The Marker San Francisco Unveils Beaux Arts-Inspired Redesign
Author:Michelle KonstantinovskyHistory buffs and hospitality design connoisseurs have a new must-see San Francisco travel destination: Joie de Vivre Hotels’ The Marker. The hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation that includes a redesign of the lobby, meeting and event spaces, and living room, inspired by the signature style of the Beaux-Arts period. Mixing unexpected scale and theatrical elements of the surrounding Union Square neighborhood, The Marker’s new and improved aesthetic reflects the city’s culture through striking art.
The Marker’s dramatic renovation manages to pay homage to its historic setting (the building was originally constructed in 1910 and opened as Hotel Bellevue) while incorporating new playful spaces and bold expressions of color and design. The fresh look comes courtesy of Jacqueline McGee of Perkins+Will. The architectural details of the hotel feature a simplified color scheme of soft whites and pale grays to create a canvas for colorful furniture, layered patterns, and dramatically placed art and lighting.
Let’s talk about that new lobby. Guests walking into the hotel are greeted by custom lavender Murano-inspired chandeliers overhead, each spanning more than seven feet in diameter. An eye-catching 12-foot-tall bird cage created by Shawn Man Roland and inspired by The Maltese Falcon is also front and center. The supersized tribute makes sense — the iconic book which was later made into a film was written by Dashiell Hammett when he lived in the neighborhood. The central historic fireplace is highlighted by new bookshelves adorned with a colorful collection (including The Maltese Falcon, of course). And the grand staircase is now a bold blue with an expansive, tufted turquoise banquette at the bottom, made by local furniture maker, Composition. The new black-and-white tiled floor is also designed to complement the original historic stone flooring.
Just off the lobby, guests can enjoy the new living room, featuring metallic wall coverings of printed books created by Aztek. New wood floors, custom patterned rugs from Surya, and custom furniture throughout reflect the bold design narrative. Complimentary morning coffee and tea is served each morning, and guests are invited to attend a wine reception and live local music each afternoon.
Art plays a major role in The Marker’s revitalized incarnation. A collection of rotating work from local artists showcases the area’s rich history in a gallery curated by Jacqueline McGee along with SFMOMA Artists Gallery. Displayed throughout the grand staircase and within the living room, the exhibit currently features pieces by famed photographer John F. Martin, who has the exclusive rights to photograph actors backstage at the San Francisco Opera; celebrated artist Mark Ashworth, whose renowned paintings are references to real objects or places, while others are purely abstract designs; and artist Ferris Plock, who creates highly detailed works, often character-based paintings on wood panel that combine contemporary pop culture with the aesthetic of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblocks.
Those traveling for business or pleasure will now have access to more 12,000 square-feet of meeting spaces and ballrooms across 18 rooms at The Marker. Spaces can welcome as many as 300 guests for larger celebrations or 12 or fewer for intimate gatherings. And those looking to expand their horizons can sign up for one of The Marker’s interactive experiences for groups, which include wine tasting classes, beer pairing workshops, and a class on chocolate and wine.
Managing all catering for The Marker is the team at Tratto, the hotel’s stand-alone modern Italian trattoria and bar. Renovated and re-concepted in 2016 by Puccini Group, Tratto now offers breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner, along with a selection of California and Italian wines and beers as well as a craft cocktail program.
The Marker is located at 501 Geary Street, San Francisco. For more information or to make a reservation, call 844.736.2753 or visit https://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/california/san-francisco/the-marker-san-francisco.
