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Photographer’s Note

Tallest building in the United States west of the Mississippi River from 1972-1974; surpassed by the Aon Center in Los Angeles.
- The Virtual Observation Deck has four cameras at the very top of the spire pointed in all directions. In the Lobby there are four monitors broadcasting the images 24 hours a day.
- The largest floor is the 5th, with 21,025 ft², while the 48th floor is the smallest, with only 2,025 ft².
- Transamerica wanted a taller building (1,150 feet/350.5m) but the city planning commission would not approve it because it interfered with precious views of San Francisco Bay from Nob Hill.
- Only two elevators reach the top floor.
- The "spire" is the upper 212 feet (64.6m), and is covered with vertically louvered aluminum panels.
- First occupancy was during the summer of 1972.
- Excavation depth is 52 ft.
- The lower portion of the spire encloses mechanical equipment.
- The Pyramid lobby features the work of many artists through a rotating art exhibition.
- Excavation commenced in December 1969, with the first steel placed in November 1970.
- Components of the base include approximately 16,000 cubic yards of concrete, encasing more than 300 miles of steel reinforcement rods.
- In 1969, and throughout its construction, the boarding surrounding the emerging site boldly boasted: A San Francisco landmark since 1972.
- The Pyramid, no longer the company headquarters, serves as Transamerica's corporate logo and is strongly identified with the corporation.
- With 3,678 windows it takes a month to wash them.
- The "wings" which start at the 29th floor are necessary near the top of the pyramid to support elevators on the east side and a stairwell and smoke tower on the west side.

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Additional Photos by Franz Bauer (fbauer) Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 22 W: 0 N: 35] (361)
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