SKU: 34552520748

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

Sale price$21.77 Regular price$24.19
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.05 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 6 - Aug 11

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

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.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 34552520748

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 29 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
J
Verified Purchase
Joshua
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Wallet
Size: One Size, Color: Carhartt Brown (Bifold), Size: One Size, Color: Carhartt Brown (Bifold)
Great quality and design, great simple wallet that will last a long long time.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2025
R
Verified Purchase
Ricks4400
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Good wallet
Size: One Size, Color: Carhartt Brown (Bifold)
Good purchase. You won’t regret it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
Sara
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
Leather Wallet
Size: One Size, Color: Black (Bifold)
Decent item. The leather feels nice and soft.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2025
P
Verified Purchase
Parker
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Will Last Forever
Size: One Size, Color: Black (Bifold), Size: One Size, Color: Black (Bifold)
I’m writing this review after owning the wallet for about two years. I will only buy Carhartt wallets after the first one I had about 8 years ago, and this wallet is a prime example of why. It is the most durable wallet on the market. It is minimalist, but attractive. The best part is that it is made of high quality leather that develops a nice patina over time and looks even better with age in my opinion. It’s the perfect thickness to stay together for years without undue wear, and soft enough to be maneuvered easily, even with pre-arthritic fingers. This wallet is the best value for the money because it will last forever. I’ve owned 2, but only because I lost one.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Thomas Costello
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy wallet
Size: One Size, Color: Carhartt Brown (Bifold)
Great basic wallet
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2026

recommand products