The Ghirardelli clock tower, included in the National Register of Historic Places, is one of Rainbow’s recent historic restoration projects. Designed in the style of a French chateau, Ghirardelli Square is a renowned location in San Francisco.
The clock tower stands over 100 feet tall–and is visible from many iconic places throughout San Francisco–especially at night as the lights highlight the tower.
It is a historic district adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf–celebrated for its delectable chocolate and distinctive shops–this landmark was formerly a bustling chocolate factory. Presently, it is an enjoyable destination where visitors can browse stores and dine at great restaurants.
Rainbow’s project marks the first replacement of the slate roof and sheet metal dormers since the clock tower’s construction in 1916. Lawson Roofing sourced the original slate from Slate Valley to accommodate the slate tiles.
Historic Restoration at Ghirardelli Square
The Owners (Jamestown LP) assembled the design team of SGH and Page & Turnbull for this renovation project; it marks the first replacement of the slate roof and sheet metal dormers since the clock tower’s construction in 1916.
Rainbow enjoys participating in historical restoration initiatives like this. Rainbow Waterproofing & Restoration Co. managed the historic restoration project located at 900 North Point in San Francisco.
A description of the work along with our leading partners:
- Rainbow’s crews reinforced the crow’s nest structure, and performed the industrial coatings, repainting of the new sheet metal dormers and crow’s nest using paint manufactured by Tnemec, named “Ghirardelli Gray,” although it appears more tan in color.
- Lawson Roofing sourced the original slate from Slate Valley, A total of 2,080 slate tiles replaced, weighing 6 tons, arranged in the exact layout as previously
- Crown Sheet Metal installed the new sheet metal dormers, which were an exact replica of the existing materials, requiring over 4,850 hours of labor for installation.
- McMillan Electric installed 50 new LED lights, along with timers, and additional conduit, on the four corners of the roof to match the existing lights at street level.
Rainbow Waterproofing managed the historic restoration project and reinforced the crow’s nest structure. Additionally, we applied paint manufactured by Tnemec, named “Ghirardelli Gray,” although it appears more tan in color.
National Register of Historic Places
A section of Ghirardelli Square was incorporated into the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. This designation signifies that it is an impressive site that the United States government aims to preserve.
It is registered under the name Pioneer Woolen Mills and D. Ghirardelli Company.
Ghirardelli Historical Restoration Initiatives
Ghirardelli Square, along with the former chocolate factory, comprises five distinct buildings.
Although a Ghirardelli Chocolate restaurant and retail store still exists, there is a notably wider array of retail choices available beyond just Ghirardelli Chocolate.
The clock tower is integrated into a building that functions as both a hotel and luxury apartments, referred to as the Fairmont Heritage Place.
Revitalizing San Francisco Bay
We love working on the Ghirardelli Clock Tower, alongside our team, partners, and businesses.. We enjoy managing the fine details and important attributes of historic and commercial building restoration–investing in the prosperous future of San Francisco.
How can we help you? Rainbow delivers expertise and success for your Bay Area commercial and historical buildings and restoration projects. Contact the Rainbow team today!
