Tall & Urban News

The largest renovation in the 50-year history of the Transamerica Pyramid Center, one of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks, has now been completed. The project completed by Foster + Partners, was commissioned by luxury real estate firm SHVO.  It revitalizes both the building and the adjacent Transamerica Redwood Park, restoring its place as a key part of the city’s skyline and community.

The redesign of the 260-meter building started at the ground floor where the lobby now uncovers a previously hidden diagonal structural system, and is fully revealed and clad to match the building’s exterior. This create a connection between the inside and outside spaces that wasn't previously there.  The lobby features a café, florist, and bookshop, reflecting the needs of the local neighborhood. A refined material palette of oak, marble, and terrazzo is in keeping with the building’s original 1972 design by architect William Pereira. Additional skylights and glazing in the lobby’s Annex enhances natural light, offering views of the surrounding park.

New amenities have been added to encourage a return to working in the office, and includes a fitness center with state-of-the-art gym facilities, yoga studios, and relaxation spaces with panoramic city views. An exclusive tenant-only bar crowns the top of the building, offering further work and social spaces. The neighboring Redwood Park, home to nearly 50 mature redwood trees, has also been upgraded with additional landscaping and seating areas, creating a serene environment in the heart of the city.

An exciting outcome of the renovation is the launch of Pyramid Arts, a series of public exhibitions. The first exhibition, curated by Norman Foster, showcases Foster + Partners' tall buildings and the works of French artists Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne. Additionally, the building's spire has been re-lit with 1,300 feet (396 meters)of LED lights, part of a comprehensive lighting design for both the interior and exterior.

The San Francisco Mayor praised the restoration as not just a renovation, but a continuation of the city’s legacy of innovation, ensuring the Transamerica Pyramid remains a hub for business, creativity, and public life for generations to come.

Learn more about this project at Foster + Partners.