Salesforce Tower

Salesforce Tower. It is the tallest building in San Francisco and the second-tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The skyscraper serves as the headquarters for Salesforce, a global leader in customer relationship management software, and anchors the Transbay Transit Center redevelopment district. Its distinctive design and significant height have made it an iconic feature of the city's skyline since its completion.

History and development

The project emerged from the long-planned redevelopment of the Transbay Transit Center, an area envisioned as a new downtown hub. A development agreement was reached between the city and a consortium led by Boston Properties and Hines Interests Limited Partnership. Construction, managed by Clark Construction, began in 2013 on the site of a former Southern Pacific Transportation Company terminal. The tower topped out in 2016 and was officially opened in 2018, marking a major milestone for the San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association's vision for a denser, transit-oriented downtown. The project faced scrutiny over its shadow impact on nearby public spaces like Rincon Park and contributed to debates about housing affordability and commercial growth in the city.

Architecture and design

Designed by the renowned firm Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, the structure features a sleek, tapered form clad in glass and stainless steel. Its facade is characterized by a diagrid system, providing structural efficiency and a distinctive diamond-patterned appearance. The crown of the building is illuminated by an integrated LED lighting system capable of displaying dynamic colors for events and holidays. The base integrates with the rooftop park of the adjacent Transbay Transit Center, designed by PWP Landscape Architecture. Structural engineering was led by Magnusson Klemencic Associates, ensuring stability for the tall building in a seismically active region near the San Andreas Fault. The lobby features a monumental artwork by Jenny Holzer.

Tenants and facilities

The building's primary and namesake tenant is Salesforce, which occupies approximately two-thirds of the office space for its global headquarters. Other major tenants include MUFG Union Bank, AlixPartners, and the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher. Facilities include a state-of-the-art conference center, multiple dining options operated by Bon Appétit Management Company, and a grand lobby with high ceilings. The adjacent Salesforce Park, a 5.4-acre elevated public park atop the transit center, offers gardens, walking paths, and an amphitheater for tenants and the public. The building is directly connected to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency network via the below-grade Transbay Transit Center.

Records and recognition

Upon completion, it surpassed the Transamerica Pyramid to become the tallest building in San Francisco. It holds the title of the tallest building in California and is the tallest building in the western United States outside of Los Angeles. The tower was awarded LEED Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its sustainable design features, which include a blackwater recycling system and high-performance glazing. It received the Best Tall Building Americas award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in 2019. Its observation deck, planned in initial designs, was not constructed.

In popular culture

The tower's prominent silhouette has quickly become a staple in establishing shots of San Francisco in films and television series, much like the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island. It has been featured in episodes of the television series The Bachelor and in background shots of tech-centric narratives. The building's lighting displays are often noted during major events like the NBA Finals or Pride Month, becoming a part of the city's civic expression. Its scale and modern aesthetic frequently symbolize the economic power and technological focus of the San Francisco Bay Area, appearing in promotional material for the city and in news segments about the technology industry. Category:Skyscrapers in San Francisco Category:Office buildings completed in 2018 Category:Pelli Clarke Pelli buildings