Doesn’t this AG Building look impressive? Today, we explore the Ferry Station Post Office Building also known as the Agriculture Building. This historic structure stands proudly in San Francisco.
The AG Building secured its place on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Its history is rich. It reflects San Francisco’s vibrant past.
Let’s dive into the AG Building’s story. It is located on the Embarcadero in the SoMa District, at the foot of Mission Street. A. A. Pyle designed the building. He was part of the California Board of State Harbor Commissioners. The AG Building is a two-story steel-framed marvel. Its Mediterranean Revival style reminds many of a palazzo.
Notice the brickwork. Observe the trompe-l’œil stone trim made of terracotta. The building has a reinforced concrete foundation. It rests on a wharf that was built simultaneously. Wood pilings support the structure.
Above the double entrance doors, you will spot an arch. It features a phoenix and a flagpole right in the center. The upper story showcases terracotta shields and patterned brick panels.
Completed in 1915, the AG Building initially served as San Francisco’s main post office. Mail arrived by water. Then streetcars distributed it across the city.
Construction costs totaled $31,981.50. The contract was signed on October 22, 1914. The building was completed on May 6, 1915. It was enlarged at the rear in 1918.
In 1925, it stopped operating as a post office. Transportation companies used it for offices. By 1933, the state Agriculture Department took over.
Interestingly, the AG Building once served as Amtrak’s San Francisco terminal. Buses connected passengers to trains in Oakland and Emeryville. This arrangement lasted until March 2015. Then the terminal moved to the Temporary TransBay Terminal. This change happened pending the completion of the Transbay Transit Center.
The Ferry Station Post Office Building contributes to the Port of San Francisco Embarcadero Historic District. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
As we conclude our visit to the AG Building, remember its journey. From a bustling post office to a transportation hub, it has adapted. Its walls whisper tales of San Francisco’s evolving identity. The AG Building stands as a testament to the city’s resilience.