View of the Joseph Phelps winery at dusk. The interior is well lit and exudes a warm, golden light. The winery is a timber structure with a board and board and baton siding and a large gabled roof with wooden shingles. A timber bridge structure akin to the railroad bridges built across the Western United States stretches from the winery over the driveway into the hillside.
transforming landmark buildings
BCV is fortunate to have worked on many sensitive renovation and repurposing projects, including the transformation of buildings that have long been part of the urban fabric of San Francisco and the Napa Valley landscape. With each project, our process begins with an excavation of the building's past to fully understand context and character and inform how we envision its new life. We have found that with this type of work, future use is enriched and made meaningful through a strong dialogue with the history and DNA of the building and its site. Below, we explore several relevant projects in different areas of our practice.
BCV is fortunate to count among our projects a number in which we have had the opportunity to transform landmark buildings. In these projects we find ourselves dancing with a building’s past – one which we spend time coming to know so that we can re-envision the building for its new life. With these projects, a new future is inexorably linked with the history and DNA of the building.
It is interesting to think about this renewal in the context of winemaking, as wines are a yearly act of this process. Each year the fruit of the vineyards is transformed by the winemaker, carrying on a tradition and style of winemaking and yet evolving based on the nuances and opportunities of the raw material. Each year brings a new release of Insignia at Joseph Phelps.
This process is different from a renovation in which a building’s system and functions are updated or an addition in which a new part is added – rather it is the act of taking what is old and infusing new life into it without losing its essence – and I would argue that to be successful we must actually reveal aspects of its essence that were previously obscured.
THE FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE
Our first project of this type was the creation of the Ferry Building Marketplace, which we completed with SMWM and Page and Turnbull. Here, as part of an overall renewal of the building, BCV took the ground floor (historically used for baggage handling) and created a market hall.
THE FERRY BUILDING MARKETPLACE
Our first project of this type was the creation of the Ferry Building Marketplace, which we completed with SMWM and Page and Turnbull. Here, as part of an overall renewal of the building, BCV took the ground floor (historically used for baggage handling) and created a market hall.
A long exposure photograph of the Ferry building's hall. The roof frame is visible above and rows of retail units are presented through brick arches. People walking down then hall a blurred by the long exposure photograph style.
By cutting away portions of the original building nave floor, the new space was connected to the old space above. The concourse, no longer used by the public, once again became part of the daily life of the city. A series of shallow, tile-covered arches and gates that define the market hall help visitors experience the original brick arches and traditional wood grilles (clathri) in a new way – and the light washing down from the restored skylight unifies the space. For generations of Bay Area residents, the Ferry Building was a civic landmark passed through on the way to and from trips across the Bay. Today many ferry riders pass through the building – only now on the lower level – and it has become the beloved epicenter of the Bay Area food world.
By cutting away portions of the original building nave floor, the new space was connected to the old space above. In this way the concourse, no longer used by the public, once again became part of the daily life of the city. A series of shallow, tile-covered arches and gates that define the market hall help one see the original brick arches and traditional wood grilles (clathri) in a new way – and the light washing down from the restored skylight unifies the new space. For generations of Bay Area residents, the Ferry Building was a civic landmark passed through on the way to and from a trip across the Bay. Today many ferry riders pass through the building – only now on the lower level – and it has become the beloved epicenter of the San Francisco food world. Old and new are brought together in a complete transformation.
MARKET SQUARE
Leaving the Embarcadero and traveling up Market Street, one soon arrives at 1355 Market, which occupies the city block between 9th and 10th streets. It was built as the Western Furniture Exchange and Merchandise Mart in 1937 (with later additions), and housed showrooms that catered to the interior design trade (and was largely closed to the general public).
1355 Market was purchased by Shorenstein Properties in 2011 to be renovated into offices for technology companies, with Twitter signing on as lead tenant later that year and subsequently leasing most of the building. Shorenstein recognized the importance this city block could play in the revitalization of this part of San Francisco – and in particular the importance of activating the ground floor of the building.
MARKET SQUARE
Leaving the Embarcadero and traveling up Market Street, one soon arrives at Market Square, which occupies the city block between 9th and 10th streets. It was built as the Western Furniture Mart in 1937 (with later additions) as a building for showrooms catering to the interior design trade and was closed to the general public.
A Photograph of the interior of 1355 Market, looking from the hallway with it's warn concrete structure into the contemporary insertions, which are clearly marked by the horizontal board clad walls on the 1st floor and glass partitions on the 2nd floor.
Working with RMW architecture & interiors, which led the work on the office portion of the building, BCV created a series of ground floor tenant spaces in an interconnected hall, which together provide public access to a building that was once a closed fortress. The central hall is a two volume space cut out of the fabric of the 1930s board-formed concrete structure. Here we were able to reveal that the original structural columns of the first two floors were a single unit, and once shown as such, provided a sense of scale worthy of this massive civic space. Stevenson Hall now connects the historic building lobby on the north with the old Stevenson Lane, transformed into a public commons by CMG Landscape Architecture.
Market Square was purchased by Shorenstein Properties in 2011 to be renovated into offices for technology companies, with Twitter signing on as lead tenant later that year and subsequently leasing most of the building. Shorenstein recognized the importance this city block could play in the revitalization of a long neglected part of San Francisco – and in particular the importance of activating the ground floor of the building. Working with RMW architecture & interiors, which led the work on the office portion of the building, BCV created a series of ground floor halls which give public access to a building which was once a closed fortress. The central hall is a two volume space cut out of the fabric of the 1930s board-formed concrete structure of the building. Here we were able to reveal that the original structural columns of the first two floors were a single unit, and once shown as such, provided a sense of scale worthy of this massive civic space. Stevenson Hall now connects the historic building lobby on the north with the old Stevenson Lane, transformed into a public commons by CMG Landscape Architecture.
A picture of the entry hall of market square with wood paneled walls contrasted by concrete columns. Mounted on the wall behind the welcome desk are brass metal grates which are arranged in an irregular fashion.
A picture of the outdoor seating area in front of 1355 Market. A metal firepit is surrounded by curved wooden benches. Stairs lead up to the building situated behind the deck and fire pit.
Salvaged wood from a World War II-era rooftop addition is used to contrast the concrete structure and create the walls that define the ground floor halls. Modern steel portals with rolling mesh grilles complete the system of enclosure, creating a new set of public spaces that have created a new civic heart for this emerging San Francisco neighborhood.
The ground floor of Market Square is both modern and historic – it reveals the existing structure of the building that was buried under plaster (and in some cases mirrors added in the 1980s) and uses salvaged material from the building itself to define a new future. San Franciscans are now able to enjoy a building that was long enclosed to them as part of everyday life.
Salvaged wood from a World War II-era rooftop addition is used to contrast the concrete structure and create the walls that define the ground floor halls. Modern steel portals with rolling mesh grilles complete the system of enclosure, creating a new set of public spaces that have created a new civic heart for this emerging San Francisco neighborhood.
The ground floor of Market Square is both modern and historic – it reveals the existing structure of the building that was buried under plaster (and in some cases mirrors added in the 1980s) and uses salvaged material from the building itself to define a new future. San Franciscans are now able to enjoy a building that was long enclosed to them as part of everyday life.
JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS
It is interesting to consider renewal in the context of winemaking. Each year the grapes are transformed by the winemaker, informed by tradition and style but evolved based on the nuances and opportunities of the raw material. This process is different from an addition or a renovation in which a building’s system and functions are updated – rather it is the act of taking what is old and infusing new life into it without losing its essence – to be successful, we must reveal aspects of its essence that were previously obscured.
When Bill Phelps interviewed BCV and Don Brandenburger to transform JPV's original John Marsh Davis-designed winery, we felt a great responsibility in evolving a building that is an icon to so many. Encountering the huge trellis that breaks between the two buildings and leads to the spectacular view of Spring Valley is an awe-inspiring experience. Events like the renowned Chez Panisse birthday dinners showed what an extraordinary site it could be for providing a unique Napa Valley experience. A number of years ago, winemaking production and barrel storage had moved downhill to a new building, providing the opportunity to transform the old production areas to receive visitors.
JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS
When Bill Phelps interviewed BCV and Don Brandenburger to transform the original John Marsh Davis-designed winery, I expressed the great sense of responsibility that came with working on a building that is an icon to so many. I had my own powerful memories of visiting the site – the awe one feels encountering the huge trellis that breaks between the two buildings and leads to the spectacular view of Spring Valley. I was privileged to attend the Chez Panisse tenth birthday party, held at the winery in 1981. This event and many like it showed what an extraordinary site it was and could be for providing a unique Napa Valley experience. A number of years ago, winemaking production and barrel storage had moved downhill to a new building, providing the opportunity to transform the old production areas to receive visitors.
John Marsh Davis had designed Rutherford Hill (when it was Souverain) and Chateau Souverain, as well as dramatic residences throughout the Bay Area - including a distinctive home above the dunes at Stinson Beach. Our task at Joseph Phelps was to transform the production facility into a place to greet, educate and allow guests to enjoy a visit to the winery.
I had been aware of John Marsh Davis’ work. He had designed Rutherford Hill (when it was Souverain) and Chateau Souverain and I knew his dramatic house on Stinson Beach because friends had rented it – but I felt that I needed to understand more. Davis had passed away in 2009, but Bill Phelps put me in touch with his niece, Katy Song, and our subsequent conversations and research have led to an ongoing project which I hope will result in a book on the architect’s work.
However, at a certain point each architect must begin on the project at hand with the knowledge he has. Our task was to transform a production facility into a place to greet, educate and allow guests to enjoy a visit to the winery.
A wooden pergola with a bridge-like frame stands over a concrete path that weaves between well established coniferous and deciduous trees.
Looking at the courtyard from a distance it overlooks the mountains in the background. In the center of the courtyard is a concrete planter that has trees and bushes filling it. At the edge of the courtyard are umbrellas and tables so one can sit and enjoy the view. Above you can see the bridge that is connecting the two buildings.
One’s experience is transformed the moment you park your car through a new entry sequence designed in collaboration with Smith and Smith Landscape Architects. The new entry path winds through Redwoods and Oaks on the eastern slope, providing glimpses of the winery, and brings the visitor to the eastern end of Davis’ trellis. The encounter is almost startling, as the trellis comes close to the hillside and one glides just below it, down a new stairway and to the center of the original building.
One’s experience is transformed the moment you park your car through a new entry sequence designed in collaboration with Smith and Smith Landscape Architects. The new entry path winds through Redwoods and Oaks on the eastern slope, providing glimpses of the winery, and brings the visitor to the eastern end of Davis’ trellis. The encounter is almost startling, as the trellis comes close to the hillside and one glides just below it, down a new stairway and to the center of the original building.
Contrasting the natural wood finish seen within much of the interior, the retail room at Joseph Phelps vineyard is painted white, with fitted cabinets and shelving covering the entirety of the wallspace. Displayed are bottles of wine and branded merchandise such as t-shirts and hats. There is a wooden counter in the back of the room where one can purchase wine. Just off this room one can see another room that has wood paneling for walls with sleek concrete floors.
A picture of a tasting room sleek wood paneling for walls and exposed wooden beams. Couches and table fill the center of the room with hanging lights above each table. At the very end of the room is a large window that looks out on a green field.
The public functions of the winery have now been consolidated on the north side of the buildings. A glazed door reveals a wood paneled reception hall, where guests check-in for a variety of unique tasting experiences. The heart of the north building is the Great Hall, defined by two massive wood trusses that echo those used by Davis to support the great entry trellis. Paneled in board-on-board, rough-sawn vertical grain Douglas fir, this room is the central living space for the winery and can alternatively be used to host all-winery staff meetings and grand banquets. Five massive wood and glass light fixtures run down the length of the room – a riff on Davis’ wood fixtures in the original Oval Room. At the north end is a glass-enclosed barrel room where winemakers provide private barrel tastings.
The public functions of the winery have now been consolidated on the north side of the buildings. A glazed door reveals a white-stained, wood paneled reception hall, where guests check-in for a variety of unique tasting experiences.
The heart of the north building is the grand Great Hall, defined by two massive wood trusses that echo those used by Davis to support the great entry trellis. Paneled in board-on-board, rough-sawn vertical grain Douglas fir, this room is the central living space for the winery and can alternatively be used to host all-winery staff meetings and grand banquets. Five massive wood and glass light fixtures run down the length of the room – a riff on Davis’ wood fixtures in the original Oval Room. At the north end is a glass-enclosed barrel room where winemakers will give select patrons barrel tastings of the various vintages currently being offered at the winery.
A picture of a private tasting room containing a large round table with a glass paneled wine storage cabinet behind.
A picture of a different area of the tasting room. This view shows leather couches next vast wooden wine barrels that are used in the wine making process. Windows line the other wall introducing an abundance of natural light. The rafters are exposed, with wooden chandeliers hanging from them.
The Great Hall acts as an organizing space for the ground floor. To the east is the Founder’s Room and its terrace, which celebrates the winery’s founder, Joseph Phelps. To the west is The Library, where temperature-controlled cases display over forty years of wines made by Joseph Phelps Vineyards. The long steel and glass walls of this room allow views in from the Great Hall and of the giant oblong barrels that line the Oval Room. The Oval Room was added to the original John Marsh Davis building four years after it was built, to accommodate large oak winemaking barrels and to provide a space to hold large receptions.
We have re-envisioned this room by opening it up to spectacular views of Spring Valley to the west through the addition of a trellised portico. The great oak ovals have been restored and subtly rearranged to provide three entry points into the room, allowing visitors to appreciate the sculptural quality of the massive structures. One of the hallmarks of the original space was a long shelf around the room that Joe Phelps used to display the empty bottles of significant wines that he and his family enjoyed with friends over the years. These have been returned to their place of honor and show the range of his exploration of the great wines of the world.
The winery has always been interested in the exploration of wine and fine dining, and a new commercial kitchen off the north side of the Great Hall connects to a dining room off the Oval Room. At the opposite end, the Insignia Room celebrates the signature wine produced by the winery. All three rooms open onto a new western terrace, with its spectacular view over Spring Valley.
The winery does not have a typical tasting bar; instead, the various rooms described above are used for in-depth seminars led by wine educators. Each of these rooms is purposely very different from the other in scale and decoration, as to provide a series of different experiences to winery visitors over multiple visits. Less formal tastings are held on the terrace. At the center of the terrace is John Marsh Davis’ original trellis, which has been relocated to reinforce the cross axis of the building from the Founder’s Room through Great Hall, Library and Oval Room.
The Great Hall acts as an organizing space for the ground floor. To the east is the Founder’s Room and its terrace, which celebrates the winery’s founder, Joseph Phelps. To the west is The Library, where temperature-controlled cases display over forty years of wines made by Joseph Phelps Vineyards. The long steel and glass walls of this room allow views in from the Great Hall and of the giant oblong barrels that line the Oval Room. The Oval Room was added to the original John Marsh Davis building four years after it was built, to accommodate large oak winemaking barrels and to provide a space to hold large receptions.
We have re-envisioned this room by opening it up to spectacular views of Spring Valley to the west through the addition of a trellised portico. The great oak ovals have been restored and subtly rearranged to provide three entry points into the room, allowing visitors to appreciate the sculptural quality of the massive structures. One of the hallmarks of the original space was a long shelf around the room that Joe Phelps used to display the empty bottles of significant wines that he and his family enjoyed with friends over the years. These have been returned to their place of honor and show the range of his exploration of the great wines of the world.
The winery has always been interested in the exploration of wine and fine dining, and a new commercial kitchen off the north side of the Great Hall connects to a dining room off the Oval Room. At the opposite end, the Insignia Room celebrates the signature wine produced by the winery. All three rooms open onto a new western terrace, with its spectacular view over Spring Valley.
The winery does not have a typical tasting bar; instead, the various rooms described above are used for in-depth seminars led by wine educators. Each of these rooms is purposely very different from the other in scale and decoration, as to provide a series of different experiences to winery visitors over multiple visits. Less formal tastings are held on the terrace. At the center of the terrace is John Marsh Davis’ original trellis, which has been relocated to reinforce the cross axis of the building from the Founder’s Room through Great Hall, Library and Oval Room.
The volume of the original building allowed for the addition of a second floor of offices above the ground floor. Here we were able to provide the Phelps staff with offices of the caliber that Davis created for a much smaller number of employees that linked the north and south buildings. In many respects a visit to Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a completely new experience, but one that also resonates with those who have long-term associations with the property.
The volume of the original building allowed for the addition of a second floor of offices above the ground floor. Here we were able to provide the Phelps staff with offices of the caliber that Davis created for a much smaller number of employees that linked the north and south buildings. A dramatic new stair at the northeast corner of the building provides the principal access to this floor (and allows a direct connection to the ground floor kitchen – the social heart of the winery). The second floor is arranged around a central skylit space that is the structural extension of the Great Hall below. At the north end is a large dining/meeting room that opens onto a balcony overlooking the redwood grove on this side of the building. Glass enclosed offices line the east and west sides of the gallery spaces. The western offices have a large dormer which provides sweeping views of the western hills of Napa Valley.
The south end of the offices interconnects with the original stair up to the bridge offices. In order to make the entire building accessible, we inserted an elevator into this location to serve both the new office floor and the original bridge of offices. To make this work, the vertical mass of the elevator is paired with a dormer that gives beautiful views from the bridge landing.
In many respects a visit to the Joseph Phelps winery is a completely new experience but one which we believe will resonate with those who have long-term associations with the property.
A picture of the view from the patio of Joseph Phelps vineyard, with the vines in front leading downhill, and large rolling hills in the background.
