Ellis Parking Garage San Francisco

The Ellis Parking Garage is a historic parking garage located at 666 Ellis Street in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Designed by architect John Reid Jr. and built in 1929, the garage is notable for its Art Deco design and its role in the development of modern parking structures.

The Ellis Parking Garage was one of the first parking garages built in San Francisco and was among the largest in the country at the time of its completion. The garage was designed to accommodate 450 cars and featured six levels of parking, ramps for easy access, and a central elevator for pedestrians. The garage was also built with a number of innovative features, including a two-way traffic system and a rooftop garden.

The Ellis Parking Garage quickly became a popular destination for motorists and helped to alleviate traffic congestion in the city center. The garage's Art Deco design also made it a popular subject for photographers and tourists. In 1984, the garage was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2006, the Ellis Parking Garage was purchased by a developer who planned to convert the garage into a residential complex. However, the developer's plans were met with opposition from preservationists, who argued that the garage was a valuable historic landmark. A lengthy legal battle ensued, with preservationists eventually prevailing. In 2012, the garage was designated as a San Francisco Landmark, ensuring its preservation.

Today, the Ellis Parking Garage continues to be used as a parking garage, but it also serves as a popular backdrop for movie and television productions. The garage's unique Art Deco design and its location in the heart of San Francisco make it a popular spot for filming.

The Ellis Parking Garage is a reminder of San Francisco's rich architectural heritage and its role in the development of modern parking structures. The garage is a popular destination for visitors and a favorite subject for photographers. The garage's survival is a testament to the efforts of preservationists and its status as a San Francisco Landmark ensures that it will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.