Terra Cotta
Royal Globe Insurance Building
Royal Globe Insurance Building
201 Sansome Street
Architect: Howells & Stokes
A structure well suited to illustrate the wonderful curiosity of a great many of the older buildings of the downtown buildings which for the most part lack the distinction of the Royal Globe, but which still possess details of interest that are apt to be sadly lacking in new buildings of the second or third class. Built in 1909 to designs by Howells & Stokes, of New York, this Georgian-style buildings mixes red brick and white marble with dark green terra cotta. The eye can hardly escape the contrasts for the materials, and is inevitably drawn to the imposing entrance with the great marble clock supported by the unicorn and the lion above.
The lobby is of particular historical interest: the five carved marble door frames were originally part of the Torlonia Palace in Rome. (This Palace was built in 1680 by Carlo Fontana for the Bolognetti Family but dismantled to provide space for the Victor Emmanuel Monument.)
201 Sansome Street
Architect: Howells & Stokes
A structure well suited to illustrate the wonderful curiosity of a great many of the older buildings of the downtown buildings which for the most part lack the distinction of the Royal Globe, but which still possess details of interest that are apt to be sadly lacking in new buildings of the second or third class. Built in 1909 to designs by Howells & Stokes, of New York, this Georgian-style buildings mixes red brick and white marble with dark green terra cotta. The eye can hardly escape the contrasts for the materials, and is inevitably drawn to the imposing entrance with the great marble clock supported by the unicorn and the lion above.
The lobby is of particular historical interest: the five carved marble door frames were originally part of the Torlonia Palace in Rome. (This Palace was built in 1680 by Carlo Fontana for the Bolognetti Family but dismantled to provide space for the Victor Emmanuel Monument.)
Sharon Building
Sharon Building
39-63 New Montgomery Street
Architect: George Kelham
A handsome steel frame, brick clad office building with what must be the city’s broadest projecting cornice and a narrow ell that fills the New Montgomery Street frontage. It was one of the many buildings constructed for the estate of William Sharon in these years. Sharon was a colorful pioneer who was once William Ralston’s partner in the Palace Hotel and who later was United States Senator. In composition, the building is a three part vertical block with Renaissance/Baroque ornamentation and terra cotta details at the base and capital. Both Webster Cigars and the House of Shields retain their original interiors. The building was being constructed under a general contract at a time when old methods of bidding and contracting with individual trades were being challenged. It is a steel frame structure with reinforced concrete curtain walls, and is “thoroughly fireproof.” In both its structure and the process of construction, this building was considered to be a model in its day. Appropriately, the original occupation was largely by architects and the building trades.
This building is a major element of New Montgomery Street.
39-63 New Montgomery Street
Architect: George Kelham
A handsome steel frame, brick clad office building with what must be the city’s broadest projecting cornice and a narrow ell that fills the New Montgomery Street frontage. It was one of the many buildings constructed for the estate of William Sharon in these years. Sharon was a colorful pioneer who was once William Ralston’s partner in the Palace Hotel and who later was United States Senator. In composition, the building is a three part vertical block with Renaissance/Baroque ornamentation and terra cotta details at the base and capital. Both Webster Cigars and the House of Shields retain their original interiors. The building was being constructed under a general contract at a time when old methods of bidding and contracting with individual trades were being challenged. It is a steel frame structure with reinforced concrete curtain walls, and is “thoroughly fireproof.” In both its structure and the process of construction, this building was considered to be a model in its day. Appropriately, the original occupation was largely by architects and the building trades.
This building is a major element of New Montgomery Street.
Russ Building
Russ Building
100 Bush Street
Architect: George Kelham
The Russ Building is a California State Historic Landmark located in the heart of the San Francisco Financial District. It fronts the entire block of Montgomery Street between Pine and Bush Streets. Completed in 1929, it stood for 30 years as the tallest building west of Chicago. The building has a neo-Gothic architectural design giving it a majestic look compared to the neighboring contemporary structures. It is a steel frame building with a curtain wall constructed of terra cotta tile and brick. The interior is exquisitely detailed with the finest materials and finishes featuring granite floors and marble wainscoting, elevator lobbies with ornate area rugs, and pendant light fixtures. The building has been carefully maintained and periodically refurbished so that it offers a modern office environment within a classic and meticulously preserved structure.