Southern Pacific Building

Completed in 1917, the Southern Pacific Building stands as a testament to a bygone era. This majestic structure, also known as “The Landmark,” originally served as the headquarters for the Southern Pacific Railroad. The Southern Pacific Railroad relocated their operations here from the Flood Building after a decade. Imagine the hustle and bustle of this once vital hub of transportation. The Southern Pacific Building, part of One Market Plaza, exudes an Italian Renaissance charm. Its Roman brick and terra cotta details create a visual feast. At the time of its completion, the Southern Pacific Building held the title of the tallest steel-framed structure west of the Mississippi. The building’s design is quite unique, resembling a capital “E.” The longest side, an impressive 275 feet, stretches along Market Street. The wings, each 210 feet long, extend along Spear and Steuart Streets. The central arm houses the elevators, a clever use of space. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a lobby adorned with Colorado Yule marble walls and an intricate ornamental plaster ceiling. Picture the railroad executives striding through this grand space, their minds filled with plans for expansion and progress. Over the years, the Southern Pacific Building has undergone renovations, adapting to the changing times. During a refurbishment in 1998-99, two of the original eight passenger elevators were removed. Modern elevator cabs were installed in the remaining six shafts, utilizing the original guide rails. This blend of old and new adds to the building’s allure. Today, the Southern Pacific Building remains a vital part of San Francisco’s cityscape. It stands as a reminder of the city’s rich history and the important role the Southern Pacific Railroad played in its development.