Kelham's building represented San Francisco in Francisco Mujica's History of the Skyscraper (1929). Gothic detailing in travertine accentuates the office tower's aspiration for the sky (of capital accumulation). Although a sheer profile is maintained on Montgomery Street, the building steps back on its sides to create a central tower that culminates in a castellated profile. Along with the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph, Shell, and 450 Sutter buildings, the Russ Building defined San Francisco's skyline until the 1960's, and was for many years the city's tallest building.
Russ Building (1928)
235 Montgomery St.
George Kelham