A classic member of San Francisco's skyline, the Transamerica Pyramid, is going to undergo a massive renovation, according to reporting by the San Francisco Chronicle.
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First built in 1972, at 853 feet, the unique, pyramid-shaped building has graced the city's skyline since, but the base of the building has left a lot to be desired.
With the new renovation, taken on by prestigious architect Norman Foster, the building is going to get a new facade and additions to the surrounding areas, like its Redwood Park and 545 Sansome St., according to the paper.
The ambitious redesign will likely take about a year to finish, according to the paper.
"We want to make this place a focal center of downtown, and make sure people come here not only to work," the building's owner, Michael Shvo told the paper. "It will not only transform the interior of the building but the landscape and the exterior and bring life to the entire site."
Shvo and his partners are relatively new owners, having just acquired the building in 2020, according to the company’s website.
Even though the building itself is an iconic San Francisco landmark, the area around the building doesn't offer much to visitors. "When you come to the site, there's not much to do there," Shvo told the paper. "We want to change that."
Among the changes to the building's base will be the installation of cherry blossom trees and retail spaces along nearby Mark Twain Street, which is connected to Redwood Park.
The bottom of the building itself will become a mixed-use space, with retail and dining options.
Construction is slated to begin this week.
Michael Shvo did not respond to KCBS Radio's request for comment at the time of publication.
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