Architecture Downtown: Walking Tour

The 1906 earthquake left San Francisco crumbled, burned—and determined to rebuild in a way that would transcend its history.
This tour vividly reconstructs how designers from Chicago and New York spent the century that followed innovating the local blueprint. Architects like George Kelham, Willis Polk, William Pereira, and SOM painted the skyline out of thin air. Julia Morgan contributed her Parisian Beaux Arts training. And, today, Salesforce Tower dominates the sky as the tallest office building in the West.
Get to know the architects who authored this city's magnificent rise to the heavens.
(Tour is not wheelchair accessible.)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES (1 LU)

1. Hear how San Francisco's distinctive skyline and urban plan was shaped in the aftermath of catastrophe.

2. Recognize the urban planning innovations that happened in the rebuilding process.

3. Delve into the history of the most famous buildings of San Francisco's skyline.

4. Learn about the architects who helped shape San Francisco over the last 100 years, from the earthquake to the present day.

Host or Publisher Center for A+D