A towering Gothic Revival structure. That’s the UC Law San Francisco McAllister Tower. Its imposing presence dominates the San Francisco skyline.
This isn’t just any building. It’s a living testament to San Francisco’s history. Initially conceived as a daring blend of church and hotel. The UC Law San Francisco McAllister Tower was a truly ambitious project. Reverend Walter John Sherman spearheaded this vision. His goal was to unite four Methodist Episcopal congregations. They would sell their existing churches and pool their resources. The result would be a magnificent “superchurch” topped by a hotel.
The architectural firm of Miller & Pflueger were hired. Timothy L Pflueger designed a 28-story skyscraper. Its neo-Gothic style was striking. Three grand Gothic arches formed the church’s main entrance. A massive pipe organ with 3881 pipes filled the Great Hall. A stained glass window depicting Faith Love and Hope soared high above.
However the project hit snags. Financial woes forced a change in architects. Lewis P Hobart took over making only minor alterations to Pflueger’s design. A lawsuit ensued. Miller & Pflueger eventually won a significant portion of the damages they sought.
Opening in 1930 the UC Law San Francisco McAllister Tower operated as both a hotel and a church. The Temple Methodist Episcopal Church occupied the lower floors. The William Taylor Hotel a nod to a Methodist missionary occupied the upper levels. Unfortunately this unusual combination proved unsuccessful. The church eventually left its investment lost.
The building then became the Empire Hotel. It became famous for its Sky Room a glamorous lounge on the 24th floor offering panoramic city views. During World War II and the following decades the UC Law San Francisco McAllister Tower served as US government offices.
In 1978 the University of California Hastings College of the Law purchased the building. It underwent a significant renovation transforming it into student housing. Today the UC Law San Francisco McAllister Tower houses hundreds of law students and their families. The restored Sky Room now known as the James Edgar Hervey Skyroom serves as a student study area. It’s also used for special events.
The UC Law San Francisco McAllister Tower stands as a resilient symbol. A landmark that has withstood the passage of time. From its religious beginnings to its current role as a hub for legal education. It continues to shape San Francisco’s landscape. Its history a captivating blend of architectural ambition religious fervor and urban transformation. It’s a story told in stone steel and glass. A story etched into the very fabric of the city.