The San Francisco cityscape you see now is but a fleeting image. The city's explosive building boom has our skyline morphing as fast as the Apple product roster. But in this age of change, some things really do stay the same. Here's a look at 20 iconic San Francisco buildings that have withstood the test of time.
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San Francisco's 20 most iconic buildings
A skyline in flux
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Transamerica Pyramid
In true San Francisco fashion, this building was reviled by many when it was completed in 1972 as the headquarters for the Transamerica Corporation (they no longer occupy it). The purpose of its tapered design is to let light onto the street below. Back then, San Francisco Chronicle architectural critic Alan Temko called it "the biggest architectural dunce cap in the world." Now, it's one of the most beloved and recognizable buildings in the city.
The Sentinel
Construction on this flatiron building started in 1906. Luckily, it survived the earthquake and was finished in 1907. Today, it's known for its distinctive shape and copper cladding (which has turned green over the years). After he was released from San Quentin, San Francisco's famously corrupt political boss Abe Ruef made his office in the top floor. Today it's owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola, and he maintains an office in the building.
Coit Tower
Coit Tower stands at the top of Telegraph Hill like an exclamation point. The fluted concrete structure was erected in honor of Lillie Hitchcock Coit and built with money she left the city to add beauty to the place she said she always loved. It's known for the stunning, 360-degree views from the top and the murals painted by artists for the Public Works of Art Project (precursor to the WPA).
San Francisco City Hall
The Beaux Arts City Hall building has existed here since 1915 (an earlier version was leveled by the 1906 earthquake). Its regal dome is the fifth largest in the world.
Palace of Fine Arts
The Palace of Fine Arts is in a state of flux, waiting for another tenant after the Exploratorium moved to a new building. It was created in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exhibition, and it is the only structure that was left standing after the event.
de Young Museum
The de Young is located in Golden Gate Park. It exhibits American art from the 17th century to the present, international modern art, textiles, and tribal art. The modernist copper-clad building was created by Herzog & de Meuron and Fong + Chan. It opened in 2005.
Painted Ladies
The row of Victorian houses on Steiner Street along Alamo Park are known simply as the Painted Ladies. This scenic stretch of street has been the backdrop for many postcards, commercials, movies, and television shows, notably Full House.
Ferry Building
Not only is the San Francisco Ferry Building a terminal for ferries, it's the site of amazing food shops and a bi-weekly farmers' market. The building is topped by a distinctive clock tower.
Russ Building
They don't build skyscrapers like this anymore. The Russ Building is marked by a distinctive Neo-Gothic facade. When the 32-floor edifice was finished in 1927, it was home to the city's first indoor parking garage.
St. Mary's Cathedral
Locals sometimes call this modernist church "Our Lady of Maytag," due to a design that vaguely resembles a washing machine agitator. Its design history is more sophisticated, however. Its shape (when seen from above) is based on a cross. In 2007, the AIASF chose it as one of the city's top 25 buildings.
2500 Steiner
In a recent Curbed article, this apartment building was described as "one of the most prominent buildings in the city." It's located in Pacific Heights off Alta Plaza Park, and is home to many notable San Franciscans.
Phelan Building
This pie-shaped office building is at the intersection of Market and O'Farrell Sts. and Grant Ave. The city landmark was erected in 1908.
555 California St
At this moment, the tall, brown building is arguably the most distinctive on the city's skyline. Until recently, it was known as the Bank of America Center. It's also partially owned by president-elect Donald Trump.
140 New Montgomery
The Art Deco building at 140 New Montgomery St. started life as the headquarters for Pacific Telephone when it was built in 1925. It was the first high-rise south of Market Street. Today, it's where Yelp is located.
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is a luxury hotel sited on the top of Nob Hill. It recently celebrated 94 years. A stunning example of Nob Hill's stately luxury.
Flood Building
The Flood Building (named for the Flood family of Comstock Lode fame) is a 12 story high-rise in the heart of the Financial District. It's a survivor of the 1906 quake.
Grace Cathedral
Grace Cathedral is an Episcopal church atop Nob Hill. It's known for its mosaics by Jan Henryk De Rosen, large stained glass windows, a Keith Haring altarpiece that acts as an AIDS memorial, and a pair of large labyrinths.
Hobart Building
The Neoclassical Hobart Building was finished in 1914 amid accusations of construction recklessness. Its design has stood the test of time, and it's a designated city landmark.
Mission Dolores
Mission Dolores (Mission San Francisco de Asís), is the oldest structure in San Francisco. It was founded in 1776 by Lieutenant José Joaquin Moraga and Father Francisco Palóu for the purpose of bringing Spanish settlers to the area and ministering to the Native Americas who were already there (a ministry that's since been called into question).
Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel is a landmark historic hotel. It's called the "new" Palace, as the current version replaces one destroyed by fire following the 1906 quake. The grand building takes up most of a city block. (Also of note, this is the place where Green Goddess dressing was invented and where President Warren Harding died.)
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