South San Francisco in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Martin Building
"The Grand Walk"
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2021
1. Martin Building Marker
The Martin Building (Metropolitan Hotel) is on the National Register of Historic Places. When it was completed in 1914, it was the largest and tallest commercial structure in the City, serving as the headquarters for the South San Francisco Land and Improvement Company. The Martin Building was named after William J. Martin, the driving force behind the City's early development. Many of South San Francisco's first businesses were housed on the ground floor, including the Bank of South San Francisco, before they constructed their own building across the street. A 10' x 100' mural depicting SSF history is located on the east-facing exterior wall. It was painted by artist Carlota Espinoza in celebration of the City's 75th anniversary of incorporation in 1983.
Est. 1914
Erected 2017 by City of South San Francisco, Historical Society of South San Francisco. (Marker Number 9.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 37° 39.292′ N, 122° 24.609′ W. Marker is in South San Francisco, California, in San Mateo County.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area and on the Coast Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Bank of SSF (within shouting distance of this marker); State Theater/State Room (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Post Office (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Enterprise Journal (approx. 0.2 miles away); City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Avenue Library (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Grand Avenue Library (approx. Ό mile away); Women's Club (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2021
2. Martin Building Marker - wide view
More about this marker. This is the ninth of eleven stops on the city's "The Grand Walk", a self-guided tour of the historic sites and buildings along or in the vicinity of Grand Avenue.
Also see . . . Welcome to South San Francisco's "The Grand Walk". City of South San Francisco PDF brochure of a map of the "Grand Walk", including route, photo, and information about each stop on the way. (Submitted on July 8, 2021.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2021
3. Martin Building
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2021
4. Martin Building National Register of Historical Places plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 877 times since then and 126 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 8, 2021, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
