems. Perhaps the most visible feature is the public art installation at the top of the tower, known as 'Day for Night' by local artist Jim Campbell. This installation uses over 11,000 LEDs to display mesmerizing video animations every evening, creating a dynamic and ever-changing display that can be seen from miles away. The tower is directly connected to the Salesforce Transit Center, a state-of-the-art transportation hub that aims to be the 'Grand Central Station of the West.' This connection seamlessly integrates the tower into the city's public transportation network, providing easy access to various parts of the Bay Area. Above the transit center lies Salesforce Park, a 5.4-acre rooftop garden offering a green oasis in the heart of the city. This park features walking trails, gardens, public art, and performance venues, creating a unique blend of urban and natural environments. While the primary function of Salesforce Tower is to serve as office space, particularly for Salesforce, the software company that gives the building its name, there is public interest in accessing the Ohana Floor, the 61st floor observation deck and lounge. However, public access is limited, primarily available through occasional tours or for non-profit events. The Ohana Floor offers stunning panoramic views of San Francisco, making it a coveted destination for those who get the chance to visit. The construction of Salesforce Tower was a significant undertaking, costing over $1.1 billion. The project was part of a larger redevelopment plan for the area surrounding the Transbay Transit Center, aiming to revitalize the neighborhood and create a vibrant mixed-use district. The tower's presence has undoubtedly transformed the area, attracting businesses, residents, and visitors alike. Despite its modern design, Salesforce Tower has faced some criticism, with some viewing it as a symbol of the 'Manhattanization' of San Francisco, altering the city's unique character. However, its architectural significance, sustainable features, and integration with public spaces make it a notable addition to the city's landscape. Visiting Salesforce Tower primarily involves experiencing its exterior and the surrounding area. The tower's location in the heart of the Financial District makes it easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can admire the tower's impressive architecture from street level, explore Salesforce Park, and enjoy the 'Day for Night' light installation in the evening. While access to the Ohana Floor is limited, the tower's presence and surrounding amenities offer a compelling experience for anyone exploring downtown San Francisco. Salesforce Tower stands as a symbol of San Francisco's ambition, innovation, and commitment to sustainable urban development. Its towering presence, architectural design, and integration with public spaces make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city.

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