Q3 • FALL 2014
HIGHLIGHTS
NEWS & EVENTS
TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID CENTER
AN OASIS IN YOUR BACKYARD
Redwood Park continues
to be an oasis of calm and
beauty set in the midst of
an urban environment. The
vision of Transamerica CEO
Jack Beckett, and architect
William Periera back in 1969,
the park boasts towering
“Children at Play” crafted by
redwoods, peaceful fountains,
Glenna Goodacre.
and sculptures of children at
play. It is also host to the unique “Jumping Frogs”
exhibit in honor of Mark Twain, who often did his
writing in such peaceful settings in and around San
Francisco.
Recent landscaping improvements include adding
many native species for color, beauty and
authenticity.
The park was dedicated along with the Transamerica
Pyramid in 1972.
The park is the centerpiece of the Pyramid Center
Block, and is open to the public Monday – Friday
from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm. It is privately owned and is
closed on weekends.
The “Jumping Frogs” sculpture by Richard Clopton is dedicated
to the jumping frogs of Calaveras County made famous by Mark
Twain.
fall
2014
News & Events.......................1-2
Safety Matters.......................3
Tenant Spotlight...................4
Concierge’s Corner................6
Event Calendar......................7
Then member of the Board of Supervisors, Dianne Feinstein dedicating the park and
building in December, 1972.
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NEWS & EVENTS CONT.
UPGRADES
WE’RE GETTING BETTER ALL THE TIME!
505 GETS CELLULAR UPGRADE
In April of this year, At&t
performed a no-cost fiber
installation upgrade at 505
Sansome.
The
upgrade
combines managed Internet
with voice and data through
fiber technology that delivers
an integrated experience. Speeds improved to 10
megabytes per second, with more reliable access
and 24/7 technical support. Plus, the Internet is
dedicated and not shared with other businesses.
The use of SIP trunking allows you to leverage
your unused bandwidth to support features such
as IP conferencing, instant messaging, unified
communications, and presence management, with
overall better performance, security and control.
For more information on the technology upgrades
at 505 Sansome, contact Jason Smith at jsmith@
thepyramidcenter.com.
DON’T MISS THE ANNUAL HEALTH FAIR!
• Free massages
• Delicious healthy foods from Chef Ryan Scott
• Free health screenings and Flu Shots
• Ways to Go Green
• E-waste dates, how to use electric car stations,
“green” commute options, and more!
When: Thursday, October 9, 2014
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: 505 Sansome, Winter Garden Lobby
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Lighting technician seen here replaces 96 bulbs ranging from 400 to
1,000 watts.
LET THERE BE LIGHT…
It’s not easy changing out some of the highest
watt bulbs atop the spire of still the tallest
building in the city. It takes a special crew with
the know-how to scale the spire and install the
bulbs safely. The spire contains 50, 1,000-watt
bulbs; 30, 750-watt bulbs; and 16, 400-watt
bulbs that illuminate the night skyline.
The Travel Channel contacted the Pyramid
to film a segment due to air in late 2014/early
2015 about interesting places in various cities,
and they chose the Transamerica Pyramid to
represent the Bay Area. On the top of their list
was the changing of the spire lights, complete
with an explanation of the colored lighting that
often accompanies the holidays.
Stayed tuned for more information about the
airing of the Travel Channel program about
YOUR building, featuring interviews from your
management team.
safety matters
By Jackson Talbot • Director of Security 415.829.5410
This quarterly column offers safety tips from our Director of Security, Jackson Talbot. Jackson and the Pyramid Security Team
are always available to provide resources and/or custom training to Pyramid Center tenants. If you have any questions,
contact Jackson at 415.829.5410.
Cell Phone Zombies
Zombies are quite the trend these days, both on TV and at the movies. But they also exist in real life! In the
past several years, a new breed of zombies frequent the Pyramid Center grounds. Without concern for their
surroundings, they march on, occasionally into light poles. They are known as “The Cell-Phone Zombie.”
We’ve probably all been guilty of glancing down a bit too long on our walks to work, but a quick YouTube search
for “Distracted Walking” reveals some folks literally walking into everything from walls to subway tracks. It’s
funny on YouTube, but the reality is that being entirely distracted while navigating the city is simply a bad idea.
Our Security Officers see people throughout the day (and night) who are oblivious to their surroundings, intently
focused on their cell phones. While on our property, “bad guys” aware of our tight Security stay away. However,
once that distracted person moves on, they become an easy target for criminals.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Do yourself a favor and hold
off on device use while walking along the busy city streets. Be alert and keep your valuable electronics out of
snatching distance. Here is a helpful Public Safety Advisory from the SFPD on Robbery Prevention Tips: http://
www.sf-police.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=24323.
Behind The Scenes
ALEX SOTO, ENGINEER
A San Francisco native, Alex grew up seeing the Transamerica Pyramid and
marveling at the building’s architecture and engineering that was far ahead
of its time. Never dreaming that he would one day be working for this worldrenowned landmark, he was hired as an apprentice to oversee equipment and
learn the complex Co-Gen system that powers most of the building.
In 2012, Alex was promoted to a full-fledged journeyman, and today can
be found working the one-man graveyard shift at the Pyramid. On top of
monitoring all the equipment in the building, which includes two 500 MegaWatt Co-Gen engines, he is responsible for the heating and cooling of the
buildings to ensure tenants are comfortable, and prepares the building for its
occupants on a daily basis.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE HOLIDAY PARTIES!
505 & 545 Sansome
Thursday, December 4, 2014
3:30 to 5:30 pm
Location: 505 Sansome, Winter Garden Lobby
600 Montgomery
Thursday, December 11, 2014
3:30 to 5:30 pm
Location: 600 Montgomery, 22nd floor
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Tenant Spotlight: 505 Sansome
Phillips, Spallas & Angstadt
Phillips, Spallas & Angstadt
is an AV rated, civil litigation firm with an unparalleled record of
successful results for our clients. We emphasize prompt, economic resolution whenever possible.
Trial Excellence. We are proud of our ability to obtain the best possible solutions for our clients when
alternative dispute resolution is not an option. Our 90% prevailing record at trial speaks for itself.
Efficiency. We are highly adept at managing costs and remaining within budget guidelines. One of our
greatest strengths is the accurate evaluation of our cases early in the process. This allows us to work
efficiently and effectively in meeting our clients’ objectives. We recognize that quick resolution is almost
always in our clients’ best interests.
Diversity. We are committed to diversity both within the firm and in the profession of law at large. The firm
actively pursues minority status individuals for all positions and supports several fellowships for minority
students. However, our lawyers’ outstanding qualities are not measured just by ethnicity, race or gender.
All of our lawyers have proven track records as remarkable attorneys. With fully staffed offices in San
Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Napa, we possess a thorough knowledge of the unique rules,
judiciary and plaintiffs bar of most state and federal venues in California and Nevada. This knowledge
is a product of not only the highly qualified local attorneys staffing each office, but also our vast trial
experience. The firm tries dozens of cases each year, and we are National Coordinating Counsel and Lead
Defense Counsel for complex litigation throughout the United States. For more information visit
www.psalaw.net.
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POI NEWS AND SPECIALTY ITEMS
Point of Interest (POI), located on the ground
floor off of Clay Street, is always stocking up on
the items you ask for most! The Pyramid hand
blown and painted holiday ornament is back in
stock, but quantities are limited. Below are some
specials as well as your 10 percent off coupon for
use any time in the gift store.
Glass
ornament by
Landmark
Creations
Grey travel
thermos
Ladies Grey
Fleece Vest,
Red Polo
LED
Black
Keychain
FALL
Savings
10% Off
your purchase
with this coupon
HATS OFF TO THE POI!
POI is thrilled to announce that Steve Silver’s Beach
Blanket Babylon Hat, prominently displayed at the
Transamerica Pyramid’s POI, will be on display through
the end of 2014 – it’s a sight to behold up close, and
provides a fun photo opportunity for tenants and
tourists alike.
The Beach Blanket Babylon hat featuring the Pyramid is on display at the POI.
POINT OF INTEREST RECEIVEs INTERNATIONAL
MARKETING AWARD
Thousands of entries from more than 25 countries competed for one of the marketing/creative
industry’s most coveted awards: the International Summit. Transamerica Pyramid’s Point of
Interest (POI), a visitor center, historical display and gift shop, was awarded the Silver Summit
Creative Award for the design and implementation of the POI.
The award took into consideration the retail concept, design of the space, functionality and
use of the space, timeline for completion, budget restrictions, and success of the end product.
Countries that competed for the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze awards included Austria,
Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New
Zealand, Republic of Korea, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey,
United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States.
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C ONCIERGE’S C ORNER
Transamerica
Pyramid
600 Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
505 Sansome
505 Sansome St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
545 Sansome
545 Sansome St.
San Francisco, CA 94111
For Leasing
Information
Contact:
Margaret Duskin
Executive Director
[email protected]
415.773.3538
Ross Robinson
Senior Director
[email protected]
415.773.3576
By J.C. Cuayet • 415.829.5340
Featuring a new twist to the Concierge Corner, JC Cuayet reviews great restaurants,
events, shows, night life and so much more. Ask JC for his tips that are custom
tailored to your group or party at [email protected].
Good Eats (and Drinks)
• Kusakabe - The new upscale sushi spot located across
the street from the Pyramid featuring chef and owner Nori
Kusakabe, formerly chef of Michelin-starred Sushi Ran in
Sausalito. The 30-seat sushi bar and six tables offer only
Omakase (a 14-course chef’s menu for $95pp).
• Dirty Habit - Don’t judge the restaurant by its name. Helmed by Chef David
Barzirgan formerly of Fifth Floor, Chez Papa Resto, Dirty Habit is an intimate, plush
bar and restaurant located on the 5th floor of the Palomar Hotel (4th & Market Streets)
The menu consists of small, shareable plates. And be sure to check out the heated
outdoor patio.
Arts & Entertainment
Alcatraz is SF’s Newest Art Gallery and
Museum. Its current exhibition is “@Large: Ai
Weiwei on Alcatraz.” This exhibition will be
on view September 27, 2014-April 26, 2015.
Ai Wei Wei is one of China’s most prolific and
provocative contemporary artists. His works
spotlight issues of freedom of expression,
as well as individual rights both in China and
globally. For tickets, visit www.alcatrazcruises.
com
Featured Mobile App
Go Dish - Save as much as 50 percent off lunch every day at
50 restaurants in downtown San Francisco. Nearby restaurants
participating include Bask, Mercedes Cantina, Tricolore, Yoppi
Yogurt, and many more. Go to www.getgodish.com for details,
or search “Go Dish” in the Apple App Store. (Available soon on
Android.)
Shopping & Travel
A number of Pyramid tenants have suggested that I approach local retailers in the area
to see if they would offer special promotion/discounts. Several merchants (including
Bloomingdales, Westfield, and Embarcadero Center) have warmly embraced the
idea, and as a result, Pyramid tenants will indeed qualify for promotions.
TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID CENTER
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For details on each offer, please email [email protected] or call
415-829-5340.
EVENT CALENDAR
TRANSAMERICA PYRAMID CENTER
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1. Dark Universe
Planetarium Show
Oct - Nov
Cal Academy of Sciences
calacademy.org
2. Best of SF
Stand-Up Comedy
Fridays Oct 1- Nov 14
Shelton Theater
standupcomedy.bpt.me
3. Golden State Warriors
Season Schedule
Oct - Dec
Oakland Coliseum
nba.com/warriors
4. Treasure Island
Music Festival
Oct 18
Great Lawn
treasureislandfestival.com
5. Nike Women’s
Half Marathon
Oct 19
Union Square
nike.com
6. Wharf Fest 2014
Oct 25
Pier 39
sresproductions.com
7. Titanic Masquerade
Halloween Cruise
Oct 31
Pier 40
events.sfgate.com
8. San Francisco 49ers
Season Schedule
Oct - Dec
Levi Stadium
49ers.com
9. I Love Lucy
Live on Stage
Nov 21
Curran Theater
shnsf.com
www.TransamericaPyramidCenter.com
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