The Wasp — 1896 — page 692: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page is **not a political cartoon** but rather **architectural journalism**—a feature article celebrating San Francisco's modern building development. The text discusses two buildings: 1. **The Hobart Building** (five stories, Market Street)—a successful commercial property purchased by Walter S. Hobart and housing tenants like the Mackay-Bennett Cable Company. 2. **The New Municipal Building** (under construction on Kearny Street)—replacing the old City Hall. The article praises architects Shea & Shea for innovative design features, including fireproof construction and placing the city prison on the upper floor—described as "an original idea by Mr. Frank D. Shea." The photographs showcase these buildings as evidence of San Francisco's civic progress and architectural advancement during this period.