History: In 1968 plans were unveiled by William Pereira & Associates to mixed emotions. To this day it is as San Franciscan as the Golden Gate Bridge and the cable cars. It was designed to be architecturally unique as well as for the environmental benefits the pyramid shape provides by allowing natural light and fresh air to filter down to the streets below.
It opened in 1972, is 853 ft tall, 48 stories, and is still the tallest building in Northern California.
After September 11, 2001 the observation deck was closed indefinitely to the public.
Green Story:
2009 - awarded LEED Gold Status by the US Green Building Council
2011- The Pyramid achieves highest level for LEED® certification: LEED Platinum, from the USGBC based on a significant increase in Energy Star ratings from 2009 — 2010.
Fun Fact: Amazingly the building sustained no structural damage from the 1989, 7.1 magnitude earthquake it did shake for over 1 minute.
In 1972, the Transamerica Redwood Park opened. It is a beautiful park located adjacent to the building and is a half acre populated with benches, Redwoods, and a fountain.
