This is a steam radiator, within a vintage, ornate brass grille. The two radiators bookending the entrance to the Hobart Building on Market Street provide the radiant heat for the lobby. Radiant heat was all the rage in 1914 when the Hobart Building was constructed. Today it is a SF landmark building, and walking into the small lobby is like going back in time. Famous architect Willis Polk designed the building. (Click on my blog site for more photos.)
Actual original blueprint for the 19th floor of the Hobart Building.
Small lobby. Enormous chandelier.
The directory went digital. Subtle though.
Snail mail letters were dropped into a chute from the floors above. Gravity was state-of-art-technology at the time.
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