James W. Reid (1851-1943)
Merritt J. Reid (1855-1932)

The Reid brothers, James and Merritt, who were born in Canada, designed many San Francisco buildings during the City Beautiful period.

They opened their San Francisco office in 1889, and remained in business here until 1932 when Merritt died and James, one of the founders of the San Francisco Opera Company, turned full time to his hobbies of oil painting and music.

During their long and productive careers, the Reid Brothers were known especially for their Classical Revival mansions and movie theaters.

Five Reid & Reid buildings are San Francisco Landmarks: the Colombo Building, the Fairmont Hotel, the First Congregational Church, the Geneva Car Barn, the Metro Theater and the New Mission Theater.

Five Reid & Reid buildings in San Francisco are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Colombo Building, the Fairmont Hotel, the Geneva Car Barn, the Hale Brothers Department Store and the New Mission Theater.

Two Reid & Reid buildings in other cities are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the New Sequoia Theater in Redwood City and the Sweasey Theater in Eureka.

You can view buildings designed by Reid & Reid in chronological order here, or use a link in the following table to visit a specific property.