Welcome Tower – San Francisco’s Icon Reimagined in Public Art
Commissioned by Unison for a year-long installation at Pier 14 on San Francisco’s Embarcadero, Welcome Tower is a monumental public artwork that reinterprets the iconic Coit Tower as a tribute to the evolving identity of San Francisco. Designed and fabricated in 2019, the sculpture reflects the city’s architectural and cultural diversity through the use of reclaimed solid wood front doors sourced from residences across SF’s neighborhoods.
This large-scale site-specific public art installation was built upon a robust custom steel frame, fabricated by Engineered Artworks under the direction of Sean Orlando. The exterior, finished with decorative painting and gold-leaf embellishments by co-lead artist Tania Seabock, brings a timeless warmth and character to the structure.
Adding depth and intimacy, artists from the Five Ton Crane collective embedded miniature vignettes behind the doors’ peepholes—each offering a glimpse into life in the city. The piece stands as both an homage to San Francisco’s past and a beacon for its creative, inclusive future.
Produced in collaboration with Cutwater SF
Fabrication: Sean Orlando and Engineered Artworks
Co-Lead Artist: Tania Seabock
Artist Collective: Five Ton Crane
Specs:
Steel frame, reclaimed wood, decorative painting, gilding
Temporary installation (2019) at Pier 14, San Francisco
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