Every Building Tells a Story

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I had the opportunity to visit 140 New Montgomery—an Art Deco gem. The building’s elegant lines, detailed ornamentation, and restored grandeur are a striking reminder of the architectural beauty from a bygone era. With May marking World Art Deco Day and a month-long celebration of Art Deco architecture and design around the globe, it felt like the perfect time to reflect on this remarkable structure.

Designed by architect Timothy Pflueger and completed in 1925, 140 New Montgomery was originally built as the headquarters for the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company. As someone who grew up in Southern California, this building holds personal significance—Pacific Bell provided our telephone service when I was a child, and the father of a good friend of mine was a longtime executive there. Standing in the lobby and looking up at the hand-painted plaster ceiling, beautifully restored by EverGreene Architectural Arts, brought those memories rushing back.

The recent restoration, led by Perkins & Will and supported by firms like Page & Turnbull and EverGreene, is a testament to what’s possible when we prioritize both design and historic integrity. Bronze accents throughout the building gleam once again—an especially meaningful detail for me, as Allen Metals is deeply involved in preserving and restoring ornamental bronze, cast iron, and other architectural metals across the country.

Our team understands the importance of honoring craftsmanship while updating buildings for the future. It’s why we’re proud to be part of so many restorations that balance historic character with contemporary needs. Seeing the care and expertise poured into 140 New Montgomery was inspiring—a vivid example of why this work matters.

As we celebrate World Art Deco Day, I’m reminded that buildings like this are more than just beautiful—they’re stories in stone, terra cotta, and metal. They deserve to be preserved, protected, and celebrated for generations to come.