Originally constructed in 1908 in the Beaux-Arts style reminiscent of the grand hotels and casinos of the French Riviera, the Palace was virtually unchanged until it was closed in 1989 for restoration. Following detailed investigations of the stone, marble, wood, and plaster finishes, the hotel's historic Garden Court, French Parlor, and other spaces were meticulously brought back to their former elegance. The 70,000-pane skylight was dismantled and restored off-site. The project included a full seismic retrofit, which upgraded the building's steel frame and masonry infill structural system with concrete shear walls. SOM also provided modern mechanical systems and new meeting room facilities.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 1991
Project Area: 590,000 ft²
Building Height: 148 ft
Number of Stories: 9

Project Awards

1994 • Foundation for San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage • Award of Excellence in Architectural Conservation
1992 • Associated Landscape Contractors of America • Merit Award
1992 • Interiors • Best in Adaptive Re-use/Renovation Design Award
1991 • AIA - San Francisco Chapter • Honor Award
1991 • California Preservation Foundation • Preservation Design Award
1991 • National Trust for Historic Preservation • Honor Award