Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES · 1923–25

Pacific Gas and Electric Company General Office Building and Annex

A seventeen-story terra cotta Beaux-Arts tower at 245 Market Street, designed by Bakewell & Brown and expanded in 1945.

At a glance

The building stands at 245 Market Street in San Francisco. It rises seventeen stories, with an exterior entirely clad in terra cotta. Bakewell & Brown designed the Beaux-Arts structure to serve as Pacific Gas and Electric’s headquarters. Its design dialogues with the neighboring Matson Building.

History

Construction ran from 1923 to 1925. Soon after, Pacific Gas and Electric entered a major expansion, absorbing several other power companies in northern and central California. The Great Depression brought a decline in business, but the company rebounded during World War II. Needing more space, it added an annex in 1945. The annex interconnects with the original building and matches its architecture.

What you see

The lower two stories form an arcaded base. Above this rises a plain vertical shaft. The top four stories step back in a series of setbacks. Terra cotta covers the entire exterior, and the material also decorates the lower and upper sections.

Cultural significance

The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 29, 1995. Its Beaux-Arts design reflects the confidence of a growing utility company. The architectural relationship with the Matson Building strengthens the historic character of Market Street.

Key facts

Country: United States
City: San Francisco
Coordinates: 37.7925, -122.3956
National Register of Historic Places: November 29, 1995

Practical information & getting there

The building is at 245 Market Street in downtown San Francisco. Public transit options serve the Market Street corridor. Street parking is limited.

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