Civic Center – High School of Commerce

 Posted by on August 12, 2011
Aug 122011
 
Civic Center
San Francisco
135 Van Ness Avenue

There are so many wonderful building on the Van Ness Corridor, sadly, most people are driving either in or out of San Francisco and much to busy to notice them.   This building is near Market Street, not far from City Hall, if you are in the area, take a stroll.

The High School of Commerce, designed by John Reid, Jr, was built in 1926-1927.  In 1952, Commerce became the central office for the school district and has remained in that use ever since.

John Reid, was born in San Francisco in 1879, he attended Lowell High School, UC Berkeley and Ecole de Beaux Arts.  He was the brother-in-law of Mayor “Sunny” James Rolph.  He became city architect in 1911 after the untimely death of Newton Thorp, another prominent architect of the time.

This classic Spanish Colonial Revival grabs my heart whenever I go by it for the wonderfully sculpted faces on the column capitals at the front door.

  9 Responses to “Civic Center – High School of Commerce”

  1. San Fransico has the most interesting buildings!! I love that your capturing them with photos! You know, you should write a book!! Love the details in the carved faces! They look like they’re all searching for knowledge! Great shots!

  2. Such pretty details!

  3. Beautiful architecture! I find that type of photography difficult but you’ve done a great job!

  4. a really cool palace!!!

  5. Wonderful details of the building! I wonder what those faces represent?

  6. such creativity in unexpected places

  7. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my post.
    The work done in the buildings is so creative and wonderful.

  8. Nice architectural details.

    Regards!

  9. […] Denmark and moved with his parents to San Francisco while in High School.  He graduated from the High School of Commerce and later attended the School of Fine Arts.  He studied with Matisse in Paris in the 1930s. […]

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