A STORIED ADDRESS RETURNS  For more than a century, the Huntington Hotel has presided over Nob Hill, welcoming guests from Cary Grant and Truman Capote to Princess Margaret, while its celebrated Big Four became a favorite among generations of San Franciscans. After closing in March 2020, the hotel sat quiet for years. Its return presented a rare opportunity: to reawaken a place embedded in the memory of the city while preparing it for a new era.

EVOLVING AN ICON  As Architect of Record, BAR worked alongside Highgate, interior designer Ken Fulk, Build Group, Singular Builders, preservation architect Page & Turnbull, and an extensive consultant team to transform the 100+ year-old property. Guest rooms were renewed around their generous proportions and sweeping views, while the spa became a lighter, more open retreat. At the beloved Big Four, restraint took precedence, preserving the atmosphere that has long made it unmistakably itself.

REBUILT FOR TODAY  Behind the renewed experience, structural, mechanical, life-safety, accessibility, and building-performance upgrades were carefully woven into the historic framework. BAR helped translate a bold design vision into the realities of the existing building, balancing character and craft with constructability and long-term performance. Its revival reflects the renaissance of San Francisco luxury itself: rooted in heritage, elevated by craft, and driven by renewed confidence in the city.