Nob Hill Spa, a jewel in the renewed Huntington Hotel
THE LANDMARK HUNTINGTON HOTEL REOPENS ON NOB HILL
FOLLOWING A METICULOUS RENOVATION LED BY BAR
The iconic Huntington Hotel on Nob Hill has officially reopened following a comprehensive, multi-year renovation, marking a defining moment for San Francisco’s luxury hospitality market. The reopening, recently covered by the San Francisco Business Times, SF Examiner, and other major media outlets, signals renewed confidence in the city’s high-end hotel sector and the continued evolution of one of its most storied landmarks.
BAR Architects & Interiors served as Architect of Record for the Huntington Hotel renovation, overseeing the architectural restoration and modernization of the 100+ year-old property. The project, a partnership with renowned interior designer Ken Fulk, represents a careful balance of historic preservation and contemporary refinement — restoring the hotel’s original identity while elevating performance, comfort, and guest experience for a new generation of travelers..
A Historic Nob Hill Hotel, Thoughtfully Restored
Originally opened in 1924, the Huntington Hotel has long been embedded in San Francisco’s cultural memory. From its Georgian architectural detailing to its commanding Nob Hill presence, the building has hosted decades of celebrations, civic gatherings, and daily rituals that shaped the social fabric of the city. The renovation approached the building as a legacy.
BAR’s scope included the restoration of historic architectural elements, modernization of core infrastructure systems, and integration of contemporary building performance standards, all while preserving the proportions, materiality, and character that define the hotel’s architectural identity. Public spaces were revitalized with renewed warmth and clarity. Guest rooms were elevated with modern amenities layered thoughtfully within the historic envelope.
The result is a state-of-the-art hospitality environment that feels seamless rather than replaced. Refined without erasing its past.
Guest Suite: Interior Design by Ken Fulk.
Integrating Modern Performance with Enduring Craft
A key objective of the Huntington Hotel renovation was holistic integration. Structural upgrades, mechanical systems, life-safety improvements, and accessibility enhancements were implemented discreetly within the historic framework. The approach reflects BAR’s broader philosophy: architecture should evolve responsibly, honoring context while meeting contemporary standards of performance and comfort.
As Architect of Record, BAR coordinated closely with ownership, consultants, and design collaborators to ensure the transformation upheld both regulatory rigor and design integrity.
This level of stewardship is particularly critical in landmark hospitality projects, where architectural authenticity and guest expectations must coexist.
The Big Four’s Private Dining Room.
A Catalyst for the Renaissance of San Francisco Luxury
The reopening of the Huntington Hotel arrives at a pivotal moment for San Francisco. As reported in the San Francisco Business Times, renewed investment in high-end hospitality is seen as a signal of confidence in the city’s recovery and long-term vitality.
In many ways, the Huntington Hotel mirrors the renaissance of San Francisco luxury itself, rooted in heritage, elevated by craft, and defined by a renewed sense of confidence.
For BAR Architects & Interiors, the project represents more than a successful renovation. It reflects the firm’s commitment to people-centered design, cultural stewardship, and hospitality environments that endure across generations.
As the doors reopen on Nob Hill, the Huntington once again stands as both a landmark and a promise that great architecture, thoughtfully restored, can help shape the next chapter of a city.
Huntington Hotel Office
Huntington Hotel:
Client: Highgate in Association with Flynn Properties and LUCID Development Group
Architect of Record: BAR Architects & Interiors
Construction: Build Group, Singular Builders
Interior Design: Ken Fulk