This is the back of the famous Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, I am walking up California towards Mason. The front of this hotel is famous the world over, but has anyone ever noticed the absolutely beautiful wrought iron on the back? These walkways look down on a quaint little courtyard. The Fairmont is as much a part of San Francisco history as sourdough and dungeness crab. It was built by Tessie Fair Oelrichs, whose father made his money in the Comstock Silver Boom. Designed by James and Merritt Reid it was scheduled to open in 1906. The Earthquake and fire put a stop to that. Despite the damage however, Julia Morgan was hired, repairs were made and the building finally opened in 1907.
There is enough history here to fill a book, some of my favorite is the people who stayed there and their experiences. The Fairmont website does an incredible job tracking the history. This is my favorite page.
I believe there is a famous photo of Duke Ellington and possibly Billy Strayhorn taken on one of those iron balconies.