Opening of Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

New Waterfront Hotel Housed in Historic 1909 Cannery

The opening of San Francisco’s new, waterfront Argonaut Hotel–delayed for more than a year due to fire–is now slated for August 2003, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced today. Housed in the historic Haslett Warehouse, the Argonaut Hotel will be located at the corner of Jefferson and Hyde Streets 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 Park Service’s historic 198,000 square-foot warehouse into a 252-room boutique hotel. The ground floor of the new hotel will include the Park’s new Visitors Center–a must-see first stop. Rent paid by the hotel will benefit the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, helping to preserve its historic ships, including the Balclutha, C.A. Thayer, Hercules, and Eureka at Hyde Street Pier.

Perched on the edge of the Bay at The Cannery, 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.

Adjacent to the hotel will be a new casual style cafe, the Blue Mermaid Chowder House, specializing in a selection of homemade chowders. The 134-seat restaurant with patio dining, a full bar and wine list will serve classic San Francisco fare including a selection of Wharf-style favorites. The restaurant was designed by the award-winning Robert Puccini Design and Development of San Francisco.

Between 1907 and 1909, the California Fruit Canners Association built the Haslett Warehouse, 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 later included in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, 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 San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park’s new Visitors Center will be a first stop for those visiting the Park and will be located on the ground floor of the Argonaut Hotel. Designed by Academy Studios of Marin, visitors will experience the area’s seafaring history using interactive technology, new exhibits, and an auditorium. The new Visitors Center will allow more of the 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 across the street from The Cannery, 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, including the Balclutha, C.A. Thayer, Hercules, and Eureka at Hyde Street Pier, taking part in boat-building classes, or experiencing educational programs.