Today marks the grand reopening of the Transamerica Pyramid Center in San Francisco, California, following a $400 million redevelopment project from developer SHVO in partnership with Foster + Partners. 

The 853-foot masterpiece William Pereira first bequeathed to the city in the summer of 1972 is now revitalized with modern-day amenities and a new lobby that once again matches his design’s original intentions while better integrating the building with civic life along the ground level.

Outside the lobby, a revitalized Redwood Park with 49 replanted trees was enacted between Two Transamerica and Three Transamerica at Sansome Street to bind the site and program and serve as a new oasis-like destination in the heart of a busy pedestrian/commercial area.

Another exterior component of the project entailed rejuvenating Mark Twain Alley, which is now a more vibrant civic space replete with plum blossom trees that frame an entry sequence leading to the retail-lined base of the pyramid.

Back inside, historic structural elements are revealed by the removal of the ceiling. Foster + Partners says the office plan is thereafter "reimagined as a living space, with a sophisticated emphasis placed on comfort, hospitality, and flexibility for tenants and guests." That includes a gym, spa, and sky lounge. Topping off it all is a new bar concept from the award-winning chef Bradley Kilgore that adds a decidedly San Franciscan flourish to the users' experience of the architecture.

Developer Michael Shvo purchased the iconic property for $650 million in 2020 with the hopes of adding value throughout its 48 stories. David Summerfield led the project team with these intents in mind, culminating a four-year effort the client says ensures Pereira’s design, once known as the 'Wall Street of the West," will "always be ahead of its time."