“When the Beacon Grand was constructed in 1928, it firmly stood as one of the most iconic buildings of its time,” said Kraig Kalashian, managing partner/founder, KKAD, who is leading the renovations. “Our goal throughout the project has been to make the property relevant again by bringing light back into the building and curating the interiors to respect the architecture. An aesthetic that may have felt rooted in the past, is now designed for the future and to meet the needs of the modern traveler.”
From the bustling street to the glowing star above, the hotel is reimagined for today’s history-makers. The updated design celebrates the landmark’s architectural splendor and artisanship while featuring modern sensibilities, services and amenities. The new role of the “social host” nods to the hotel’s hospitality traditions of yesteryear with a modern ease and insider’s view of the Golden City. Newly activated social spaces will include the Beacon Lounge and The Library as new bar-centric culinary concepts within the hotel, a French Brasserie in the former Scala’s space in partnership with the group behind Left Bank and chef Roland Passot of the famed Michelin-starred La Folie, and a reimagined Starlite Room atop the hotel by Bill Rooney Studio.
The primary goal of the renovations, according to Kalashian, has been to honor and celebrate the craftsmanship and grandeur of the architecturally significant Renaissance Revival building while uncovering the extraordinary public spaces and architectural details hidden over time.
“One’s procession through the Beacon Grand is one through history, evoking the grandeur of the nineteen-twenties and thirties when hotels were ‘cathedrals of travel,’” he said. “There is a unique drama created by the multiple levels of public spaces and the grand staircases connecting them. Our work has focused on accentuating this drama. In addition, by removing heavy draperies, choosing paint colors that light up the spaces and adding lighting to key areas, the extraordinary craftsmanship and rich details of the building now quite literally shine as they did when the hotel first opened.”
Entering the Beacon Grand, guests ascend the grand central staircase to the lobby featuring an elegant decor that ties to the history of the building. Original architectural highlights include three magnificent chandeliers and marble flooring accentuating the irreplaceable design and 30-ft. high ceilings. The oversized bar has been removed, allowing the space to again serve as the hotel’s great room. This restored gracious hub will allow the hotel’s social hosts to cater to each guest’s needs and desires. The new furnishings in jewel tones offer comfortable seating akin to a living room in a finely appointed home.
Overlooking the lobby and filled with natural light, the hotel’s mezzanine was once the center of it all, with its grand fireplace, luxurious seating areas and music corner presided over by the hotel’s own concertmaster. For decades, this unique space has been reserved only for events. As for the Beacon Lounge, it will once again be the heart of the hotel—a social gathering place both day and night. A signature bar will center the room, along with frequent musical artists and creative events. The original fireplace and mantle have been restored and create another focal point for guests enjoying cocktails and conversation. Other design choices have highlighted the intricate moldings, hand-made rod-iron railings and inlaid ceilings. In addition, a color palette of warm tones and neutrals was chosen to complement the pedigree of the building.
All 418 guestrooms and suites are being renovated. All the finishes—from European Oak hardwood floors to railroad shower tile to custom-made wallpapers to windows that actually open—revere the original tenor of the building while providing contemporary and comfortable environments for today’s travelers. Each piece of furniture has been customized to maximize flow through each guestroom and allow the high ceilings and views to shine. From vanities to seating, to built-in closets, custom furnishings were created in a size and scale appropriate to the space and architectural elements. A true highlight, the custom wallpaper artfully references San Francisco, appearing as a damask pattern at first glance, yet revealing iconic city images upon closer inspection.
Since its opening in 1928, the hotel has played host to some of the city’s most extraordinary events and has created memories for many thousands of guests. The Beacon Grand will once again host everything from the most intimate to the most lavish inside its 17,000 sq. ft. of renovated event space that now features new high-quality finishes and fixtures to match the majesty of the building.
In partnership with Kevin Barry Art Advisory, the hotel’s new art program has a curated, residential feel. The art will feature mixed media from worldwide artists in the guestrooms and suites. Local artists will be featured throughout the public spaces, and the collection is being chosen to spark conversation about the vibrant city and its remarkable creativity.
www.myinspiredesign.com
Tags: Beacon Grand, Kevin Barry Art Advisory, KKAD, Kraig Kalashian, Sir Francis Drake Hotel
