Located in the heart of the high-end Union Square district, fashion retail designers Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates have created a shopping destination that is quintessentially Barneys while retaining the San Francisco charm of the original landmark building in which it is housed. JHA used the Barneys “vocabulary” of mixing handcrafted elements with a modern refinement. The overall experience is somewhat residential, each floor having its own identity and special components, much like a townhouse. The exterior of the building was entirely refurbished as part of this project, and has been finished in tone-on-tone coloration to accentuate the historic details of the facade. The soaring vertical “blade” style sign that runs nearly the full length of the structure echoes the signage typical of the Union Square area, while being updated with modern proportions. There are four staircases woven throughout the floors, including a grand staircase made of stone and wood, with an elaborate railing: an intricate composition of bronze and golden toned decorative metal grills in organic shapes. This retains a sense of history and underscores the residential aesthetic of the location.