Vornado Realty Trust has commissioned Fogarty Finger, a New York City-based architecture firm, to revamp the interiors of 555 California Street, located in San Francisco’s Financial District. The firm will oversee the refurbishment of the 34th and 46th floors to entice new tenants into one of the city’s most prominent office buildings. Work is expected to finish by July this year.
555 California Street 34th floor conference room, design by Fogarty Finger, rendering courtesy Vornado
555 California Street 49th floor office open workroom, design by Fogarty Finger, rendering courtesy Vornado
This project is Fogarty Finger’s first foray on the West Coast since its founding in 2003. The firm shared with SFYIMBY their approach to the job, finding unique inspiration from the city, writing that “the city’s earth-toned Victorian architecture, lush greenery, and rust-colored Golden Gate Bridge influence the warm neutral palette with pops of vibrant signature colors. The art pieces reflect the colors of the nearby ocean and mountains and bring the outside in. Woven pieces with horizon lines emphasize the perspective of the suites to the surrounding views.”
555 California Street 34th floor pantry, design by Fogarty Finger, rendering courtesy Vornado
“The common bay window vernacular used in San Francisco’s historical building fabric inspired the mid-century building’s triangulated facade. Millwork elements such as the pantry islands and the transition portals employ chamfer-angled profiles that take inspiration from this motif.
“The overall design strives to be comforting and hospitable by using its warm palette of natural, tactile materials and innovative adjustable lighting.
555 California Street 46th floor reception, design by Fogarty Finger, rendering courtesy Vornado
“The building’s signature zig-zagged shape frames the sweeping city views. By treating the perimeter in a dark plastered finish, the views come into focus and become an anchor for the suite’s layout.”
555 California 34th Floor reception room, design by Fogarty Finger, rendering courtesy Vornado
555 California Street 49th floor town hall room, design by Fogarty Finger, rendering courtesy Vornado
The 52-story building was finished in 1969 as the tallest building in the United States west of the Mississippi River. Designed by Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, the imposing monument exhibited a unique affinity for the Bay Window, a prominent fixture in the city’s 19th and 20th-century architecture and the kind of historical ornament mid-century modernists would often dismiss.
555 California Street from Pine and Grant Avenue, image by Andrew Campbell Nelson
555 California Street evening view, image by Andrew Campbell Nelson
In New York City, Fogarty Finger is responsible for designing several rising towers, including One Park Row, 141 Willoughby, 45-03 23rd Street, 41-05 29th Street, and 25 Columbus Drive.
Vornado Realty Trust and the Trump Organization are joint property owners, with Vornado maintaining majority control and the former President’s Organization with 30% ownership. Vornado retains full decision-making authority for the property.
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They should “refresh “ the restaurant at the top. Sad it closed a long time ago.
The Rainbow Room? I loved it there.. so many special memories as aa kid!