California Electric Building San Francisco 3 Editorial Image

The California Electric Building in the South Park neighborhood of San Francisco was built in 1888, at the time when these utilities were still privately owned and operated. The company was already providing electricity to the city since 1879, and with her population still growing, she was also still expanding. When the company was awarded the contract to continue supplying electricity to the newer parts of the city, this building was used to help supply those needs. This is the type of electricity referred to as 'Arc Lighting'. The attractive arched parapet on the front of the building is unusual for a building of this usage type. After the building became obsolete for the electrical company, it was used alternately as a repair shop, warehouse and hay barn. In 2012 the loft style apartments were added to the roof, called the 'Arc Lighting Apartments' in reference to the original use of the building. As seen 1 May 2024.