This summer a landmark Flatiron building in San Francisco will reopen as the San Francisco Proper Hotel, marking the city’s first new luxury-lifestyle hotel in more than a decade.
The hotel’s neighborhood has a layered history. Once a retreat for high society where Deco glamour met gritty dive bars, the area later fell into decline. Over time the district has experienced a careful revival, and the hotel stands as a visible sign of that transformation.
Located amid tech firms, theaters, museums, galleries and upscale residences, the San Francisco Proper Hotel reflects the many facets of the city it inhabits.
From the exterior to the interior, the restoration prioritized preservation over replacement. Craftspeople removed later additions to reveal the building’s original Beaux-Arts detailing, while local artisans carefully restored the historic lobby and other defining features.
“While carefully preserving the original elements of this classified landmark, we looked to bring something new to San Francisco by collaging a reimagining of past, present and future,” said Kelly Wearstler of The Kor Group, who led the interior design. “The spirit of pre-modernist European influence, hand-selected vintage furnishings, and works by local artists are all part of the warm, inviting design mix.”
The hotel offers 131 guestrooms that blend downtown San Francisco energy with French and Italian influences. Rooms are appointed with amenities such as Aesop bath products, Vifa speakers, Aireloom mattresses and Bellino linens, aiming to combine modern comfort with thoughtful design.
Dining at the Proper will be overseen by James Beard Award–nominated executive chef Jason Franey, returning to the city where his culinary career began. The hotel will host four distinct dining concepts across indoor and outdoor spaces, including a rooftop terrace that takes advantage of San Francisco views and outdoor dining demand.
By restoring the building’s historic character while introducing contemporary hospitality and design, the San Francisco Proper Hotel seeks to honor the past of its neighborhood while contributing to its ongoing renewal.