How Downtown Became Modern - The work of Hertzka & Knowles [Walking Tour]

How architects Hertzka & Knowles helped shape San Francisco’s modern downtown core through innovative office towers and commercial blocks.
About this Event

The office of Hertzka & Knowles was one of the leading forces in post-war architecture in San Francisco. While less known today than contemporaries like Anshen & Allen or SOM, they were responsible for shaping the design of many of the Financial District office buildings, including the first truly modern downtown office building (160 Pine Street), and - in collaboration with SOM - the legendary Crown Zellerbach Building.

To rediscover their incredible legacy, docomomo invites you to a walking tour through the Financial District. We will explore a handful of their landmark buildings, delve into recent research on Wayne Hertzka and William Knowles, and find out more about the fascinating design evolution of the Crown Zellerbach Building's iconic sunken garden.

Accessibility: This tour is fully accessible and covers a small area of downtown streets.

Transportation and Route: This tour starts at 160 Pine Street, at the corner of Battery, and continues for approximately half a mile. It is recommended that you use public transportation or rideshare to reach the starting point. The tour ends at 72 Beale Street (former PG&E HQ).