The Federal Office Building in San Francisco
historic place
The Federal Office Building, a historic place in San Francisco, California, is located at 50 United Nations Plaza. Designed by architect Arthur Brown, Jr., its construction occurred between 1934 and 1936, with the building completed in 1936. This structure is a notable example of the Second Renaissance Revival and Beaux-Arts architectural styles. Its completion in 1936 was a key moment, as it effectively finalized the San Francisco Civic Center, a significant manifestation of the City Beautiful movement. The building is recognized as a contributing property to the San Francisco Civic Center National Historic Landmark District, designated in 1987. It was also individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 5, 2017. Historically, the Federal Office Building served as the 12th Naval District Headquarters during World War II. It has also been the setting for important social events, including the Section 504 Sit-In in 1977 and the ARC/AIDS Vigil from 1985 to 1995. Following a rehabilitation project, the building reopened in 2013. This building underscores San Francisco's civic planning history and its role in national events.