Closeups of high reach demolition excavators with demolition shears doing some "trimming" of the building frame. At normal speed.

From the week of March 17, 2014 (demolition week 19).

This former luxury hotel opened in 1960 and has occupied this city block for 54 years. When it opened it was considered one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, although it was criticized by many who considered its modern architecture to be ugly. (Note that it was painted very differently in those first years.)

It was advertised as San Francisco's "first hotel with air conditioning." During the Cold War, guests were assured the hotel had "a centrally controlled air raid warning system." It had a rooftop skating rink, an outdoor heated pool, wedding chapel and underground parking for 500 cars.

It closed October 30, 2009 and is being demolished to make way for construction of a new hospital.

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