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A lot of protest came from the citizens of San Francisco when the plans for the new buildings of the Transamerica Company were unveiled in 1969. Most people claimed that the pyramid-shaped skyscraper wouldn't fit in the city. Since its completion in 1972, the Transamerica Pyramid has become one of the most recognized buildings in the United States. It's distinctive shape dominates the San Francisco skyline and is visible from most parts of town. To many people, it is an icon of San Francisco on par with the Golden Gate Bridge or the city's famous cable cars. The 48-story office tower, designed by William Pereira & Associates, stretches 853 feet above the street and is topped by a 212-foot needle-shaped spire. The spire is lit from within and seems to glow once evening falls. The change in the building's dimensions as it rises from the street is dramatic: each of the lower floors offer 22,000 square feet of space while the floors at the top have a mere 45 square feet. |
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