The skyscraper was designed by architects Daniel Burnham and Willis Polk in Beaux-Arts, and features a modern steel-frame skeleton and a facade of Tennessee granite and brick sheathing.
It was designed to carry over many of the functions of its predecessors, while also serving in the capacity of a modern office building.
It had a large meeting room (serving today as a bank) and an observation tower (not in existence today).
It was one of the tallest buildings in the city at the time of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Although it was one of the few buildings to survive the quake and subsequent fires, it was heavily damaged.
The City believed a quick repair would help create a sense of hope and security for many San Franciscans, and this was accomplished by Polk, with the help of nascent architect Julia Morgan.

Morgan designed the new skylit, marble lobby, which led to the great hall.
 Morgan designed the hall's marble Ionic columns, coffered ceiling, and vaulted skylights.
She also commissioned noted maritime artist William Coulter to paint the hall's five murals.
 Each of the 16-by-18 murals depicts a sailing scene.
Originally the main meeting room, the hall is now occupied by California Bank & Trust.
Morgan's designs also extend into the Beaux-Arts lamps and bronze eagles on the exterior.
In 1907, Morgan moved her office to the thirteenth floor of the building, after her previous one was demolished by the earthquake.
She kept it here for the rest of her career.

The Merchants Exchange's fifteenth floor was home to the Commercial Club, a chamber for the city's politicians and socialites to powwow and address issues.
After the 1906 earthquake, Mayor James Rolph carried out meetings here to plan for the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition, as well as fundraisers to finance it.
Following renovations in 1995, the Club was renamed the Julia Morgan Ballroom.
The skyscraper was designed by architects Daniel Burnham and Willis Polk in Beaux-Arts, and features a modern steel-frame skeleton and a facade of Tennessee granite and brick sheathing. It was designed to carry over many of the functions of its predecessors, while also serving in the capacity of a modern office building. It had a large meeting room (serving today as a bank) and an observation tower (not in existence today). It was one of the tallest buildings in the city at the time of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
Although it was one of the few buildings to survive the quake and subsequent fires, it was heavily damaged. The City believed a quick repair would help create a sense of hope and security for many San Franciscans, and this was accomplished by Polk, with the help of nascent architect Julia Morgan.
Morgan designed the new skylit, marble lobby, which led to the great hall.  Morgan designed the hall's marble Ionic columns, coffered ceiling, and vaulted skylights. She also commissioned noted maritime artist William Coulter to paint the hall's five murals.  Each of the 16-by-18 murals depicts a sailing scene. Originally the main meeting room, the hall is now occupied by California Bank & Trust. Morgan's designs also extend into the Beaux-Arts lamps and bronze eagles on the exterior. In 1907, Morgan moved her office to the thirteenth floor of the building, after her previous one was demolished by the earthquake. She kept it here for the rest of her career.
The Merchants Exchange's fifteenth floor was home to the Commercial Club, a chamber for the city's politicians and socialites to powwow and address issues. After the 1906 earthquake, Mayor James Rolph carried out meetings here to plan for the 1915 Pan-Pacific Exposition, as well as fundraisers to finance it. Following renovations in 1995, the Club was renamed the Julia Morgan Ballroom.
Merchants Exchange Building (San Francisco)