This elaborate hand-painted ceiling is in the lobby of the Hunter-Dulin Building at 111 Sutter Street in San Francisco, a key point of interest on the architecture walking tour I took last week. Years of cigarette smoke build-up had kept the mural hidden until it was exposed by extensive cleaning in 2005.
The building was designed in a combination of French Château and Romanesque styles by Schultze & Weaver, the architects who designed the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. It does seem to resemble a grand hotel rather than an office building.
Among other high-profile tenants who have walked through the intricately detailed entrance, 111 Sutter was the West Coast headquarters of NBC from 1927 to 1942.
The marble floor is another example of the opulence of this lobby. In days gone by, an elevator captain would stand in the center of the lobby and direct people into one of the six elevators. From years of pivoting in place, the marble is worn in the spot where he stood.
Elevator Floor Indicator
What’s the connection to Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett’s detective in novels such as The Maltese Falcon? Hammett chose 111 Sutter to be the fictional location of Sam’s office — on the fifth floor.
I’m from the SF area and have loved your last two posts – I had no idea these places were hiding in the city!
Thank you, Emily! It was all new to me, too. That’s what’s so great about a good walking tour.
There are a lot of old buildings around elaborately decorated like this yet to be re-discovered. Cigarette smoke,altered ceiling heights, plastering over when modernised, – we just don’t know what art is beneath some surces.
Isn’t it wonderful when restoration can bring back these beauties?!
It really is wonderful. You’re right that so many beautiful old buildings (when not torn down) go plastered over, totally redone — covering up some really great art and architecture.
Such a cool story to go along with these great photos! I never would have guessed that the first one was in San Francisco. You could have posted that as a “Where in the world am I?” photo and I would have guessed somewhere in Europe!
I thought it was very interesting, too. Really does look like something you’d see in Europe!
I’m so glad you posted this because I will definitely check out this building next time I’m in SF. It’s just the kind of thing I enjoy seeing. That entrance is amazing!
Glad to have given you a new place to see in S.F. — 111 Sutter!
Great article 🙂
Thanks! 🙂
Seems as if guided walks can open your eyes to things you wouldn’t otherwise notice. Really must try that some time.
Exactly! I’ve become a big fan of walking tours lately.
Love the shot of the ceiling – and hard to believe that was covered just because of cigarette smoke. I’ve never done a guided architectural walk but it seems to be the way to find the hidden gems in the city.
On the walking tour, we saw another old building that had a skylight that was discovered underneath years of cigarette smoke!
I love architecture, this is a beautiful building. That arch detail is gorgeous. That is one of my favorite parts of travel, to explore, examine and photograph the architechture.
Thanks, Lisa. I love architecture, too. I’m not an expert by any means, but I appreciate interesting styles and designs.
Never heard of this building – that ceiling is absolutely beautiful.
I was really surprised by the ceiling. Before we walked in, Rick (our tour guide) told us about it, but it was more beautiful than I expected.
Now I know where Sam did his ‘sleuthing’. What a find Cathy, I looked at the mural again and again. Absolutely beautiful and so is the mosaic.
It’s especially not the kind of ceiling you’d expect to find in an office building, is it?
I’m not familiar with Sam Spade but this is certainly a gorgeous building!
Sam Spade goes back quite a while. Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon” was published in 1930 and the movie starring Humphrey Bogart was made in 1941.
The entrance looks majestic ..this place was new to me ..thx for sharing
Good word for it, Sheril — majestic!
Love the marble floor detail.
They really paid attention to detail in those days!
Wow, so glad they uncovered that lovely work of art! Never knew it existed but will def check out should I ever make my way back to San Fran.
Amazing to think about that being covered up by smoke build up! I wonder how many other beautiful ceilings are still concealed.
Love that you went on a photowalk and capture this great art
Thanks, Eileen. I was so glad that I took this tour.
Beautiful photos! I have been to San Francisco several times, but never to this building.
It’s the kind of office building that you could easily just pass by unless someone tells you about it.
Wow — fancy schmancy! 🙂
You have such a way with words, Raymond – 🙂
Better late than never. I’d have guessed Europe, too. Cool shots and captions !
Thanks, Mike! You can drop by anytime — always appreciated.
I love the ceiling Cathy. I am a sucker for opulent and elaborate ones. I’m actually thinking of decorating the one in my bedroom.
I was really taken by that ceiling. Have fun decorating yours!
Looking at that piece of black marble on the floor, I can only imagine for how many years the elevator captain stood in the same place, directing people.
I thought that was pretty interesting, too.
Wonderful pics, great eye for details. Must get to SF one day ‘fore I’m dead.
Thanks Jools. Yes, visit SF — lots to see and do!
Interesting information! And great photos – congratulations for them!
Thanks for your comment, Lori! 🙂