Aug 062011
SOMA San Francisco
1235 Mission Street at 8th
This building houses the Department of Human Resources offices.
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From the Architect and Engineer Magazine of 1928:
Bliss and Fairweather’s building for Mangrum and Otter Inc…is being favorably commented on for the somewhat daring, but nonetheless effectual, architectural treatment in glazed color tile…Admittedly, it was somewhat of a task to work out a design that would make a dignified front in bright colors. The moorish type was chosen as best suited for such a treatment, and the effect is indeed pleasing.
Mangrum and Otter was a wholesaler of tiles, stoves and mantels, as well as fireplace and kitchen accessories for commercial and institutional use. Founded in 1887 in San Jose by A.S. Mangrum, the company moved its headquarters to San Francisco in 1895, occupying a number of locations prior to erecting this building in the late 1920’s. The flamboyant facade, to date of unknown origin, may well have been a response to the newly completed Howden Building across the bay in Oakland.
I contacted Riley Doty, a local expert on all things tile, and he informed me that this is one of the few tile buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area, that know one knows anything about. The maker of the tiles remain unknown.
The entry tiles of the Howden building can be seen at Oakland Daily Photo or a few other photos can be seen here.
I understand why your husband find this a beautiful building. I like it to ;o)
Great shots
Beautiful architecture!!
Great shots of a unique building. Beautiful.
Thanks, I’ve wondered about that building.
TILE!!!! LOVE!!!! What a gem of a building! Thank you for suggesting to click on the pics that really brought out the colors and details.
Well no WONDER your hubby wanted you to talk about it – – – smart man! Beautiful building.
Great building. I really enjoy these tours of S.F.
I love knowing the history of buildings. It’s so fascinating learning who inspired the architecture and how the building came to be the shape it is etc. Even manufacturing plants are built in a certain way so the sun only hits specific parts of the building.
It has a distinctive Indian look about it, and a touch of Italian. Interesting.I love taking photos of interesting architecture.
Rosie
I would love to see that in person! Thanks so much for featuring such a great building.
Your husband provided you with great post fodder. The building is beautiful.