SKU: 34552520748

Portal: San Francisco's Ferry Building and the Reinvention of American Cities

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Description

Portal: San Francisco's Ferry Building and the Reinvention of American CitiesConceived in the Gilded Age, the Ferry Building opened in 1898 as San Francisco's portal to the world the terminus of the transcontinental railway and a showcase of civic ambition. In silent films and World's Fair postcards, nothing said "San Francisco" more than its soaring clocktower. But as acclaimed architectural critic John King recounts in Portal, the rise of the automobile and double deck freeways severed the city from its beloved structure and

Conceived in the Gilded Age, the Ferry Building opened in 1898 as San Francisco's portal to the world--the terminus of the transcontinental railway and a showcase of civic ambition. In silent films and World's Fair postcards, nothing said "San Francisco" more than its soaring clocktower.

But as acclaimed architectural critic John King recounts in Portal, the rise of the automobile and double-deck freeways severed the city from its beloved structure and its waterfront--a connection that required generations to restore.

King's narrative spans the rise and fall and rebirth of the Ferry Building. Rich with feats of engineering and civic imagination, his story introduces colorful figures who fought to preserve the Ferry Building's character (and the city's soul)--from architect Arthur Page Brown and legendary columnist Herb Caen to poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Senator Dianne Feinstein.

In King's hands, the saga of the Ferry Building is a microcosm of a larger evolution along the waterfronts of cities everywhere. Portal traces the damage inflicted on historic neighborhoods and working dockyards by cars, highways, and top-down planning and "urban renewal." But when an earthquake destroyed the Embarcadero Freeway, city residents seized the chance to reclaim their connection to the bay. Transporting readers across 125 years of history, this tour de force explores the tensions impacting urban infrastructure and public spaces, among them tourism, deindustrialization, development, and globalization. Portal culminates with a rich portrait of San Francisco's vibrant esplanade today, visited by millions, even as sea level rise and earthquakes threaten a landmark that remains as vital as ever.

A book for city lovers and visitors, architecture fans and pedestrians, Portal is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of San Francisco and the future of American cities.

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SKU: 34552520748

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Jarett
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Great investment
Size: Small: 24" x 24"
It catches the pee that runs off the pad, great investment!!
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Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2026
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Karen
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 2
It doesn’t stop leaks from the pee pad.
Size: X-Large: 28" x 34"
I’m trying to figure out how not to have leaks occasionally. I’m going to call the company to see if there’s something I should be doing.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2026
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Richard H Harrison
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great toy to play fetch with the dogs.
Color: Black/White, Size: Large
These balls are a great dog toy to play fetch with your dogs. This not the first ball I have gotten for the dogs. Just the right size and weight for medium sized dogs. I have less concerns about them possibly choking on these soccer balls versus tennis balls. So I can leave them out for them to play with. The are easy to inflate using the included pump. My only concern is the durability of the straps as my dogs have almost torn off one the straps of the previous ball I purchased.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2026
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Kendall
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Dog parents; buy this now!
Color: Black/White, Size: Medium
A must have for my pup! I have bought this at least 5 times. She eventually pops them and I need a new one. It's an amazing toy that she can thrash and we can play fetch with
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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Tricia Rees
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Westie LOVES this toy
Color: U.S.A, Size: Medium
My pup (Westie) adores this toy. This is actually our second one. The ball itself is resistant but the straps will be obliterated. Would definitely recommend! Totally worth the price!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2026

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