101 Montgomery

San FranciscoUnited States of America 37° N · 122° W

Situated prominently in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, 101 Montgomery Street—also known as The Schwab Building—stands as a compelling…

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What 101 Montgomery is

101 Montgomery Street, also known as The Schwab Building, is a Class A office tower in the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District. It is part of the city’s commercial core, an area with roots extending back to the Gold Rush era, and reflects San Francisco’s late-20th-century economic growth, urban development and approach to office-building density.

The building is 404 feet (123 meters) tall, has 28 floors and contains roughly 278,000 square feet of office space. Its steel frame and glass curtain wall give it a sleek, functional appearance associated with the International Style. Although it does not have the iconic status of the Transamerica Pyramid, it is a notable part of the Financial District skyline and has been described as the city’s 39th tallest building, tied with Embarcadero West (Wikipedia; Skyscraper Center; CompStak).

101 Montgomery is primarily a commercial office building, not a traditional tourist attraction. The lobby and ground-floor retail spaces provide public points of access during business hours, while the building’s location offers a starting point for exploring the surrounding Financial District, Chinatown, Union Square and the Embarcadero waterfront.

History and significance

Accounts of the building’s history give different dates and descriptions. One account describes 101 Montgomery as constructed in the early 20th century and as reflecting San Francisco’s rebuilding after the 1906 earthquake, with elements of Beaux-Arts and early modern design. Other accounts identify it as a late-20th-century office tower, completed in 1984 or 1986. Its modern steel-and-glass form is also described as part of the shift from low-rise masonry buildings to office towers that shaped the city’s later skyline.

The building stands on historic Montgomery Street, in San Francisco’s original commercial core. Its development took place during a period of economic growth and urban modernization, as finance, technology and service industries generated demand for new office space. Cahill Contractors developed the building, and it served as the original headquarters of Charles Schwab & Company. The site’s historical context is also associated with the Montgomery Street Barracks, a notable 19th-century military site in the Presidio (Wikipedia; Presidio.gov).

The building’s early role in the financial sector continues through its office use. Tenants have included real estate firm Kidder Mathews and philanthropic group METTA Fund. Its flexible office spaces and renovations are intended to meet modern technology, safety and sustainability standards (CompStak).

Architecture, business and urban impact

101 Montgomery’s clean lines and grid-like window pattern give its façade a rhythmic, functional appearance. Its steel frame and curtain wall reflect construction techniques associated with the 1980s; materials from suppliers such as Arbed are noted in descriptions of its construction. The design was shaped by considerations of seismic safety and urban density (Skyscraper Center; Curbed SF).

As a Class A office building, 101 Montgomery contributes to the Financial District’s role as a center for business. Its mix of financial services, legal, technology and consulting firms supports office employment and local businesses, including restaurants, cafes and retail shops. Office buildings of this kind also contribute to local revenues through property taxes, business licenses and municipal fees.

As of 2024, average asking rents for Class A office space in the Financial District were reported as ranging from $70 to $90 per square foot. The building is managed by Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc., and its leasing and performance have been presented as part of the wider downtown office market, including amid post-pandemic recovery and changing work patterns. Flexible leasing arrangements and facility upgrades are described as responses to those market shifts (101 Montgomery official site).

Building management is also described as investing in energy-efficient systems, waste reduction and green certifications. These efforts are intended to minimize environmental impact and align with San Francisco’s sustainability commitments.

Although the building is not a public cultural venue, it sits at a crossroads between the Financial District and Chinatown, near historic sites, public art and community events. Businesses in the district participate in citywide arts and community initiatives, while public art displays, seasonal festivals and charity events contribute to the surrounding area’s cultural life (Art-Facts: Famous Buildings in San Francisco).

What to see

Visitors can view the building’s modern glass façade from Montgomery and Sutter Streets. The location is noted as a photographic spot, particularly at sunrise and sunset, with nearby views of the Transamerica Pyramid and glimpses of the Bay Bridge.

The lobby and ground-floor retail spaces are the main areas visitors may be able to access. The building’s interior is not generally open for sightseeing, and upper floors are office space. Ground-floor amenities mentioned for visitors include Coffee Bar, La Fromagerie and Caffe Ambrosia.

Practical visiting information

Visiting hours and access

The building’s public-facing areas are generally accessible Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Public access is usually limited to the lobby and ground-floor retail spaces. Visitors to office areas must generally be accompanied by a tenant or attend a scheduled public event.

There is no general admission fee for the lobby or other public areas. After-hours visits require prior arrangements, registration and approval from building management to meet security requirements.

Tours and events

Regular public tours are not offered. Occasional guided architectural tours, citywide open-house events and cultural events may provide access or include 101 Montgomery as a stop. Nearby Financial District walking tours also cover local architecture and historical landmarks. Tour availability, event schedules and any ticket information should be checked with local tour providers, building management or heritage organizations, including the San Francisco Heritage Foundation (San Francisco Heritage Foundation).

Accessibility

The building is described as ADA-compliant, with accessible entrances, elevators and restrooms. More detailed accessibility information describes step-free entrances, automatic doors, clear signage with tactile indicators, and reception and security desks at accessible heights. The lobby is described as spacious and well-lit.

Elevators have Braille buttons and audible floor indicators and are described as spacious enough for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Hallways and common areas are wide and free of obstructions, while wayfinding signage uses high-contrast lettering and tactile elements. Accessible restrooms with grab bars, wide stalls and emergency call buttons are available on the main lobby level and select office floors.

Getting there and parking

101 Montgomery is at the intersection of Montgomery and Sutter Streets, less than a block from the Montgomery BART and Muni Metro station. The station connects visitors to the wider Bay Area and is described as having step-free access, elevators, tactile paving and audible announcements. City buses serving the area are low-floor models equipped with ramps or lifts (Wheelchair Travel).

The building is also served by BART, Muni and regional buses. Nearby public garages include the Sutter-Stockton Garage and Ellis-O’Farrell Garage, both described as having designated accessible spaces near elevators and exits. Street parking is also available. Public transit is encouraged to reduce congestion. For information on accessible stays and nearby parking, see SF Travel.

The Financial District has wide, smooth sidewalks and curb cuts at intersections. The area around 101 Montgomery is relatively flat, though some San Francisco streets have steep gradients. The building has been described as having high walkability and transit scores.

Tips for visitors

  • Coordinate with your host or building management before visiting, especially if you need access beyond the lobby or plan to visit after hours.
  • Check local listings and official sources for tour and event schedules.
  • Plan routes ahead if mobility is a concern, and use accessibility apps and maps to identify easier paths and avoid steep hills (Wheel the World).
  • Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles; booking in advance is recommended.
  • WheelMate can help locate accessible restrooms (Wheel the World).
  • San Francisco weather varies; dressing in layers can help with fog and wind (Gateway Travel).
  • Secure belongings and follow posted safety guidelines. The Financial District is described as having visible security and clean public spaces, with frequent cleaning of public areas and accessible facilities.
  • Restaurants, cafes and shops in the Financial District and Union Square include ADA-compliant venues with step-free entry and accessible restrooms. Call ahead to confirm access, especially at smaller or historic venues.

Nearby places

Nearby destinations include Union Square, Chinatown, the Embarcadero waterfront and Ferry Building. Union Square is a short walk away and has accessible shopping, cultural venues, elevators in stores and accessible restrooms (SF Travel). The Ferry Building is reachable by accessible streetcar or a 15-minute walk; it has ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms and vendors. The waterfront promenade along the Embarcadero has flat, smooth paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Other nearby sites include the Transamerica Pyramid, the Old Mint and the Ferry Terminal. The Exploratorium at Pier 15 is described as wheelchair accessible, with tactile exhibits and assistive listening devices (Gateway Travel). The Golden Gate Bridge is also mentioned among nearby San Francisco attractions.

Hotels near 101 Montgomery listed as offering accessible rooms and amenities include:

Features at these hotels include roll-in showers, accessible tubs, visual alarms and accessible parking. Accessible short-term rentals are also available through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, which have filters for specific needs (SF Travel).

Frequently asked questions

What are 101 Montgomery’s visiting hours?
The building’s public areas are generally accessible Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Access is mainly limited to the lobby and ground-floor retail spaces.

Is 101 Montgomery open to the public?
The lobby and ground-floor retail areas are generally open during business hours. Visitors to office areas must generally be accompanied by a tenant or attend a scheduled event.

Is there an admission fee?
There is no general admission fee for the lobby or public spaces. Special events or tours may have their own arrangements.

Can I tour the interior?
Regular public tours are not offered. Occasional special events or architectural tours may provide interior access; check local listings, the San Francisco Heritage Foundation or building management.

How do I arrange an after-hours visit?
After-hours visits require prior arrangements, registration and approval from building management.

Is 101 Montgomery wheelchair accessible?
The building is described as ADA-compliant, with step-free access, accessible elevators and restrooms, and accessible signage.

What amenities are available?
Ground-floor retail spaces, cafes, dining options and lobby services are mentioned. Coffee Bar, La Fromagerie and Caffe Ambrosia are among the named venues.

Is 101 Montgomery accessible by public transit?
Yes. Montgomery BART and Muni Metro station is less than a block away, with regional buses also serving the area.

What office leasing options are available?
The building offers Class A office space with flexible leasing arrangements. Availability and leasing details are available through the property’s official website (101 Montgomery official site).

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References also cited in the source material: