foster + partners to complete $250 million redesign of transamerica pyramid in san francisco

transamerica pyramid redesign by foster + partners

real estate company SHVO, owner of san francisco’s transamerica pyramid, is working in collaboration with world-renowned architect norman foster to redesign the interiors of the iconic tower. the firms plan to invest $250 million in order to give the 1972 building a sweeping makeover. the project will also include the expansion of the tower’s redwood park and the adjacent 545 sansome street. the transformation is expected to begin in early april, 2022, and it will take about a year to complete.

all images courtesy of SHVO

transforming a truly iconic building

designed by famed american architect william pereira and built in 1972, the transamerica pyramid reaches 850 ft (259 m) in height. the structure is the second tallest in san francisco, and its luminous spire stands out as the most recognizable landmark on the city’s skyline. offering unobstructed views, the transamerica pyramid features a striking exterior covered in white quartz, with over 3,000 windows. its unique form allows for distinct floor plates from 3,000 to 20,0000 sqft (278 to 1,858 sqm). in 2019, the pyramid was re-certified LEED platinum. 

the $250 million transformation will include the refurbishment of the interiors, as well as the expansion of the redwood park and the neighboring 545 sansome st. moreover, the architects will install a new facade to create a modern office building at the cost of approximately $150 million. ‘the word iconic is overused but it’s truly an iconic building. it’s a piece of history.’ shares norman foster (find more here) in a publicity video released by SHVO (find more here). ‘it’s about responding to a very specific climate of a city. it’s about health; it’s about sustainability; it’s about green.’ he adds.

project info:

name: transamerica pyramid center makeover
architects: foster + partners
owner: SHVO
location: san francisco, USA