The Leica Store in San Francisco is open in time to celebrate 100 years of Leica photography.
WZ Architecture worked closely with Leica Camera Inc. in developing a design concept that is uniquely San Francisco while maintaining the historic Leica Camera-brand image. Many of the existing buildings’ architectural elements, such as the cast iron and heavy timber columns and beams, as well as original masonry walls, are being restored and added into the design. The material textures, colors, and shapes of these historic building elements lend a sense of authenticity to the space.
The 3,600-square-foot store is unique among luxury retail design in that it combines the three primary components of the Leica Experience into a single space: the precision photographic instruments, the photography gallery, and the academy. The academy space is designed to be multiuse, as both a lounge and a seminar space.