Embarcadero in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Hills Brothers Coffee

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 20, 2014

1. Hills Brothers Coffee Marker

Inscription. Founded in 1878 by Austin and Reuben Hills, Hills Brothers’ Coffee became world-famous when it invented vacuum-packed coffee in a can in time for the Alaska Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. This complex, San Francisco Landmark # 157, was designed in 1924 by George Kelham, architect of many other fine San Francisco buildings. The Mediterranean Romanesque design of the Hills Brothers’ building reflects the Arabian origin of coffee and spices; the craftsmanship of its details shows the pride San Francisco took in their home industries. In the late 1980s, the building was rebuilt for offices, and the larger companion structure to the north was designed in a similar style. The original south tower was used to store coffee beans, and much of the rest of the complex was devoted to grinding and roasting. For over fifty years the scent of coffee from this building brought warmth to the waterfront even on the coldest of days.

Erected by San Francisco Art Commission for the Waterfront Transportation Projects.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 37° 47.384′ N,

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122° 23.323′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Embarcadero. It is at the intersection of Embarcadero and Harrison Street, on the right when traveling south on Embarcadero. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 398 Embarcadero, San Francisco CA 94105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Harrison Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Fireboats on the Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); Hills Bros. Coffee Trademark (within shouting distance of this marker); Folsom Street (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Captain Shorey (about 600 feet away); 20,000 Years Ago

Hills Brothers Coffee Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 20, 2014

2. Hills Brothers Coffee Building

The marker is embedded in the sidewalk near the left-hand corner of the building.

(about 700 feet away); Spear Street (about 700 feet away); Fast Tides, Frisky Winds & Wet Sails (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, March 20, 2014

3. Hills Brothers Coffee Building

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 25, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,416 times since then and 133 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 25, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.