Upon entering San Francisco, nothing is more memorable than seeing the historic Ferry Building's dazzling neon sign radiantly welcoming you in. A treasured icon not only for its elegant architecture, but also for its undying support for our local businesses through its Marketplace and Foodwise's Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market, this bustling bazaar truly showcases a magnificent microcosm of the city's cultures.
This year in 2023, the Ferry Building will be tremendously celebrating its 125th birthday with a wide array of can't-miss specials and events, and to help commemorate such a milestone, we're sharing these lesser-known facts about the luminous landmark. See how many you know!
See also: Here's Why San Francisco Gets So Foggy In The Summer
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Modeled after the European academy École des Beaux-Arts by New York architect A. Page Brown, he drew inspiration from their aesthetics to incorporate their distinct French neoclassicism, renaissance, and Baroque elements into the building's sweeping architecture.
The massive construction of this structure was also the biggest project to be undertaken in San Francisco at the time.
Thanks to the thorough construction of the building and high-quality materials, the Ferry Building withstood San Francisco's two biggest earthquakes in 1906 and 1989 with very minimal damage.
The intricate "wedding cake" crown atop the clock tower looks similar to that of the 1198 Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain, along with other romantic and royal elements.
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Though now powered electronically, the Ferry Building's clock was once the largest mechanical, wind-up dial clock in the world, sporting a stunning original Special #4 design still seen today by Boston clock crafter E. Howard in 1898.
Its heavy usage as a transit terminal to travel to the East and North Bays prior to the construction of the two bridges led to its recognition as almost the world's most-utilized, coming just slightly behind the Charing Cross Station in London.
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Along the Embarcadero was once a pedestrian walkway that connected the Ferry Building plaza to the transit hub, but was deconstructed during WWII to be used for materials.
While it may be hard to picture, but the Ferry Building could only previously be accessed through the second story when boarding or departing the upper decks of the ferries, with the first floor only used for baggage and freight. The Great Nave of the ground level was then renovated with the Marketplace opening officially in March 2003.
During restorations, the elaborate marble mosaics decorating the second floor Grand Nave were covered in linoleum that was then scrubbed away carefully using crushed walnut shells to preserve their artistry, which included an intricate replica of the Great Seal of the State of California.
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Many of these merchants are also authentically cultural and women-owned-and-operated, including Benedetta, Reem's, and the newest addition to the marketplace family, Peaches Patties!
Juice House Co. is another new must-visit destination, as their healthy 100% organic beverages promotes the freshest and most flavorful nourishment when exploring the area, which for Juice House Co. founder Tiana Duvauchelle, "is truly a dream come true!” Elaborating, “Juice House Co. is so excited to be a part of the community of Ferry Building merchants, and we look forward to sharing our unique offerings with locals and visitors alike.”
Labeled "Ferry Building Gray," this paint is a careful blend of warm grey tones that reflects the building's original Colusa sandstone and is part of a grand enhancement project by the premier Architecture Resources Group (ARG), which first started in 2019. This objective is to restore and repair the façade, with the final step of painting the clocktower to be completed this year.
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Other design plans for the modern improvements will involve Bay Front Kitchens that will boast operable window systems for increased breeziness, natural light, and connection to the unbeatable outdoor views, with additional space for storefronts and waterfront dining destinations.
The north side will also feature enclosed patios with greater seating, contemporary lighting, and innovative weather protections for comfortable dining and relaxing in any condition, as well as easier and stronger connections to the terminals.
Foodwise, the non-profit overseer of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, is turning 30 this year, and with their birthday also comes a myriad of can't-miss events, like their Pop-Ups on the Plaza that uplifts local makers, personal chef demos, and the energizing Foodwise Summer Bash.
View this post on Instagram
While it may not be a surprise, but the Ferry Buildng's plentiful offerings and lively events have invited a long roster of esteemed celebrities, authors, and notable figures to stroll though and even give talks within certain businesses, like at the beloved Books Passage, and at the esteemed Hog Island Oyster Co.
Some of these noteworthy names include Simu Liu, Alice Waters, and Phil Rosethal, as featured in his Netflix show, Somebody Feed Phil!
View this post on Instagram
Here's to making more memories and facts as this historic treasure continues to celebrate further birthdays!
See also: 10 Surprising Fun Facts About San Francisco
Photography by: Courtesy of joe daniel price/Getty Images
Upon entering San Francisco, nothing is more memorable than seeing the historic Ferry Building's dazzling neon sign radiantly welcoming you in. A treasured icon not only for its elegant architecture, but also for its undying support for our local businesses through its Marketplace and Foodwise's Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market, this bustling bazaar truly showcases a magnificent microcosm of the city's cultures.
This year in 2023, the Ferry Building will be tremendously celebrating its 125th birthday with a wide array of can't-miss specials and events, and to help commemorate such a milestone, we're sharing these lesser-known facts about the luminous landmark. See how many you know!
See also: Here's Why San Francisco Gets So Foggy In The Summer
View this post on Instagram
Modeled after the European academy École des Beaux-Arts by New York architect A. Page Brown, he drew inspiration from their aesthetics to incorporate their distinct French neoclassicism, renaissance, and Baroque elements into the building's sweeping architecture.
The massive construction of this structure was also the biggest project to be undertaken in San Francisco at the time.
Thanks to the thorough construction of the building and high-quality materials, the Ferry Building withstood San Francisco's two biggest earthquakes in 1906 and 1989 with very minimal damage.
The intricate "wedding cake" crown atop the clock tower looks similar to that of the 1198 Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain, along with other romantic and royal elements.
View this post on Instagram
Though now powered electronically, the Ferry Building's clock was once the largest mechanical, wind-up dial clock in the world, sporting a stunning original Special #4 design still seen today by Boston clock crafter E. Howard in 1898.
Its heavy usage as a transit terminal to travel to the East and North Bays prior to the construction of the two bridges led to its recognition as almost the world's most-utilized, coming just slightly behind the Charing Cross Station in London.
View this post on Instagram
Along the Embarcadero was once a pedestrian walkway that connected the Ferry Building plaza to the transit hub, but was deconstructed during WWII to be used for materials.
While it may be hard to picture, but the Ferry Building could only previously be accessed through the second story when boarding or departing the upper decks of the ferries, with the first floor only used for baggage and freight. The Great Nave of the ground level was then renovated with the Marketplace opening officially in March 2003.
During restorations, the elaborate marble mosaics decorating the second floor Grand Nave were covered in linoleum that was then scrubbed away carefully using crushed walnut shells to preserve their artistry, which included an intricate replica of the Great Seal of the State of California.
View this post on Instagram
Many of these merchants are also authentically cultural and women-owned-and-operated, including Benedetta, Reem's, and the newest addition to the marketplace family, Peaches Patties!
Juice House Co. is another new must-visit destination, as their healthy 100% organic beverages promotes the freshest and most flavorful nourishment when exploring the area, which for Juice House Co. founder Tiana Duvauchelle, "is truly a dream come true!” Elaborating, “Juice House Co. is so excited to be a part of the community of Ferry Building merchants, and we look forward to sharing our unique offerings with locals and visitors alike.”
Labeled "Ferry Building Gray," this paint is a careful blend of warm grey tones that reflects the building's original Colusa sandstone and is part of a grand enhancement project by the premier Architecture Resources Group (ARG), which first started in 2019. This objective is to restore and repair the façade, with the final step of painting the clocktower to be completed this year.
View this post on Instagram
Other design plans for the modern improvements will involve Bay Front Kitchens that will boast operable window systems for increased breeziness, natural light, and connection to the unbeatable outdoor views, with additional space for storefronts and waterfront dining destinations.
The north side will also feature enclosed patios with greater seating, contemporary lighting, and innovative weather protections for comfortable dining and relaxing in any condition, as well as easier and stronger connections to the terminals.
Foodwise, the non-profit overseer of the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, is turning 30 this year, and with their birthday also comes a myriad of can't-miss events, like their Pop-Ups on the Plaza that uplifts local makers, personal chef demos, and the energizing Foodwise Summer Bash.
View this post on Instagram
While it may not be a surprise, but the Ferry Buildng's plentiful offerings and lively events have invited a long roster of esteemed celebrities, authors, and notable figures to stroll though and even give talks within certain businesses, like at the beloved Books Passage, and at the esteemed Hog Island Oyster Co.
Some of these noteworthy names include Simu Liu, Alice Waters, and Phil Rosethal, as featured in his Netflix show, Somebody Feed Phil!
View this post on Instagram
Here's to making more memories and facts as this historic treasure continues to celebrate further birthdays!
See also: 10 Surprising Fun Facts About San Francisco
Photography by: Courtesy of joe daniel price/Getty Images
