Santa Monica, California-based Studio HBA, a division of Hirsch Bedner Associates, has completed work on the newly opened Courtyard Marriott Union Square in San Francisco.
The $38 million renovation converted the property from Union Square’s landmark Vantaggio building—a former hotel-turned-student housing space. With historic features maintained, the 17-story structure is now home to 166 contemporary guestrooms, 16 of which are brand new.
“We aimed to create a property with the look and feel of a luxury boutique hotel, but with the amenities and value of a Courtyard Marriott,” says David Dunphy, principal at Studio HBA. “The hotel was originally built in 1929, so we had dramatic high ceilings and intricate Art Deco detailing, typical of that time period, as a starting point. Since then, the building has served other purposes, so we essentially restored it to its former glory while adding modern touches and necessary technology.”
Highlighted by gray, cobalt, sapphire, and chartreuse tones—and accented with reflective silver and gold elements—the lobby features high ceilings with a series of 6-foot, multi-tiered chandeliers comprising glass spheres; arched windows with subtly patterned drapery; original plaster molding restored with gold accents; and locally inspired art displayed throughout in a gallery-style arrangement.
The front desk is accented with a glass art piece, highlighted by concealed LED lighting and an oversized, ornate frame painted bright gold. Reception desk spaces also showcase reflective smoke glass, white dimensional wood, and marble elements.
The hotel’s bistro, library, and lounge offer semiprivate seating areas arranged beneath cantilevered wood ceilings with suspended decorative lighting. Tobacco-colored leather, polished rose gold elements, bronze accents, and wood tabletops create a feeling of warmth.
Existing details, such as the height of the original exposed ceilings, are augmented in the guest corridors with smoky gray doorframes, watercolor-inspired carpets, and crystal globe lighting with a reflective starburst design.
Inspired by the local art scene, guestrooms boast splatter-paint artwork above the beds, graphic black and white sofa pillows, ebony casegoods with stainless steel metal accents, textural gray carpet, glass table lamps with white silk shades, and oversized full-length mirrors with beaded frames, located near the dresser and reflecting the city skyline upon entry.
Guest bathrooms are adorned with linear gray wall tiles, Art Deco-style fixtures and mirrors, sleek white countertops, and polished chrome vanity legs.
“We achieved the simple, modern, and elegant look we were aiming for, while incorporating details from the building’s history,” adds Dunphy. “It pays homage to its 1920s roots while bringing the hotel into the 21st century.”
