1946 Van Ness (as seen from Van Ness)

A little slice of Oakland in San Francisco! Built in 1920 by MacDonald and Kahn architects as a showroom for the now defunct California-Oakland Motor Company; this building also showcased Kissel, Dueasenberg, Auburn, and Delage automobiles before being decommissioned as a showroom in 1930.

From 1938 to 1990 the building was the site of Ahren’s Brothers Pie (later renamed Ahren’s Bakery and Coffee shop and finally Ahren’s Bakery and Restaurant). The building has been empty since Ahren’s closure.

1946 Van Ness (as shot from Jackson)

The colors and fonts on this sign make me happy.

Wedding cake detail

Want to learn A LOT about the various automobiles sold in this building and/or see historical photos? Read this PDF from the SF Planning Department. I <3 Historical Reports.

I also <3 Accidental Planning Department poetry such as this:

The building is almost devoid of ornament or style details. Instead of possessing ornament, the building derives its architectural expression from the rhythm and proportions of its bays, the skeletal treatment of the upper stories, and its details and texturing. 

Smug conquistador moulding above the front door.

I'm surprised this building doesn't attract more street art.