Above, the view from Telegraph Hill looking south toward Market Street. The burned out shell of the Fairmont Hotel, which was due to open at the time, can be seen on the top of Nob Hill (extreme right). Left of center is the Claus Spreckles building (home of the Call newspaper) at Market and Third streets. It was the tallest building on the West Coast, rising 16 stories above the street. Beneath its domed roof was a restaurant popular with residents and tourists alike for its unprecedented view of the city.

Below, the same view, from Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. The building at right with flag is the Fairmont Hotel, now sporting a 23-story tower and outside elevator that was added in 1961. The Spreckles building, now almost unrecognizable because of recent remodeling, is hidden by the newer skyscrapers.