What is the Bellaire Tower known for?

Bellaire Tower, also known as the "Jewel" of Russian Hill, is a historic 20-story Art Deco building designed by architect H.C. Baumann and built in 1930.

Where is Bellaire Tower located?

It is located at 1101 Green Street, perched atop Russian Hill in San Francisco, California.

What are the architectural features of the building?

The building features an Art Deco exterior with ornate columns, arches, and a Portland cement parge finish. Its structure consists of structural steel framing with reinforced-concrete floor slabs and exterior walls.

Is the building structurally resilient?

Yes, it was one of the first residential high-rises in San Francisco built to comply with post-1906 earthquake seismic codes, which allowed it to withstand the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake.

Who has lived in the Bellaire Tower?

Former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom once lived in the Bellaire Tower.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Bellaire Tower in San Francisco

Bellaire Tower

Known as the "Jewel" of Russian Hill, this 20-story Art Deco landmark is a masterpiece of structural resilience and early seismic engineering designed by architect H.C. Baumann.

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What to know

Perched atop Russian Hill at 1101 Green Street, the Bellaire Tower is a striking 20-story residential high-rise. Completed in 1930 and designed by architect H.C. Baumann, the building is affectionately known as the "Jewel" of the neighborhood. It is recognized as a San Francisco Point of Historical Interest, blending elegance with significant engineering foresight. The tower is a prime example of Art Deco architecture, featuring an exterior that spans 80,000 square feet and contains 640 windows. Its facade is characterized by a Portland cement parge finish, ornate columns, and arches that create a strong vertical emphasis. The structure is built with structural steel framing, reinforced-concrete floor slabs, and reinforced exterior walls. Beyond its aesthetics, the Bellaire Tower is a testament to safety. It was among the first residential high-rises in the city constructed to comply with the seismic codes established after the devastating 1906 earthquake. This structural integrity was proven decades later when the building successfully withstood the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Today, the building houses 64 grand condominium units. It maintains a high level of luxury service, providing residents with a 24-hour lobby attendant, valet parking, and a rooftop deck that offers expansive views of the San Francisco skyline.

Visitor tips

View the building from the street to appreciate the 80,000 square foot Art Deco facade.
Look closely at the ornate columns and arches around the entrance detailing.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tower is located atop the steep slopes of Russian Hill.

Nearby context

The Bellaire Tower is a cornerstone of the Russian Hill neighborhood, situated near the Russian Hill-Paris Block Architectural District and the famous restaurant The Buena Vista.