Last week, Michael Shvo showed up to his newly reopened skyscraper to unveil the contents of the once-forgotten time capsule for the Transamerica Pyramid. The memorabilia from the 51-year-old container is now on display inside the Transamerica Annex, revealing a snapshot in San Francisco’s local culture and history related to the controversial addition to the skyline. The gallery is open to the public with access from Washington Street.
SHVO, the new owner of the Transamerica Pyramid and two adjacent buildings, has started renovations of San Francisco’s iconic property with an official ceremony. Though not a traditional groundbreaking event, dirt was shoveled by many important local representatives next to Michael Shvo. Plans for renovating the 50-year-old landmark are designed by Foster + Partners.
Construction work has begun on the renovation of San Francisco’s most iconic skyscraper, the Transamerica Pyramid. The project is led by the New York City-based property owner, SHVO, with design by Foster + Partners. Focused on the public open space and the pyramid’s interiors, phase one will reemphasize the iconic modernist design inside, update the offices, increase on-site amenities, and lease 45,000 square feet for a Manhattan-based elite social club, all in a bid to elevate the pyramid from a visual marvel into a magnetic destination for both tenants and the public.
The third tallest building proposed or built, and the second tower building standing in the Bay Area, is the Transamerica Pyramid, the defining icon for the San Francisco skyline since its completion in 1972. With a rooftop height of 853 feet tall, the pyramid would not be surpassed in height until 2018 with the completion of the Salesforce Tower. William L. Pereira & Associates is responsible for the design.