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San Francisco, California / Landmarks

Hallidie Building

A pioneering architectural landmark at 130 Sutter Street, the Hallidie Building is celebrated as one of the first structures in the United States to feature a glass curtain wall.

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Hallidie Building
Dllu, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is the Hallidie Building known for?

The Hallidie Building is recognized as probably the first building in the United States to feature a glass curtain wall facade.

Where is the Hallidie Building located?

It is located at 130 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California.

Who designed the building and when was it built?

The building was designed by architect Willis Polk and was built in 1917 (though some sources list 1918).

Who is the building named after?

The building was dedicated in 1918 to Andrew S. Hallidie, who is best known for inventing the cable car in 1872-73.

What can I find on the ground floor of the building?

The newly renovated ground floor is occupied by the AIA San Francisco Center for Architecture + Design, which features versatile event and exhibition spaces.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 130 Sutter Street, the Hallidie Building is a steel-frame structure that stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural foresight. Designed by architect Willis Polk and built between 1917 and 1918, the building was originally created as an investment for the University of California. It is internationally significant for its street elevation, which is credited as one of the first glass curtain wall facades in the United States, anticipating the modern era of sheer-glass office towers. The building's design blends industrial innovation with artistic detail. While the glass facade was revolutionary, Willis Polk ornamented the exterior with a Gothic cornice and railings and fire escapes influenced by Art Nouveau and William Morris. The structure consists of eight stories with high ceilings typical of loft buildings, supported by masonry side walls. Recognized for its historic value, the site was designated as San Francisco Landmark #37 on April 4, 1971, and added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on November 19, 1971. The building was dedicated in 1918 to Andrew S. Hallidie, the inventor of the cable car in 1872-73. In recent years, the building has undergone significant preservation. A 30-month restoration project began in 2010 to rehabilitate balconies, fire escapes, and sheet metal frieze panels. Additionally, a mending project completed in July 2013 saw the restoration or replacement of hundreds of metal components on the curtain wall. Today, the ground floor houses the AIA San Francisco Center for Architecture + Design, which features versatile exhibition spaces designed by Aidlin Darling Design.

Visitor tips

  • Look up at the Gothic cornice and Art Nouveau railings to see the blend of styles.
  • Visit the ground floor to explore the AIA San Francisco Center for Architecture + Design exhibitions.
  • Allow extra time to photograph the glass facade during the golden hour for the best reflections.

Nearby context

The Hallidie Building is situated in a dense historic corridor of San Francisco, located just a short walk from the ornate Palace Hotel and the culturally significant Dragon Gate.

Sources

Evidence and links