“A steel frame skyscraper in 1892” That’s what they called the Mills Building then. A revolutionary design for its time. Right here before you stands San Francisco’s only remaining example of Chicago School architecture. Darius Ogden Mills a San Francisco tycoon commissioned this landmark. He was a prominent figure in the city’s financial scene. His bank helped finance the Southern Pacific Railroad.
The Mills Building survived the devastating 1906 earthquake. The interior was gutted by fire. Willis Polk a renowned architect oversaw its restoration. He maintained the building’s original design. Additions were made in 1914 and 1918. These additions kept the building’s stylistic integrity. The 22-story Mills Tower was completed in 1932. It’s an impressive annex to the original structure.
Notice the first two floors. They’re constructed of white Inyo marble. The marble came from Keeler California. The Montgomery Street entrance arch is a striking feature. It exemplifies the Richardson-Romanesque style. The carved acanthus leaf and egg-and-dart molding is exquisite. Four pairs of marble Corinthian columns frame the archway. It’s a truly magnificent entrance.
The curved staircases in the Montgomery Street lobby survived the 1906 fire. They’re still made with the original Jaune Fleuri marble. The lobby features black Belgian marble and Roman travertine. The inlaid marble floor pattern was added later during a renovation. The renovation was completed in 1988.
The Mills Building has housed many significant financial firms. The New York Stock Exchange and other major companies are tenants. The building’s history is deeply interwoven with San Francisco’s history. It’s a testament to resilience. The building also stands as a symbol of architectural innovation. It’s truly a remarkable building a fascinating glimpse into San Francisco’s past. The Mills Building’s enduring legacy continues to shape the city’s skyline.