When Mangrum and Otter built itself a new home in 1928, the maker of architectural tiles made its headquarters into a florid opulent showcase of its products. The architect was Bliss and Fairweather.John King
False fronts are a core deceit of architecture in older cities where buildings vied for attention, each eager to make a first impression that would last. How else to explain this polychromatic extravaganza erected by a merchant of architectural tiles, an otherwise squat box that faces the street with florid patterns topped by a sprightly cornice. The firm is long gone, replaced now by city offices with a utility substation and cannabis club across the way. Only the artifice remains, thin beauty on a dingy block that deserves what beauty it can get.
Mangrum and Otter Building 1235 Mission St.
Architect: Bliss and Fairweather | Style: Moorish make-believe | Size: 4 stories | Date built: 1926
Listen up! There's now a video version of each week's Cityscape, with extra images - in this one, false fronts abound - and narration by jking@sfchronicle.com. It's waiting for you at www.sfgate.com.