The St. Regis Hotel and Residences is a magnificent blend of history and modernity. Architect Craig Hartman of Skidmore Owings Merrill’s San Francisco office successfully incorporated the historic Williams Building with a modern 41-story tower. The Williams Building, a yellow brick jewel in the Romanesque revival style, was constructed in 1907 as San Francisco rebuilt itself from ashes following the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and fire. In the 1980s, the Williams Building was slated to be razed but preservationists persevered, saving it as a reminder of the old South of Market neighborhood. After suffering structural damage in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, the former office building was renovated from 2001-2005 during construction of the St. Regis. The original 9th floor was removed and the remaining 8 floors now house the fitness and spa facilities, food service areas and offices of the St. Regis Hotel.