San Francisco, California / History
Pacific-Union Club (Flood Mansion)
A Neoclassical brownstone mansion on Nob Hill, once the home of silver magnate James Clair Flood, now serving as an exclusive, private social club.
What is the Pacific-Union Club (Flood Mansion) known for?
It is a social club located in San Francisco's Nob Hill neighborhood that occupies the former Flood Mansion, a Neoclassical home built for silver magnate James Clair Flood. It is notable for being the only great Nob Hill house to survive the 1906 fire, reportedly due to its Connecticut brownstone walls, and was said to be the first brownstone west of the Mississippi River.
Can I visit the Pacific-Union Club?
No, the Flood Mansion is not open to the public and is a highly private club where entry for non-members is difficult.
Where is it located?
The club is located at 1000 California Street in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco.
What is the history of the building?
The mansion was built between 1885 and 1886 as a private residence for silver baron James Clair Flood. In 1889, it became the clubhouse for the Pacific-Union Club, which was formed by the merger of the Pacific Club and the Union Club.
Is it a recognized historic site?
Yes, the James C. Flood Mansion was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 (listing number 66000230).
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 Pacific-Union Club occupies the former Flood Mansion, a stunning Neoclassical structure located at 1000 California Street in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood. Built between 1885 and 1886 for silver magnate James Clair Flood, the residence was reportedly the first brownstone constructed west of the Mississippi River. Its distinctive Connecticut brownstone walls provided crucial protection, allowing it to be the only major Nob Hill house to survive the devastating 1906 fire. Founded in 1889 through the merger of the Pacific Club and the Union Club, the social club now uses this historic residence as its clubhouse. The building's architectural significance is recognized by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, under listing number 66000230. Today, the club remains highly private and is decidedly not open to the public. Visitors can admire the exterior architecture of this silver baron's former estate, which continues to serve as the Pacific-Union Club clubhouse in the present day.
Visitor tips
- Since the interior is not open to the public, focus your time on photographing the exterior architecture.
- Combine this stop with a walk through Nob Hill to see other historic landmarks of theDividend city.
- Be mindful of the private nature of the club and respect the privacy of its members.
Nearby context
Located in the heart of Nob Hill, the Pacific-Union Club is a variety of historic structures that surround it, which reflects the era of San Francisco's early wealth and silver barons.
Sources
Evidence and links
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James Clair Flood Mansion, 1000 California Street, San Francisco
Title: James Clair Flood Mansion, 1000 California Street, San Francisco, San Francisco County, CA; Other Title: Pacific Union Club; Creator…
loc.gov -
James C. Flood Mansion (Pacific-Union Club) - Clio
Silver baron James Clair Flood had a Neoclassical style mansion constructed in Nob Hill from 1885 to 1886.
theclio.com -
Nob Hill – Pacific Union Club
This house, built in 1886 forJames Clair Flood, was the first Brownstone west of the Mississippi.
artandarchitecture-sf.com -
Pacific-Union Club
The Pacific-Union Club is a social club located at 1000 California Street in San Francisco, California, in the Nob Hill neighborhood.
en.wikipedia.org -
San Francisco Landmark #64: Flood Mansion
The Flood Mansion remains the home of the Pacific Union Club and is decidedly not open to the public. Not ever. Not under any circumstances.
noehill.com