This walk takes you to a number of Public Green Spaces tucked away in the Financial District. Some are carved out of sidewalk space, some are up elevators on rooftops, and some are small cutout gardens. Enjoy! ( list of all downtown public green spaces here) POPOSGuide green space
Spectacular Marble Clad Interior is this final destination on our walk
This walk starts out at Montgomery and Market.
There is a lovely garden on the top floor of the Wells Fargo Building (1908 Willis Polk) at Market and Montgomery, but alas, it was closed for our walk today, so photos will follow later.
Walk down Montgomery to Sutter, turn left and take a peak in 111 Sutter at the historic lobby of the Hunter-Dulin Building (1926 Schultz and Weaver). Prior to 1906 it was the historic Lick House (1862.) The stone floor in the lobby has an indentation in the middle from decades of the concierge directing flow in the lobby and elevators. The following photo is of the front door.
Next to go to the Crocker Galleria to the top floor northwest corner and venture out onto the roof. The manicured garden has outlooks to many historic buildings.
The 130 Sutter Street (1917 Willis Polk) is visible across the way. It was one of the first buildings to an exterior glass curtain facade. This building was recently renovated outside and as you can see is looking mighty fine.
At 220 Montgomery is the beautiful Mills Building (1891) built by the famous firm Burnham and Root. It is considered the best example of the “Chicago School” of architecture in the city. Much of the building survived the 1906 fire.
On our way to Trinity Street, we pass the historic Russ Building (George Kelham 1927.) It was the tallest building in the city (31 floors) until 1964. If you straight through the lobby, you see the garage where two black and white photos of the Russ in the 1940’s.
The floors and elevators are beautiful and unique.
Walk toward Bush St. and locate the entrance to Trinity St. This is a small alley, one way street with a small raised area for seating and some scaled down eateries.
From here go through to 555 California St. This is a manicured green space in front of the large office building there, with a large black granite sculpture. (not shown)
We were more captivated by the fountain with bamboo arrangement.
At 456 Mongomery there is a designated green space down some stairs. Of all of the green spaces, this one was the least inviting. It was sheltered, however, on a windy or rainy day, perhaps it might serve to shelter lunching workers.
Continue away toward Commercial Street as directed on the map. Here you will see the preserved exterior of the original California Mint, built in 1857, then renovated in 1877. It survived the quake of 1906 and has an interesting demonstration/exhibit of the original wall construction, and a very informative docent named Roy. This photo shows the facade, and also representative benches and trees designed for passersby on this cozy street.
Up the street from the Mint Museum is a small park called “Empire Park.” It has shady pergolas and table and abuts a typical North Beach/China town dwelling shown here.
Double back on Commercial, cross over Montgomery to the Transamerica Building Redwood Park. This outdoor seating area is not designated green space, but is well done and adds quite a bit to the exterior as you make your way to the Redwood Park
Here there are redwoods, of course, but also sculptures of children playing and frogs frolicking in the fountain.
To see the sculptures on the inside next to the park, go down Mark Twain Lane and then turn right into the office building there. You will see the sculpture pictured below as well as a few others in the lobby.
Continue down Sansome Street, and at the cross street of Commercial you will see a courtyard between two buildings and a sculpture and stairway. Up the stairway there are a few seating areas (not pictured here.)
Continuing on Sansome toward California St. you will see this remarkable statue.
At 456 Sansome, enter the lobby and you will see display cases to your right with artifacts, both American and originating in China, remains of a fire in 1850. Go up the elevator to the roof garden and you will be amazed at the flowers,
and more flowers
potted olive trees,
the comfortable seating,
and the beautiful views, even of the bay. You can also see the imposing figures that rim the nearby building from the roof garden.
Go down California Street, and at 200 California, you will see this lovely statue and planter. No seating here, unfortunately.
On our way to this landmark we passed this plaque in the 300 block of California commemorating the location of Yerba Buena Cove from the old days.
There was a charming border of walruses carved from Sierra granite are above the plaque.
At 150 California, check in with the concierge and go to the 6th floor where there is lovely roof garden with lavender and seating.
At the next corner you will see this extravagant outdoor arrangement, complete with potted plants separating cushioned seating on a stone pyramid designed for anyone who would like to make use of the space.
Int this view you can see the cushions which most likely are brought in each evening.
The final green space is this indoor solarium at the corner of Sansome and Sutter. It isn’t enough to see it from the outside, you will need to go on in. Once inside, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer quantity of marble and the beauty of the light.
Spectacular Marble Clad Interior is this final destination on our walk
This statue greets you at the far end of the space.
For all the public green spaces downtown, please click here. POPOSGuide green space
