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.