San Francisco's Most Iconic Building Set to Reopen After Dramatic Billion-Dollar Renovation

The revitalized Transamerica Pyramid Center will be officially unveiled at a public ceremony.Photo byCaleb GeorgeonUnsplash

San Francisco’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid is set to be unveiled to the public on Thursday following a billion-dollar renovation. The building, a symbol of the city’s skyline, was originally designed by renowned architect William Pereira, famous for his futuristic designs, including the flying-saucer-like Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport.

First opened in 1972, the 853-foot-tall Transamerica Pyramid was acquired by SHVO, a real estate development and investment firm, in 2020. SHVO collaborated with UK architecture firm Foster + Partners to revitalize the 763,000-square-foot structure, primarily dedicated to office space. Notable tenants in the building include Northwestern Mutual, Callan Associates, Sterling Bank & Trust, and Baker Hostetler.

The renovation introduced a variety of new on-site amenities, including a fitness center, lounge, restaurants, meeting rooms, and a sky bar with sweeping views of the city. At ground level, the Pyramid’s public redwood park has been enhanced with an outdoor gallery featuring works by French artists Les Lalanne, adding an artistic touch to the building’s surroundings.