Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building

In 1923, a beacon of Beaux-Arts architecture began to rise on San Francisco’s Market Street. This was the Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building. It was designed to be the company’s headquarters. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building stands tall with its seventeen stories. Its design, by the renowned architects Bakewell & Brown, speaks of a time of prosperity and growth for the company. The building’s arcaded lower two stories, the plain vertical shaft, and the multiple setbacks at the top create a distinctive silhouette against the city skyline. The terra cotta cladding, covering the entire exterior, adds a touch of elegance. This material also decorates the lower and upper sections, showcasing intricate details. Interestingly, the building’s design was intentionally harmonious with its neighbor, the Matson Building, reflecting the City Beautiful movement’s emphasis on architectural coherence. Pacific Gas and Electric experienced significant expansion after the construction of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building. The company absorbed several other power companies across northern and central California. While the Great Depression brought a temporary downturn, World War II saw a resurgence in their business. This led to a need for more space at their headquarters. In 1945, an annex was added to the Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building. The interconnected annex, designed by Arthur Brown, Jr., seamlessly blends with the original building’s Beaux-Arts style. This expansion reflects the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s continuous growth and adaptation to changing times. The Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building’s historical significance was recognized in 1995 with its addition to the National Register of Historic Places. It stands as a testament to San Francisco’s architectural heritage and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s enduring presence in the city.