Why San Francisco’s City Planners Hated the Ferry Building
It’s History10 Jul 2025

Why San Francisco’s City Planners Hated the Ferry Building

At the foot of Market Street stands the San Francisco Ferry Building, a majestic landmark overlooking the Bay. But for decades, this architectural gem was hidden behind a double-decker freeway, its grand arches obscured, its interior gutted, and its legacy nearly erased from the city’s memory. At one point, there were serious plans to demolish it altogether. This episode dives into the astonishing rise, fall, and resurrection of one of San Francisco’s most important structures. From its origins during the Gold Rush to surviving two major earthquakes—and nearly being destroyed by urban planning—the Ferry Building’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Discover how a forgotten transportation hub became a symbol of civic pride once more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episoder(553)

Why San Francisco’s Treasure Island is Radioactive

Why San Francisco’s Treasure Island is Radioactive

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Why Niagara Falls Was Turned Off

Why Niagara Falls Was Turned Off

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New York's Most Disturbing Island | The History of Rikers Jail

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Why There’s an Abandoned Mansion Beneath the Bay Bridge

Every day, thousands of drivers cross the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge without realizing they are passing over the abandoned Nimitz House on Yerba Buena Island. This residence was once home to Adm...

3 Apr 18min

Why Pacifica California is Falling into the Sea

Why Pacifica California is Falling into the Sea

Perched along the cliffs just south of San Francisco, Pacifica, California, was built on a dream of ocean views and quiet living. However, this dream conceals a dangerous reality. Developers initially...

2 Apr 13min

Why NYC Built Skyscraper-Sized Sewer Tanks

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Beneath New York City lies a 7,500-mile labyrinth that processes billions of gallons of waste daily. This underground network, built over two centuries, includes forgotten tunnels, Civil War-era infra...

1 Apr 14min

Why Route 66’s Bridges Are Collapsing

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31 Mar 13min

Why Chicago's Worst Public Housing Project became a National Disgrace

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Cabrini-Green, once a nationwide symbol of crime and urban decay, has seen gradual demolition over the past two decades. Originally home to 15,000 residents, the complex has transitioned into new reta...

29 Mar 19min

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