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The Transamerica Pyramid


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Innovation and strength. Like Transamerica itself, the Transamerica Pyramid has become a recognized landmark worldwide that celebrates these attributes. towerfacts1


It all began in 1968 when President John R. Beckett noticed that the trees in a city park—unlike the surrounding, box-like buildings—allowed natural light and fresh air to filter down to the streets below. Wishing to achieve the same effect with Transamerica's new headquarters, an unconventional pyramid shape was chosen for the building. The building was completed in 1972 at a cost of $44 million.

The result: a refreshing openness that allowed access to the environment. The Transamerica Pyramid is now both a distinctive structure revered by San Franciscans and a landmark of international recognition.

The Transamerica Pyramid is located in the heart of the Montgomery
Financial District at 600 Montgomery Street in San Francisco, California. It is a part of Transamerica Center (a complex that includes Two Transamerica Center and Transamerica Redwood Park) and encompasses nearly one city block. The Transamerica Pyramid building and logos featuring it are registered trademarks of Transamerica Corporation and are the company's primary identifiers of product authenticity. Today the building stands as a source of great pride for Transamerica.

Interesting Facts About the Pyramid

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Designed by architect William Pereira, the Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest building in San Francisco.

Originally designed to be 1,000 feet tall, the building was lowered to 853 feet due to protests against changing the San Francisco skyline dramatically.

The building is covered with white, pre-cast quartz aggregate panels.

The building features 48 stories with 3,678 windows. It takes a month to wash all the windows.

At its base, the building is 152 feet by 152 feet. The 48th floor is 45 feet by 45 feet.

The spire rises 212 feet above the top floor and is covered with vertically louvered aluminum panels.

Innovation    Pyramid    

This page last updated: 8/22/2007 9:02:10 AM