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San Francisco, California / History

Oriental Warehouse

A historic 1867 industrial warehouse converted into luxury lofts, serving as the sole remaining structure of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. in San Francisco.

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Oriental Warehouse
DaleJCruse, CC BY-SA 4.0

What is the Oriental Warehouse known for?

The Oriental Warehouse is a historic building in San Francisco's South Beach neighborhood that served as the primary storage and distribution point for Asian imports such as tea, rice, silk, and coffee. It is also known for having served as an immigration facility for Asian immigrants until 1910.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1867 for the San Francisco Pacific Mail Steamship Co., the building supported trade, passenger, and mail services between the U.S. and Asia. It is the only remaining structure of the Pacific Mail Steamship Co. in San Francisco and was designated as San Francisco Landmark No. 101 in 1977.

What is the building used for now?

The warehouse was converted in 1996 into a residential complex consisting of 66 unique live/work lofts.

What are the architectural features of the lofts?

The four-story industrial-style building features a brick exterior, a flat roof, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling brick arched windows. The interiors include robust timber and steel beams, and each loft spans two levels, with lower-level units featuring private patios.

Where is it located?

It is located at 650 Delancey Street in the South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, California.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Oriental Warehouse, located at 650 Delancey Street in the South Beach neighborhood, is a four-story industrial-style building that stands as a rare architectural survivor. Built in 1867 for the San Francisco Pacific Mail Steamship Co., it was the first firm to establish regular mail, passenger, and trade service between the United States and Asia. For decades, the building functioned as the primary storage and distribution hub for Asian imports, specifically coffee, tea, rice, and silk. Beyond its commercial utility, the structure played a critical role in the city's social history. Until 1910, the Oriental Warehouse served as an immigration facility to process Chinese, Japanese, and other Asian immigrants before the operations were moved to the Angel Island Immigration Station. This dual legacy of trade and migration makes the building a significant cultural landmark in the city's development. Recognized as San Francisco Designated Landmark No. 101 since October 8, 1977, the building's industrial aesthetic is defined by a brick exterior, a flat roof, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling brick arched windows. These architectural details are preserved even as the building transitioned into a new phase of life. In 1996, the warehouse was meticulously converted into 66 residential live/work lofts. Modern interiors now feature robust timber and steel beams, with each loft spanning two levels. Lower-level units include private patios, blending the historic industrial character with contemporary urban living in the heart of South Beach.

Visitor tips

  • View the dramatic brick arched windows from the sidewalk to appreciate the industrial style.
  • Combine this stop with a walk to the nearby Embarcadero Waterfront.
  • Be respectful of the residents, as this is now a private residential condominium complex.

Nearby context

Situated in the South Beach neighborhood, the Oriental Warehouse is surrounded by modern developments, providing a sharp contrast to the nearby Oracle Ballpark and Chase Center.

Sources

Evidence and links