Frederick H. Meyer, founder of the California College of Arts and Crafts, designed this Moderne commercial building. The original four-story, concrete and stucco building was completed in 1937, and a five-story addition was built in 1944. The two buildings were originally used by the Coffin-Redington Drug Company for offices, laboratories, manufacturing, warehousing and shipping. In 1997, the Coffin-Redington Building was converted into fifty-three "luxurious" lofts.

One of the many other Bay Area buildings designed by Meyer is the Cadillac Hotel, San Francisco Landmark 176.

The photographs show new condominium towers which are transforming the San Francisco neighborhoods variously known as SOMA, South Beach, and Rincon Hill.