The first Phelan Building was constructed in 1881 by James Phelan, the father of James D. Phelan. It was a 6-story, bay-windowed, mansard-roofed flatiron.[3] The architect was John P. Gaynor, who also designed the original Palace Hotel.[4] Despite being advertised as “thoroughly fire and earthquake proof”,[5] the building was badly damaged in the 1906 post-earthquake fire, and its ruins were subsequently dynamited on April 20, 1906.[6]
Original Phelan Building in 1888
The ruins of the original building
The second Phelan Building
Work on the new Phelan Building began on October 7, 1907, and was completed on September 1, 1908, for retail stores, and the first day of 1909 for offices.[7] It was one of the earliest office buildings to be rebuilt after the earthquake.
The building's exterior features metal windows and is clad in cream glazed terra-cotta. The original steel structure was designed to accommodate 13 floors; eventually eleven were completed.[8]
At its opening, the building featured an assembly hall on the 11th floor, arcade stores on the second floor, and a basement café.[7]
For many decades, the Phelan Building was a de facto center for jewelry, hosting dozens of jewelers and a jewelry school.[9]
The Phelan Building in 2017
The tip of the building
7th floor of the Phelan Building in March 2014; the last floor in its original configuration at that point and not converted to open layout
The penthouse
The penthouse as of April 2014
An unusual feature of the building is a small penthouse. Originally adorned by a rooftop garden, it was used by James D. Phelan to entertain dignitaries. It served as a photography studio in the 1960s,[10] and was abandoned some time in the 1980s.
George Haas & Sons, confectioner. The store was marketed as “the most beautiful candy shop in the country.”[11] Their business also operated a tea room on the second floor.[12]
