100 Stockton’s Terra Cotta Design Transforms Union Square
San Francisco’s Union Square is well-known for its mix of history and modernity, and the recent overhaul of 100 Stockton adds a striking new chapter to the area’s architectural story. Once the Macy’s Men’s Department building, this site has transformed into a mixed-use marvel that hosts retail, office spaces, and a scenic rooftop restaurant.
The architectural team at Gensler and the construction experts at Plant Construction collaborated to create a seamless design that highlights San Francisco’s evolving cityscape. A key feature of the renovation is the beautiful terra cotta cladding, which elevates the building’s character while blending it naturally with the area’s classic charm.
Why 100 Stockton’s Design Matters for Union Square
Architectural renovations in urban areas can be complex. But unlike new builds that start from scratch, remodels like 100 Stockton preserve a part of the city’s fabric while making it relevant for today’s needs. This approach benefits sustainability too—revamping an existing structure generally requires fewer resources than a full tear-down, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
In a place as vibrant and historic as Union Square, updating the space with thoughtful details can keep its core character intact while infusing it with new life.
The Terra Cotta Cladding: A Key Design Detail The white terra cotta tiles by Boston Valley Terra Cotta give the building a unique texture that catches the eye with its subtle complexity. From a distance, the façade shines, but up close, there’s even more to notice. The tiles are designed to increase in height with each course from the base, creating an optical effect that draws the viewer’s gaze upwards.
By the third floor, the tiles reach their full size, and above that, they vary at each window, creating dynamic angles that shift with the sunlight throughout the day. This layering effect adds depth and personality to the building, making it a stand-out feature among Union Square’s classic and contemporary structures.
Photographic Challenges and the Art of Composition
Capturing the spirit of a large-scale building in a bustling urban environment requires precise planning. To achieve clear, distraction-free views of 100 Stockton’s façade, we planned photo sessions during early morning and afternoon hours, times with minimal foot traffic and limited parked vehicles.
Adjustments were made in post-processing to clear elements like signposts and utility boxes that can clutter a shot and detract from the architectural intent. This level of attention ensures that the focus remains on the clean lines and terra cotta textures that define the building.
The Impact of Design Choices on 100 Stockton’s Unique Look
The careful selection of terra cotta tiles for 100 Stockton wasn’t just about aesthetic appeal—it’s also a nod to durability and low maintenance. Terra cotta, a material known for its resilience and ability to weather environmental challenges, makes sense in an urban setting like San Francisco.
The decision to use terra cotta aligns with the vision of an enduring structure that enhances its surroundings without needing frequent upkeep. The white tiles help the building stand out, adding a bright but sophisticated contrast to the nearby high-rise structures, historical buildings, and surrounding cityscape.
One of the most striking features of the terra cotta design is how it brings out light and shadow. By varying the tile sizes as they rise to the third floor and angling them uniquely above, the building’s façade interacts dynamically with sunlight, creating an evolving visual effect.
As the sun moves across the sky, the terra cotta tiles cast different shadows, emphasizing different areas of the building throughout the day. This intentional play with natural light gives the structure an almost “living” quality, enhancing its architectural appeal.
Blending Historic and Modern Elements: The Gensler Vision
Gensler, the design firm behind 100 Stockton, is known for its ability to bring a modern edge to historic spaces. In this case, they balanced Union Square’s heritage with forward-looking elements. The building’s multi-use layout, featuring both office and retail spaces along with a rooftop restaurant, creates a versatile space that will attract a wide range of visitors. This design aims to appeal to modern urbanites, encouraging both locals and tourists to experience the building’s amenities.
On the rooftop, patrons can enjoy views of Union Square’s classic architecture along with the excitement of the modern city. The rooftop space also speaks to today’s emphasis on multifunctional environments. These updates to the building extend its utility, attracting diverse audiences and enhancing the overall area’s energy, drawing more foot traffic and contributing to the local economy.
Unique Features of 100 Stockton’s Design
Progressive Terra cotta Cladding: A subtle size increase from the ground to third floor, adding to visual interest.
Dynamic Shadow Play: Angled tiles above the third floor, shifting the building’s look through the day.
Rooftop Restaurant: Offers a modern urban dining experience with panoramic views of Union Square.
How 100 Stockton Redefines Urban Renovation in San Francisco
The transformation of 100 Stockton shows that renovation can do more than update a building’s structure; it can redefine an entire block. By focusing on sustainable renovation rather than starting from scratch, Gensler and Plant Construction preserved the essential framework while adding new energy to the area.
This method not only minimized environmental impact but also brought a fresh, modern aesthetic to Union Square without disrupting its character. With retail and office spaces, the building creates a versatile environment that will serve diverse needs and sustain high foot traffic over time.
In dense urban settings, buildings like 100 Stockton set a new standard for how existing structures can be reimagined to reflect both modern architectural trends and responsible building practices. The project’s focus on preserving history while adding functional, aesthetic improvements showcases the potential of reworking rather than replacing—a growing trend among cities aiming to balance sustainability with architectural innovation.
Bringing 100 Stockton’s Design to Life Through Photography
Capturing 100 Stockton’s intricate details was essential to showcasing its transformation. With its mix of clean lines, angled terra cotta tiles, and plenty of elements obstructing the view, the building demanded a photography approach that highlighted both grand perspectives and fine details.
By planning shoots around natural light, we could capture the dynamic shadow effects of the terra cotta façade. Early morning and late afternoon sessions allowed us to photograph in ideal lighting and reduce visual clutter, keeping the building’s design as the primary focus.
When photographing an architectural project of this scale, a clear, distraction-free shot isn’t always simple. The images of 100 Stockton emphasize the building’s character by editing out everyday urban clutter that can detract from a design. By removing unnecessary elements like signposts and hydrants, the images bring Gensler’s vision into full view—making 100 Stockton’s terra cotta-clad facade the true focal point.
Closing Thoughts: A New Landmark in Union Square
100 Stockton is more than a renovated building—it’s a refreshed landmark for San Francisco. The combination of adaptive reuse, modern design, and practical urban functionality exemplifies the impact that thoughtful renovation can have on a community. With its rooftop restaurant, expansive office spaces, and unique terra cotta facade, the building is poised to serve as a hub for locals and visitors alike. As an example of sustainable urban renovation, 100 Stockton demonstrates the value of breathing new life into existing structures, turning them into places that stand out for their beauty and purpose.
Key Takeaways:
Sustainable Design Choice: The renovation of 100 Stockton retained the building’s structure, reducing environmental impact compared to a full tear-down.
Unique Terra Cotta Facade: The facade features terra cotta tiles that gradually increase in size up to the third floor and are angled above to play with natural light, creating an evolving look throughout the day.
Dynamic Rooftop Space: The rooftop restaurant provides a modern experience with sweeping views of Union Square, blending historic charm with a contemporary vibe.
Urban Renovation Strategy: By choosing renovation over new construction, the project preserves Union Square’s architectural character while updating it for today’s needs.
Photography for Design Emphasis: Strategic shooting times and removal of visual clutter highlight the building’s design, making Gensler’s vision shine in every image.