Fox Plaza

Fox Plaza Visiting Hours, Tickets, and San Francisco Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Fox Plaza’s Legacy in San Francisco

Located at 1390 Market Street in San Francisco’s Civic Center, Fox Plaza is a defining feature in the city’s architectural and urban landscape. Rising 29 stories above Market Street, this mixed-use high-rise represents both the aspirations and challenges of mid-20th-century urban renewal. Fox Plaza’s International Style design, innovative seismic engineering, and layered history—built atop the former Fox Theatre—make it a notable point of interest for architecture enthusiasts and urban explorers alike (PCAD; San Francisco Travel: Civic Center).

This guide provides up-to-date information on visiting Fox Plaza, its architectural and historical context, accessibility, nearby attractions, and practical tips for making the most of your exploration of San Francisco’s Civic Center.

Introduction
History and Architectural Significance
Visiting Hours and Accessibility
Seismic Innovations and Engineering
Nearby Attractions and Visitor Tips
Safety and Practical Advice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Future Developments
How to Stay Updated

History and Architectural Significance

Fox Plaza stands on the site of the original Fox Theatre, a 4,651-seat movie palace that opened in 1929 and was known for its grand design and role as a major entertainment venue (PCAD). After the theatre’s demolition in 1963—a pivotal moment that sparked preservationist activism in San Francisco—the city embarked on a new era of urban renewal. Fox Plaza, completed in 1966, symbolizes the city’s embrace of modernist architecture and mixed-use urban density.

Designed in the International Style, Fox Plaza features a sleek glass curtain wall, clean lines, and a highly functional approach that merges over 400 residential units, commercial offices, and retail spaces. Its construction marked a significant shift from ornate, historic structures to modern high-rise living and working environments (Freedom West: Urban Renewal Impact).

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Lobby and Retail Access: Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Residential and office areas are private.
Tickets: No tickets are required to access the building’s public lobby or retail spaces.
Accessibility: Fox Plaza complies with ADA standards, providing ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms for visitors with disabilities.
Tours: There are no official public or guided tours inside Fox Plaza. However, many local walking tours of the Civic Center and Mid-Market include Fox Plaza as a highlight (SFCivicCenter.org Visitor Guide).
Photography: The exterior, best viewed from Market Street or Civic Center Plaza, is ideal for architectural photography.

Seismic Innovations and Engineering

Fox Plaza is not only an architectural landmark but also a model of seismic resilience. Originally built with a steel moment-resisting frame, it underwent a comprehensive seismic retrofit after major earthquakes highlighted the need for upgraded safety measures. Retrofit highlights include:

Chevron Bracing with Fluid Viscous Dampers: Absorbs and dissipates earthquake energy between floors.
Reinforced Beam-Column Joints and Knife Plate Connections: Enhance structural integrity without disrupting occupancy.
Upgraded Sub-Level Garage and Columns: Concrete encasements provide added strength to the building’s foundation.

These upgrades were implemented while the building remained occupied, demonstrating advanced engineering and project management (Freedom West: Urban Renewal Impact).

Nearby Attractions and Visitor Tips

Fox Plaza’s central location places visitors within easy reach of San Francisco’s most prominent civic, cultural, and historical landmarks:

San Francisco City Hall: A Beaux-Arts masterpiece renowned for its dome and public art (Wikipedia: Civic Center, San Francisco).
Asian Art Museum: Features one of the world’s most comprehensive Asian art collections.
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, War Memorial Opera House, and Davies Symphony Hall: Venues for concerts, opera, and symphony performances.
Civic Center Plaza and United Nations Plaza: Public squares hosting events, farmers markets, and civic gatherings.
Nearby Retail and Services: Ground-floor businesses at Fox Plaza include a post office and office supply store.

Getting There: Fox Plaza is steps from Civic Center/UN Plaza BART and Muni stations, with additional nearby parking garages and easy access to taxis and rideshare services (SF.gov Civic Center Guide; SFTourismTips: Civic Center).

Safety and Practical Advice

Urban Awareness: The Civic Center and Mid-Market areas are vibrant but can be busy and unpredictable, especially after dark. Use general urban safety precautions.
Weather: Dress in layers to accommodate San Francisco’s variable weather, with fog and wind common even in summer.
Visitor Services: The San Francisco Visitor Information Center (900 Market Street) offers maps, assistance, and event information (SF.gov Civic Center Guide).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the public tour Fox Plaza’s residential or office areas?
A: No, only the ground-floor retail and lobby areas are accessible to the public.

Q: Do I need tickets to visit Fox Plaza?
A: No tickets are required for public areas.

Q: Are guided tours offered?
A: Fox Plaza does not offer official guided tours, but it is included in some local walking tours.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, Fox Plaza meets ADA standards in public areas.

Q: What are the best nearby attractions?
A: City Hall, Asian Art Museum, War Memorial Opera House, and Civic Center Plaza.

Future Developments

Fox Plaza is scheduled for redevelopment, including the replacement of its low-rise retail structure with a new condominium tower. This aligns with San Francisco’s broader goals to increase residential density and revitalize downtown neighborhoods. Stay tuned for updates through city planning announcements and the Essex Apartment Homes website.

How to Stay Updated

Visit the Essex Apartment Homes website for leasing and amenity details.
Follow San Francisco city planning updates for redevelopment news.
Download the Audiala app for curated guides, maps, and insider tips on Fox Plaza and other San Francisco landmarks.

Summary

Fox Plaza is a multifaceted symbol of San Francisco’s Civic Center—bridging the city’s historical legacy with modern innovation and urban life. Though not a traditional tourist attraction, its architecture, seismic engineering, and proximity to major civic and cultural sites make it a worthwhile destination for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re drawn by history, design, or the vibrant surrounding neighborhood, Fox Plaza offers a unique perspective on the evolution of San Francisco’s urban core (PCAD; San Francisco Travel: Civic Center; Freedom West: Urban Renewal Impact; Birdeye Reviews; SFCivicCenter.org Visitor Guide).