San Francisco, California, USA
As San Francisco’s skyline transforms, 181 Fremont is at the forefront of modern architecture – the newly completed tower, soaring over 800 feet into the sky, was designed by Heller Manus Architects, developed by Jay Paul Company.
Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Hornberger + Worstell designed by the building’s interiors.
The tower is one of the tallest mixed-use high-rises on the West Coast and serves as the centerpiece of the new downtown. Its premier location is adjacent to the Pelli Clark Pelli’s Salesforce Transit Center, which was completed at the same time.
Finished in 2018, the project demonstrates the best of modern design, sustainability, and neighborhood integration, as well as a striking presence on the new iconic San Francisco city vista.
Located between the historic Marine Electric Company building and the Salesforce Transit Center, this mixed-use high-rise at 181 Fremont offers breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and its urban waterfront environment.
The 800-foot-tall tower incorporates state-of-the-art resiliency and sustainability innovations. It is designed with 67 high-end condominiums in the top third of the building, with 437,000 square feet of office space in the bottom two thirds, fully leased to Facebook’s Instagram.
The building features a state-of-the-art exoskeleton designed in a saw tooth pattern, with an impressive spire that ascends from its crown.
The aluminum exoskeleton structure breaks the planes of 181 Fremont’s façade, effectively tilting the glass in distinguishing ways.
Combining aesthetics with function, the building’s saw-tooth glass structure also serves as a passive solar design feature. By angling the mullions slightly in against one another, an additional amount of shade is afforded throughout the day as the sun passes over the glass.
Wind also plays significant role in developing the shape of 181 Fremont.
The reverse chevron halfway up the façade made from the supporting steel beams aims to significantly reduce the wind forces on the building and the pedestrians walking below at street level. The chevron structure was also inverted to maximize the views out to the city, bay, and beyond.
The building design keys off the one-third and two-thirds split with a recessed terrace between the two uses. This visually divides those functions with residential amenity and mechanical levels.
The unique structural system is expressed on the building’s exterior, enhancing the skyline expression, and adding a dramatic focal point to this newly evolving district of the city.
This LEED Platinum building includes several innovative design features including a curtain wall design, a green roof, and recycled materials.
The building is also the most resilient building on the West Coast and was awarded a REDi Gold certificate.
Architects: Heller Manus Architects
Interiors: Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Hornberger + Worstell
Client: Jay Paul Company
Photographers: Steve Proehl
