Ghirardelli Square

The story

Domenico Ghirardelli came to California during the Gold Rush and built a chocolate business in San Francisco. The company moved manufacturing into this waterfront complex in the late nineteenth century. The hillside brick buildings, clock tower and large sign turned the factory into a city landmark.

When production moved away, developers reused the complex as shops and public courtyards instead of clearing it. The project became an early example of adapting an industrial site for public life, preserving walls and circulation while giving the place a new purpose.

Look beyond the chocolate counter. Walk the terraces and use the openings between buildings to frame the bay. The square is beautiful because the old factory still controls how people climb, pause and look outward. From here, the route turns uphill toward Lombard Street.