At 1000 California Street on Nob Hill, the Pacific-Union Club occupies the former Flood Mansion, a brownstone residence built for silver baron James Clair Flood. Its stone was brought to San Francisco from quarries in the eastern United States. The mansion’s shell survived the 1906 earthquake and fire, and the club bought it in 1907. The building is best appreciated from outside: access is restricted, but its scale and architectural details make it a notable stop for anyone exploring Nob Hill’s historic streets.
From mansion to club
The building began as the home of James Clair Flood, a silver baron. Completed in 1886, the residence was reported to have cost $1.5 million, an enormous sum for its time. Its brownstone came from quarries in the eastern United States, the same region that supplied stone for brownstone houses in New York City.
The mansion’s outer shell was the only Nob Hill mansion to survive the 1906 earthquake and fire. The Pacific-Union Club bought the property in 1907 and commissioned changes to the house.
Changes to the building
Architect Willis Polk redesigned the mansion for the club, adding semicircular wings and a third floor. The club has maintained the historic building since the earthquake. Access is limited because it is a private social club, so plan to view the exterior unless you have arranged entry.
FAQ
Where is the Pacific-Union Club?
It is at 1000 California Street in San Francisco, on Nob Hill.
Can the public go inside the Pacific-Union Club?
Access is restricted. Contact the club to ask whether tours, events or public openings are available.
What is the Pacific-Union Club building?
It is the former Flood Mansion, built for James Clair Flood and purchased by the club in 1907.
Did the mansion survive the 1906 earthquake?
Its outer shell survived the 1906 earthquake and fire. The club later commissioned changes to the building.
