Secrets of the pyramid
Since its construction in 1972, the Transamerica Building has been one of the most recognized shapes in the city skyline, and at 853 feet remains the tallest. It has 48 floors and 18 elevators, and is covered in crushed quartz, which accounts for its light color. Initially, the building included an observation deck on the 27th floor, but that was closed following 9/11. It was designed by William Leonard Pereira (1909–1985), a prolific architect in Los Angeles who was fascinated by science fiction and had a reputation for futuristic designs. The building is owned by Aegon N.V., a Dutch company.
The structure is known not only for its shape and height but also for an unusual redwood grove at its base. The trees were transplanted here from the woodlands around Santa Cruz, and continue to gain height each year. The tallest redwoods in this little green haven top 350 feet. The park is a great place to enjoy lunch while gazing skyward at the vanishing tops of buildings and trees. There are wide benches, an open plaza, flowers, and a fountain full of frog sculptures, a reference to the Mark Twain story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” Twain once worked nearby. There is something primeval about this little enclave, which is in perfect counterpoint to the steel-and-glass monolith beside it.
Info
Address 600 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA, 94111 | Public Transport Bus: 10, 12 (Pacific Ave & Montgomery St stop); 41 (Clay St & Montgomery St stop) | Hours Mon–Fri 7am–5pm| Tip In the shadow of the Transamerica Pyramid stands the landmarked Sentinel Building (916 Kearny Street) with its majestic copper-green exterior. It is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, who also operates Cafe Zoetrope on the ground floor; a lovely spot for a glass of wine.
This park is one of more than 50 privately owned public open spaces (POPOS) in the downtown area. These include skyscraper rooftop decks (such as the one at 343 Sansome Street), sheltered atriums, walkways, and sculpture gardens. These spaces were part of the “1985 Downtown Plan” and as the district grows denser with new construction, they are becoming increasingly important. They also remain among the best-kept secrets of the city. The Redwood Park is open during weekly business hours, and closed on weekends.
Back
To the online map