Now the view of Potrero Hill is gone for a lot of people on Nob Hill.  And the view of Nob Hill for a lot of people on Potrero Hill is gone.  For a city whose claim to fame is its breathtaking views, this Berlin Wall type of building, completely out of character in City Birds Country, the Heart of San Francisco, is truly a heart-breaker.

If the new Federal Building was aesthetically pleasing, some forgiveness might be in order.  But to see a building reminiscent of 1950s "modern" architecture (when older, ornate brick and stone buildings were skirted with aluminum siding, usually in hospital green) is pathetic. 

Oh, they brag on how environmentally friendly and energy efficient the building is going to be.  However if that wall had been built at the western end of Golden Gate Park where the park meets Ocean Beach, the cold ocean wind might have been sufficiently deflected to raise the temperature of the City five to ten degrees -- drastically reducing our heating bills.  Now that would be real energy saving!

The office tower with the Flag furling in the wind is not a small building; but it is both beautiful and has a small foot print, thus retaining more of the City's magnificent views.  It is amazing the new Federal Building should be considered progressive.