Sanctuary in the City: The Transamerica Pyramid Center is an Urban Oasis

San Francisco’s Transamerica Pyramid is as emblematic of The City by the Bay as are its cable cars and the undulating hills they climb. Unveiled in 1972, the Pyramid was ahead of its time, and was initially ridiculed for its unique design. Over time, the Pyramid’s novelty status waned, and it became just another office building, albeit one of unusual design. But a recent and stunning restoration project once again shines a spotlight on the financial district icon, allowing it to reclaim its status as one of San Francisco’s must-see destinations for both locals and visitors.

Thanks to SHVO, a luxury real estate development and investment firm that has invested $1 billion towards restoration efforts, the Pyramid and its surrounding district (the Transamerica Pyramid Center, or TAPC) sparkle anew. In collaboration with Lord Norman Foster and his renowned firm Foster + Partners, SHVO has managed to create a vibrant new destination in the heart of San Francisco. Foster + Partners’ new design features an indoor-outdoor approach, and SHVO’s investment has reimagined the landmark and its surrounding Redwood Park into a cultural and lifestyle hub, blending world-class art, architecture, and culinary innovation, all available to the public year round.

The Pyramid was first conceived in the late 1960s when the CEO of the Transamerica Corporation, John Beckett, visited architect William Pereira’s office to explore an office tower design for its San Francisco headquarters. He saw in the studio a model of a pyramidal structure initially intended for the American Broadcasting Company at 66th and Columbus Avenue in New York. ABC had rejected it as “too bold.” Claimed by Beckett for San Francisco, the pyramid form was debated extensively following its 1972 unveiling. Hated by some (the San Francisco Chronicle dubbed it “the world largest architectural folly”) it was embraced and defended by others. Then mayor Joseph Alioto said it captured “a spirit and daring that welcome individuality and diversity.”

That spirit is alive and well within the transformed building and adjacent, redwood tree-filled community park. This is a destination—a place at which to linger with friends and family, and all are welcome. The building itself features a beautiful lobby with inviting seating areas of custom furnishings and a small café serving coffee drinks and pastries. The books that line one wall are available for purchase, as are the orchids that decorate the space. Just outside, a foliage lined patio features additional seating areas that welcome passers-by. And the central Redwood Park is a true gem—an oasis within the heart of the city featuring 50 year old redwoods, water features, seating areas, statuary, and a stage that will eventually host The Pyramid Grove Concert Series of free weekday and weekend outdoor performances by local Bay Area talent.

Employees of the pyramid’s commercial tenants (primarily legal and financial institutions) are also the beneficiaries of SHVO’s remodel. They have private access to a top floor Sky Bar and a wellness center featuring state-of-the-art fitness equipment, steam, sauna, and varied classes.

SHVO has also partnered with Chef Brad Kilgore to make the Transamerica Pyramid Center a distinctive culinary destination. Three new restaurant projects at the building include Café Sebastian (serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a spinoff of MadLab Gelato & Kakigori, and the soon-to-open Japanese/Italian-influenced ama, all by Chef Kilgore.

Headquartered in New York City with offices in Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, SHVO owns and operates a national portfolio valued at more than $8 billion and 4.5 million square feet across commercial office and retail space, hospitality, and luxury residential assets. The firm’s selective portfolio of architecturally significant properties, from innovative ground-up new developments to revitalized landmarks that define skylines in the world’s leading cities, includes (in addition to the Transamerica Pyramid) The Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach, 333 South Wabash Avenue in Chicago, Mandarin Oriental Residences at 9200 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, Mandarin Oriental Residences Fifth Avenue in New York City and the AMAN New York Hotel and Residences at the Crown building.

Photos, unless otherwise noted, are by Douglas Friedman, courtesy of Transamerica Pyramid Center