San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced the opening of the Argonaut Hotel, to be housed in the historic Haslett Warehouse located in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Published: April, 2003
San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced the opening of the Argonaut Hotel, to be housed in the historic Haslett Warehouse located in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park at Fisherman’s Wharf. The Maritime Hotel Associates LP, an affiliate of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, is currently leasing and rehabilitating the Maritime Park’s historic 198,000-square foot warehouse into a 252-room boutique hotel. Situated at Jefferson and Hyde Streets next to the Cannery, the Argonaut Hotel will open in September of 2003. Rent paid by the hotel will directly benefit the Maritime Park and will go towards preservation of its historic ships, including the Balclutha, C.A. Thayer, Hercul, and Eureka at Hyde Street Pier. The ground floor of the Argonaut Hotel will also include the Maritime Park’s new Museum and Visitor Center.
Perched on the edge of the Bay at Fisherman’s Wharf, the Argonaut Hotel will create a luxurious and lively guest experience wrapped in the history and style of the San Francisco waterfront in the early 1900s. The hotel’s turn-of-the-century architecture, complete with red brick walls and Douglas fir wood beams, will embody the rich nautical history of San Francisco.
The hotel’s plush intricate décor features compass point elements and rich wooden interiors. Designed to resemble a ship, the public areas of the Argonaut Hotel will have wooden plank floors and portholes in the lobby walls adding to the overall nautical atmosphere. Lobby furnishings in navy blue and red fabrics with bright yellow and white accents will include wood chaise lounges with terrycloth upholstery and an embroidered logo.
The California Fruit Canners Association built the Haslett Warehouse between 1907 and 1909, a four-story, timber and solid brick structure located on Hyde Street between Beach and Jefferson Streets. It was once the largest fruit and vegetable cannery in the world. After changing hands several times, the Haslett was transferred to the National Park Service in 1978 and was included in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park when it was established in 1988.
The City of San Francisco declared the Haslett Warehouse an historic landmark in 1974. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The Haslett building exemplifies the genre of warehouse that was once predominant in the northern waterfront area of San Francisco. The building contributes significantly to the historic ambience of the Fisherman’s Wharf area.
The Maritime Park’s new Museum and Visitor Center, located on the ground floor of the Argonaut Hotel, was designed by Academy Studios of Marin, California, and will allow visitors to experience the area’s seafaring history using interactive technology, new exhibits, and an auditorium. The new museum will allow more of the Maritime Park’s extensive collection to be displayed and opportunities for educational events, lectures, and screenings.
The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is the world’s only floating national park. This unique park, located at west end of Fisherman’s Wharf, includes the historic fleet at Hyde Street Pier, the Maritime Museum, and the Maritime Library. Visitors can discover the romance and excitement of West Coast maritime history by boarding the historic landmark ships at Hyde Street Pier, by taking part in boat-building classes, or by experiencing educational programs.
