Matson Building and Annex
historic place
The Matson Building and Annex is a historic place in San Francisco, California. The original sixteen-story Matson Building was constructed between 1922 and 1924. Architects Walter D. Bliss and William B. Faville designed it as the headquarters for the Matson Navigation Company. Matson was a major freight and passenger carrier, connecting the West Coast with Hawaii. This Renaissance Revival style building features a cream-colored terra cotta facade, with turquoise blue-green accents. Its design, resembling a classical column, includes an arcaded four-story capital and a rich four-story base. Custom ornamental details symbolized the Matson Navigation Company. An annex, designed by Leland Rosener, was added between 1945 and 1947. This expansion supported Matson's significantly expanded operations after World War II. The Matson Building and Annex complex reflects the company's prominent role in San Francisco-Hawaii commerce. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 29, 1995.