Origins and Construction
The Hunter-Dulin Building was commissioned in the mid-1920s by Hunter, Dulin & Company and designed by the New York architectural firm Schultze and Weaver, renowned for projects such as the Waldorf-Astoria in New York. Built on the site of the former Lick House Hotel (destroyed in the 1906 earthquake), construction began in 1925 and finished in 1927 at a cost of approximately $3.5 million. The building’s steel frame, supported by massive concrete foundations, enabled its then-ambitious height and reflected new approaches to seismic safety.
Architectural Style and Features
Rising 22 stories (plus two mechanical floors), the Hunter-Dulin Building reaches 98.3 meters (322 feet). Clad in finely glazed terra cotta and sand-colored Granitex, with brick on secondary façades, the building presents a distinctive stepped roofline with a 38-foot mansard roof. The Sutter Street entrance features double-story marble arches, a vaulted vestibule, and decorative elements including sculpted heads and terra cotta plaques symbolizing the four seasons. The structure’s setbacks, in line with 1920s zoning laws, give it a unique “wedding-cake” silhouette (Emporis).
Broadcasting and Cultural Legacy
From 1927 to 1942, the building housed NBC’s West Coast headquarters, with the 21st and 22nd floors dedicated to executive offices and radio studios. At the time, it contained the largest music library west of New York and was a hub for early radio broadcasting (Radio Historian). The building also appears in popular culture as Sam Spade’s office in The Maltese Falcon, securing its place in American literary history.
Ownership and Preservation
Hunter, Dulin & Company merged into Pacific Eastern Corporation before dissolving in 1934, but the building remained a coveted business address. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, and a major restoration from 1999 to 2001 modernized its infrastructure while preserving historic details. Today, it operates as One Eleven Sutter, balancing its heritage with contemporary office needs (NoeHill).
Visiting Information
Hours, Admission, and Accessibility
- Lobby Hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The lobby is open to the public during these hours.
- Admission Entry to the lobby is free. Access to upper floors is restricted to tenants and authorized personnel.
- Accessibility The building is ADA compliant, with elevators and accessible restrooms in public areas.
Guided Tours and Special Events
Public tours are not regularly offered, but the Hunter-Dulin Building is often included in downtown architectural walking tours and special events like Open House San Francisco (Open House San Francisco). Check with local tour operators and historical societies for current offerings.
Getting There
- Public Transit The building is a short walk from Montgomery Street BART and Muni Metro stations. Multiple bus and streetcar lines serve the area.
- Parking Nearby public garages are available, though rates can be high during peak hours. Public transit or rideshare is recommended.
Nearby Attractions
- Union Square Major retail and cultural hub (5-minute walk).
- Transamerica Pyramid Iconic skyscraper close by.
- Crocker Galleria Upscale shopping and dining.
- Admission Day Monument Historic statehood sculpture.
- San Francisco Comfort Women Memorial Historical monument.
- Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Contemporary art and performance.
- Chinatown One of North America’s oldest and largest Chinatowns.
- Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar Legendary tiki bar.
Architectural Highlights
- Main Entrance Grand pointed arch with Gothic tracery and floral motifs.
- Lobby Marble finishes, bronze fixtures, original elevator doors with geometric and floral designs.
- Façade Terra cotta cornices, finials, and deep window reveals.
- Setbacks The building’s silhouette reflects 1920s zoning laws.
- Interior Shallow floor depths and large windows allow natural light.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are tickets required to visit the Hunter-Dulin Building?
A: No tickets are needed to access the lobby. Entry beyond the lobby is restricted.
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is no public access on weekends.
Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the lobby and public areas are ADA compliant with ramps and elevators.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Tours may be available during special events or via local walking tour operators, but not on a regular basis.
Q: Can I take photographs inside?
A: Casual photography is permitted in public areas. Professional shoots require prior approval.
Discover More
The Hunter-Dulin Building offers a fascinating glimpse into San Francisco’s architectural and cultural legacy. To dive deeper, join walking tours or attend special events like Open House San Francisco. Download the Audiala app for audio-guided tours and up-to-date visitor information. Discover more about San Francisco’s historical sites, early skyscrapers, and city itineraries through our related articles and resources.
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