340 Fremont Street

340 Fremont Street San Francisco: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to 340 Fremont Street San Francisco: History and Significance

340 Fremont Street is a prominent 40-story residential skyscraper located in San Francisco’s vibrant Rincon Hill neighborhood, now known as The East Cut. Completed in 2016, the tower is emblematic of San Francisco’s transformation from a maritime labor hub to a modern urban residential enclave. The site once housed buildings affiliated with maritime workers’ unions, reflecting the city’s deep ties to the shipping industry. Today, 340 Fremont stands as a model of high-density city living, featuring innovative architectural design by Handel Architects, advanced engineering, and a range of luxury amenities.

Although primarily a private residence, the building and its surrounding neighborhood are rich in architectural interest and historical context. Public interpretive displays honor the area’s maritime heritage, and the location offers proximity to attractions such as the Embarcadero waterfront, Salesforce Park, and the Ferry Building Marketplace. This guide explores the history of 340 Fremont Street, its architectural highlights, visitor information—including accessibility and tours—and nearby attractions to help you plan your visit (340 Fremont Street San Francisco: History, Visiting Information, and Architectural Highlights, Exploring 340 Fremont Street: San Francisco’s Modern Luxury Residential Tower, Discover Rincon Hill and The East Cut: A Visitor’s Guide to San Francisco’s Historic and Vibrant Neighborhood, 340 Fremont Street San Francisco: Visiting Hours, Tours, and Neighborhood Guide).

Introduction
Historical Background
Visitor Information
Architectural Highlights
Neighborhood Guide: Rincon Hill and The East Cut
Practical Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Additional Resources

Historical Background

Early Site History and Maritime Context

340 Fremont Street occupies land that once served as a center for San Francisco’s maritime labor community. The site previously housed mid-20th-century buildings used by the National Maritime Engineers Benefit Association and the Seafarer’s Union, reflecting the area’s blue-collar roots and importance to the shipping industry. As part of the new development, a publicly accessible interpretive display in a midblock passage off Fremont Street honors the neighborhood’s working-class heritage.

Urban Planning and Rincon Hill Transformation

San Francisco’s Rincon Hill underwent significant change in the early 21st century. In 2005, the city’s Planning Commission adopted the Rincon Hill Plan, up-zoning parcels—including 340 Fremont—for high-density residential use, aiming to address housing shortages and revitalize the area. The transformation aligned with a citywide push for urban densification and modern amenities near downtown and the Embarcadero.

Project Conception and Approval

The initial vision for 340 Fremont emerged in the mid-2000s, originally spearheaded by Archstone Smith and Jackson Pacific Ventures. The plan featured several hundred residential units and significant underground parking. After various delays and changes in ownership, Equity Residential acquired the project in 2013, bringing in Handel Architects to refine the design and increase the number of units and amenities. Final approvals paved the way for construction.

Construction and Architectural Milestones

Construction began in 2014, led by Suffolk Construction Company, with a final cost of approximately $176 million. The tower reached completion in 2016, rising 440 feet with 40 above-ground floors and three basement parking levels. The building contains 348 rental units—including studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms—targeting a diverse urban population. The distinctive curving glass west façade and vertical fins create dynamic visual effects, while the north side’s expansive glass reflects the water and sky.

Significance in the San Francisco Skyline

340 Fremont Street is among the tallest residential towers in the city, marking the transition of Rincon Hill from an industrial area to a dense, modern residential neighborhood. The project’s design and public elements reflect a balance between honoring maritime labor history and supporting urban growth.

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours and Admission

340 Fremont Street is a private residential tower and does not offer public tours or general admission. However, the publicly accessible midblock passage and maritime labor interpretive display are open during daylight hours, providing a window into the site’s history.

Accessibility

Public areas around 340 Fremont—including the interpretive display—are wheelchair accessible. Visitors should respect the privacy and security of residents.

Tours and Photography

Official guided tours inside the building are not available to the public. Prospective residents can schedule tours by appointment via the building’s management. The exterior, with its dramatic glass façade, offers excellent photo opportunities from public spaces and streets.

Nearby Attractions

Notable attractions within walking distance include:

Salesforce Park: A 5.4-acre rooftop park with gardens, trails, and free events.
The Embarcadero Waterfront: A scenic promenade with views of the Bay Bridge.
Ferry Building Marketplace: A hub for artisan food and shopping.
Rincon Park: Offers panoramic views of the bay and bridge.
South Beach/Oracle Park: Home to the San Francisco Giants and lively waterfront parks.

Architectural Highlights

340 Fremont Street stands out for its curving glass west façade with vertical fins that create shifting moiré patterns in the sunlight. The building employs a palette of curtain wall glass, metal panels, and precast concrete, combining aesthetics with performance and durability. The podium base houses shared amenities and landscaped terraces, integrating outdoor communal space into a high-rise setting. Advanced enclosure systems and waterproofing address San Francisco’s climate challenges, while seismic design ensures resilience (Exploring 340 Fremont Street: San Francisco’s Modern Luxury Residential Tower).

Neighborhood Guide: Rincon Hill and The East Cut

Urban Context and Evolution

Rincon Hill, once an elite residential district, was transformed by late-19th-century infrastructure projects and gradually became dominated by warehouses and industry. Recent decades have seen a dramatic resurgence, with the area rebranded as The East Cut to highlight its future-facing urban identity (Discover Rincon Hill and The East Cut: A Visitor’s Guide to San Francisco’s Historic and Vibrant Neighborhood).

Attractions and Lifestyle

The East Cut and Rincon Hill now offer a blend of striking high-rises, vibrant public spaces, and a growing dining and nightlife scene. Salesforce Park and Rincon Hill Park provide green respite, while the waterfront, museums, and transit hubs are nearby. The neighborhood is walkable, safe, and ADA-compliant, with excellent public transit connectivity.

Dining and Shopping

From the Ferry Building’s artisan stalls to local favorites like Prospect and Philz Coffee, the area caters to both casual and upscale tastes. The East Cut features a mix of restaurants, cafes, and a full-service supermarket, making it convenient for both residents and visitors.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather; weekdays are quieter.
Public Transit: Take BART or Muni to Embarcadero or Montgomery stations; walk or bike in the area.
Parking: Limited street parking; use public garages or rideshare for convenience.
Accessibility: Most public spaces are ADA-compliant; Salesforce Park and the Ferry Building have accessible facilities.
Dress Code: Layered clothing is recommended due to microclimates.
Safety: The East Cut is considered safe, especially during daylight and in busy areas.
Photography: The exterior of 340 Fremont and nearby parks offer excellent skyline and bay views.
Etiquette: Respect building residents’ privacy and local customs regarding noise and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the public tour 340 Fremont Street?
A: No, the building does not offer public tours. Prospective residents can schedule tours by appointment.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No fee is required to view the interpretive display; tours for prospective residents are arranged through management.

Q: What is the best way to reach 340 Fremont Street?
A: Public transit (BART, Muni, Caltrain) is recommended. The area is also walkable and bike-friendly.

Q: Is the building and its surroundings accessible to people with disabilities?
A: Yes, public areas and nearby parks are ADA-compliant.

Q: What are some nearby attractions?
A: Salesforce Park, Ferry Building Marketplace, Embarcadero waterfront, Rincon Park, and South Beach.

Q: Are guided walking tours available of the neighborhood?
A: Yes, local companies offer seasonal tours focusing on the area’s history and architecture.

Conclusion and Additional Resources

340 Fremont Street exemplifies San Francisco’s urban evolution—honoring its maritime past while embracing modern luxury living. Although access to the building is reserved for residents and their guests, the interpretive display, striking architecture, and prime location make it a noteworthy stop for enthusiasts of the city’s history and design. The surrounding East Cut neighborhood offers a wealth of attractions, green spaces, dining, and easy transit access, ensuring a rewarding visit for anyone exploring the city’s heart.

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