Many architects consider the Hallidie Building the most significant structure in San Francisco, as it was the first building in the world to utilize a "glass curtain" (actually a wall of glass and metal suspended in frong to the concrete facade.) Designed by the esteemed Willis Polk and completed in 1917, the Hallidie building - named for the inventor of the cable car - also features wrought-iron fire escapes to add to its esthetic appeal
Interesting note:The building is named after Andrew S. Hallidie, the inventor of the cable car, was a regent of the University of California 1878-1900. It was built by the university as an investment. The entrance and lobby were remodeled in 1945 by Timothy Pflueger, and the ground floor facade was remodeled in 1946 by Donald Beach Kirby.
