Maybe you think of Egypt when you think of buildings shaped like pyramids. But a more modern pyramid can be found in San Francisco.

Fun Facts

• John R. Beckett, CEO of Transamerica, wanted a building that would not block light to the street.

  

• He hired architect William Pereira to design the building. Not everyone liked the four-sided pyramid design and many people said it was ugly. Today, though, it’s an iconic landmark in San Francisco and people appreciate its modern look.
• The building was finished in 1972 and, at 48 stories, was the tallest building in San Francisco until 2018.
• The building has two wings which house the elevators and a spire on top of the building.
• At street level is a private park with sculptures of a jumping frog and children playing.
• During construction, onlookers threw several thousand dollars in coin into the pit for good luck.
• To make the 9-foot thick foundation, workers poured concrete continuously for three days.
• Near the foundation of the building was the hull of the whaling vessel, Niantic, from the 1849 California Gold Rush era.
• A red, glass-encased light sits at the top of the tower to warn aircrafts of its presence.
• The building is believed to have been the target of a 1995 hijacking incident.

 

Vocabulary

1. Iconic: well-known and recognized symbol
2. Landmark: well-known building or place
3. Hull: the bones of a ship

 

Questions and Answers

Question: What is the pyramid building made of?

Answer: Mostly steel and glass, but the exterior is covered in crushed quartz.

 

Learn More

Watch a video about the Transamerica Pyramid building.