Sutro Tower

Identification

Map

Structure in general

Usage

Facts

• The American Broadcasting Company (ABC) purchased the Sutro Mansion in 1948 with the intent to build a 500-foot tower.
• Foundation made up of 15 million pounds of concrete. The tower's center of gravity is below the hilltop.
• Transmits 10 television and 4 FM radio stations.
• Broadcasting began in the summer of 1973.
• The tower generates over 20 million watts of power.
• At last count the tower utilized 118 antennae.
• Due to FAA requirements, the tower is painted with white and aviation-orange stripes.
• Sutro Tower, Inc. (STI), the builder/owner/operator, was formed in 1968 by local television stations KTVU-channel 2, KRON-channel 4, KPIX-channel 5, and KGO-channel 7.
• Tip of Sutro Tower is 1,815 feet above sea level making it the most visible structure in the San Francisco Bay Area.