The present structure was designed in 1892 by A. Page Brown, a New York architect who had started with McKim, Mead & White and later moved to California.
Influenced by studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he designed the clock tower after the 12th-century Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain.

Brown designed it to satisfy needs of an industrial society in high style associated with traditional buildings; the entire base is an arched arcade reminiscent of European buildings.
The highest quality materials were used, such as marble and mosaics for the state seal.
The 660-foot-long (200 m) Great Nave on the second floor was the major public space for arriving and departing ferry passengers.
The present structure was designed in 1892 by A. Page Brown, a New York architect who had started with McKim, Mead & White and later moved to California. Influenced by studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he designed the clock tower after the 12th-century Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain.
Brown designed it to satisfy needs of an industrial society in high style associated with traditional buildings; the entire base is an arched arcade reminiscent of European buildings. The highest quality materials were used, such as marble and mosaics for the state seal. The 660-foot-long (200 m) Great Nave on the second floor was the major public space for arriving and departing ferry passengers.
San Francisco Ferry Building