March Edition Field Trip Special: The Remarkable History of the San Francisco Ferry Building

Located at the heart of San Francisco’s Financial District, the San Francisco Ferry Building is an icon of the San Francisco waterfront. Originally opened in 1898 as a major transportation hub, the port has undergone decades of change and is now an iconic tourist destination, marketplace, and ferry terminal. From surviving two major earthquakes to transporting over 50,000 people at its peak, this building has history, good food, and always room for enjoyment. Recently, a group of Hawk Editorial staff writers journeyed to San Francisco, and were greeted by the sight of the great clock tower by the seafront.  

Architecture

The San Francisco Ferry Building was designed in the Beaux-Arts style. This style originated in France, characterized by flat roofs, arched windows and doors, and symmetry. With its clock tower reminiscent of the 12th-century Giralda bell tower in Spain, architect A. Page Brown drew inspiration from French neoclassicism to design the aesthetic of the building. The warm gray color of the location’s exterior is a specially-mixed blend known as “Ferry Building Gray,” meant to replicate the sandstone that the building was originally made of. 

History

The original ferry terminal was a wooden building built in 1875, and was replaced by the modern building in 1898. The well designed, reinforced building survived both the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. 

At the building’s peak years, the early 1930s, it transported over 50,000 people daily, making it the world's second-busiest transit terminal. However, after the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1936 and 1937, the port saw a rapid decrease in traffic as many people switched to cars. Along with mass use of the automobile, the double-deck Embarcadero Freeway gained popularity. By the 1950s, the Ferry Building had lost most of its passengers, and it was converted to office space. 

After the devastating 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 that heavily damaged the Embarcadero Freeway, San Francisco created a plan for the waterfront that would redevelop the area around the Ferry Building. Eventually, the plan was implemented, and in 2003, the San Francisco Ferry Building reopened after undergoing a four-year restoration. The building was transformed into a marketplace with about 50 restaurants, shops, and food purveyors, and a farmers’ market opened on the outdoor plaza. The building celebrated its 125th anniversary on July 13th, 2023, and Mayor London Breed proclaimed July 13th as Ferry Building Day.

Food

The famed Ferry Building is a treasure trove of countless delectable restaurants. Known as “the Mecca for farmers, vendors, and food lovers,” this location has been graced by many simply because of its gastronomical offerings. The Hawk Editorial crew stopped by several restaurants in the complex, including Joyride Pizza, a nearby pizza place located on Pier 1, and Delica, a Japanese restaurant near the rear of the building. “They had deep-dish Detroit-style pizza, and it was really good. So were the garlic bread bites,” says Saloni Saxena, who enjoyed food from Joyride. “I enjoyed the food. It was nice and fresh, and the wasabi had the perfect spice level to balance the otherwise mild sushi. The ginger was also nice,” says Rachit Awatramani, who had avocado sushi at Delica. Other notable places within the Ferry Building include Hog Island Oyster Co., Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar, El Porteno Empanadas, and many more.

Despite a dip in popularity over the years, the Ferry Building remains a vital part of San Francisco’s culture. With scenic views of the waterfront and delectable food, thousands of visitors enjoy the historic location daily. Generations of visitors and locals have spent time at this building, and will for years to come.