Spreckels Building, San Francisco, California

The Spreckels Building (then the Call Building when the paper The Morning Call took up residence, then later Central Tower) was built in San Francisco, California by Claus Spreckels and the architect firm of Reid & Reid in 1898. Constructed of steel and Oregon sandstone, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River for several years. Its ornately domed top was home to the Spreckels Rotisserie, which boasted an unobstructed view of the entire city, bay and surrounding country.

The building survived the 1906 San Francisco earthquake; however, it did move about 2 feet onto Third Street and the elevators failed. After the earthquake, the gas lamps in the upper floors caused a fire and the interior of the building was destroyed from the top down. Repairs were made and the building continued operation.

In the late 30's Albert Roller purchased the building and had the baroque dome and four corner cupolas removed in favor of additional office space, which was at a premium at the time. Six floors were added to its original 15 stories and the building was given a new white marble façade and renamed Central Tower.

ee also

*San Francisco Memories [http://www.sanfranciscomemories.com/postcards/call/building.html]