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Equinox Metro Theater
Equinox Metro Theater
San Francisco, CA, United States
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Other Projects by MBH Architects
Equinox Metro Theater
San Francisco, CA, United States
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2014
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
Equinox already has locations in San Francisco, however, the defunct Metro Theater opened up the possibility of developing another space in SF’s northern neighborhood of Cow Hollow. The fitness center is a four level center with a full workout center, specialized rooms for cycling, yoga, and pilates.
Due to the historical character of the building, it was important both to Equinox and the City of San Francisco to preserve the historic elements of the theater. To that end, the marquee, the lobby ceiling, the wall murals, the iconic columns, and the urns have been preserved, and incorporated into the design of the fitness center. The levels were built inside of the space, structurally independent form the extant murals. Various areas of the murals are both merged with the design in some areas, and in others, protect behind fire-rated glass.
The interior of Equinox has the look of a modern gentleman’s club. Dark wood, white marble, and handcrafted iron materials are elegantly designed by AcroKO to display an Art Deco feel with a repeating chevron pattern that marries the historic to the modern. Lighting consultant OneLux Studio out of New York developed a lighting scheme that focuses on ambient lighting with no dark spaces. On the top floor, three skylights were installed to allow for natural lighting, including a central skylight that is also open to the third floor. Windows on the Union Street side give views of the Marina and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The design incorporates some unique solutions to meet fire and smoke requirements. These include a horizontal fire-rated door in the skylight space between the third and fourth floor to limit smoke travel between the levels. Fire-rated glass protects a number of the original wall murals, while still allowing them to be viewed by the patrons. All the HVAC systems exist within the buildings, cleverly disguised behind movable panels and doors, because nothing could be placed on the roof due to the historical character of the building.
Due to the historical character of the building, it was important both to Equinox and the City of San Francisco to preserve the historic elements of the theater. To that end, the marquee, the lobby ceiling, the wall murals, the iconic columns, and the urns have been preserved, and incorporated into the design of the fitness center. The levels were built inside of the space, structurally independent form the extant murals. Various areas of the murals are both merged with the design in some areas, and in others, protect behind fire-rated glass.
The interior of Equinox has the look of a modern gentleman’s club. Dark wood, white marble, and handcrafted iron materials are elegantly designed by AcroKO to display an Art Deco feel with a repeating chevron pattern that marries the historic to the modern. Lighting consultant OneLux Studio out of New York developed a lighting scheme that focuses on ambient lighting with no dark spaces. On the top floor, three skylights were installed to allow for natural lighting, including a central skylight that is also open to the third floor. Windows on the Union Street side give views of the Marina and the Golden Gate Bridge.
The design incorporates some unique solutions to meet fire and smoke requirements. These include a horizontal fire-rated door in the skylight space between the third and fourth floor to limit smoke travel between the levels. Fire-rated glass protects a number of the original wall murals, while still allowing them to be viewed by the patrons. All the HVAC systems exist within the buildings, cleverly disguised behind movable panels and doors, because nothing could be placed on the roof due to the historical character of the building.