Transamerica Pyramid
San Francisco
The Transamerica Pyramid is a 48-story skyscraper in San Francisco's Financial District. It was finished in 1972. No building in the city was taller until the Salesforce Tower, finished in 2018, passed it.
A shape that sparked debate
The Transamerica Corporation, a financial services company, wanted the tower as its new headquarters. The design reminded people of the pyramids of Egypt. The city commission approved it by only a few votes. Many critics said it would ruin the view.
Three years of work
Work began in 1969 and lasted three years. Critics called it an eyesore, but when it opened the citizens celebrated anyway. A company executive called it the safest skyscraper in the world. Underground there was a control center with two thousand sensors. Every five seconds they checked pipes, wires and air.
A park with giant trees
Next to the tower is a small park behind railings, full of giant trees. You can see it from the sidewalk. It was built together with the skyscraper and has a fountain, bronze sculptures and benches. The trees cast green shade among the buildings of glass and steel.
A symbol of San Francisco
Now more than fifty years old, the tower has become part of the city's history. For many people it is the most recognizable shape on the city skyline.
