Photo by Chloe Jackman
There’s a mystery behind so many facets of life–how communities come together, how cities are built, how architecture is finely designed and constructed, and even how historic restoration projects are accomplished to bring back the original awe of iconic buildings.
But mysteries don’t stop there. We see them regularly in movies, especially when it comes to extraordinary masterpieces. If you’re a film buff and are taking a deep dive into the classics, you won’t want to miss the intriguing “Maltese Falcon” in the heart of San Francisco.
The classic film revolved around wealth and was fabulously played out in what is now known as the Hunter-Dulin Building. And you guessed it, the historic site is in the Financial District – 111 Sutter Street! The movie, released over 80 years ago, involved the West Coast headquarters of detective Sam Spade–played by Humphrey Bogart.
Like fine movies, the historic building at 111 Sutter itself is a classic. Also known as the California Commercial Wool Building, the site was erected in 1927 standing 22 stories tall.
But what else do we know about this mysterious location?
Historic Restoration Project: 111 Sutter
Designed according to impressive French Romanesque architecture, the commercial building was constructed between 1925 and 1927, is 308 feet tall, and was used by the National Broadcast Company (NBC) as its west coast headquarters from 1927 to 1942.
Fictionally, 111 Sutter is also widely known for being the home to the Spade & Archer detective agency in “The Maltese Falcon.” There, on the corner of Sutter and Montgomery, remain tenants still today that conduct live televised news events.
The Hunter-Dulin Building is now revitalized after extensive repairs breathing new life into this historic building that stands prominently in the San Francisco skyline.
Appreciating the Fine Details
The extensive historical project at 111 Sutter Street is home to both small and large commercial businesses. Keeping up with the building’s rich history, every effort was made to preserve and enhance the Hunter-Dulin Building’s original mystic, unique and elegant design, and historical significance as a prized Bay Area landmark–that’s a premiere example of Rainbow’s teamwork and field employees embracing Bay Area historic restoration industry trends.
Repairs included the:
Survey and condition assessment of the complete building façade, copper balustrade, roof decks, and clay tile mansard roof.
Access to the building façade, copper balustrade, and Mansard roof which was more challenging than most building facades in San Francisco, using:
- Commercial swing stage equipment to access the entire façade with the exception of the vertical surfaces above the 18th-floor set-back roofs.
- Scaffolding to reach the outer edge and the top mansard roof ridges and the copper balustrade.
- An industrial rope access vendor to survey and repair the clay tiles of the Mansard Roof.
The scope of work involved:
- Replacement and replication of 94 terra cotta units and 135 steel window lintel units.
- Restoration and painting of 779 historic wood windows on the facade.
- Replacement of:
- 82 window sash units.
- 42 armature connections in the historic copper balustrade. This includes custom fabrication of copper cladding removed for the inspection of the balustrade framing.
- Replacement and replication of 168 clay tiles on the mansard roof.
- Restoration of the clay tile chinking on the mansard roof, the 18th-floor setback roofs, the main roof, and Juliette balcony decks.
- Numerous terra cotta glaze and spall repairs.
- Custom clay tile, brick glaze, and terra cotta glaze replication.
Rainbow led the way on this historic restoration project working alongside key partners to detect, manage, and ensure the best possible repair and restoration of 111 Sutter.
Recognizing Our Amazing Partners
Because the tower is one of San Francisco’s most distinctive buildings, the historic restoration job that began in May of 2020 and was completed in July of 2022 is particularly important to Rainbow. That’s why Rainbow chose leading partners for the project.
Our team is particularly grateful to our highly-valued partners including CANY Architects, Murphy Burr Curry, PCI Scaffolding, Lawson Roofing, and Rise Rigging for being flexible and for professionally assisting Rainbow’s team on this amazing project.
“Rainbow is one of the most professional restoration companies I’ve worked with. There are only a couple of firms here that conduct themselves with Rainbow’s level of professionalism” – Jarrett Huddleston, CANY Architects
Working together to combine our expertise and flexibility is essential to successful historic restoration projects of this magnitude–and we can’t thank our partners enough for working together to see the fine beauty of the reimagined site.
Valuing Our Incredible Customers
We are especially grateful for The Paramount Group which entrusted us with this critically important historic restoration project.
At Rainbow, we appreciate our clients and are committed to ensuring that every project is a success. We build trust with our customers, staff, and business partners. Our projects are performed according to Rainbow’s core values of excellence.
In the case of Bay Area historic restoration projects, Rainbow’s team strives together to exhibit classic ways of treating our customers well so they are happy with our services, satisfied with the results, and will repeat business with our company.
Historic Restoration Jobs:
the Mystery Behind 10,000+ Projects
Photo by Chloe Jackman
While Rainbow just celebrated its 10,000th job, the company has enjoyed working on the Hunter-Dulin Building, as well as its many other landmark properties throughout Northern California. We enjoy managing vital attributes of historic restoration, and we understand that the answer to the real mystery–classics are created and restored by paying attention to critical details.
Sure, there’s a mystery behind so many facets of life and activities all around us. There can even be a mystery behind pristine historic restoration jobs that require intricate service competencies.
As a leading waterproofing and restoration company, Rainbow recognizes the value of ensuring a high level of professionalism and expertise in every single job. From masonry and facade restoration to waterproofing membranes, concrete repairs, and exterior painting, historic restoration projects are important to our organization and our future.
Rainbow delivers expertise and success for your Bay Area commercial and historic restoration projects. Contact the Rainbow team today!
