San Francisco is a city filled with remarkable architecture, but few buildings have experienced a transformation quite like the one at 690 Market Street.
Today, this historic landmark is home to The Ritz-Carlton Club, San Francisco, offering luxury Residence Club accommodations just blocks from Union Square.
But long before guests were enjoying spacious residences, concierge service and views of the city, the building was making headlines of its own.
In fact, it was originally built to produce them.
From Newspaper Headquarters to San Francisco's First Skyscraper
Completed around 1890, the original Chronicle Building was commissioned by newspaper publisher M. H. de Young as the headquarters of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Designed by the prominent Chicago architectural firm Burnham & Root, the building was considered San Francisco's first skyscraper.
Its distinctive Richardsonian Romanesque architecture featured richly detailed sandstone, brickwork and an impressive clock tower.
At a time when San Francisco was rapidly establishing itself as a major American city, the Chronicle Building represented a bold statement about the city's ambitions.
The building quickly became one of downtown San Francisco's most recognizable landmarks.
A Clock Tower, an Earthquake and a Remarkable Survival
The building's early history was anything but uneventful.
In 1905, fireworks launched during a celebration of Mayor Eugene Schmitz's reelection ignited the building's clock tower.
The damaged tower was subsequently removed.
Then came the devastating San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906.
Although the Chronicle Building survived the initial earthquake, the fires that followed caused extensive damage to its interior.
The building was subsequently reconstructed under the direction of architect Willis Polk, who had worked with Burnham's San Francisco office.
The San Francisco Chronicle eventually relocated to new headquarters in 1924, leaving its former home to begin another chapter as an office building.
The Historic Facade That Disappeared for Decades
Perhaps the most surprising chapter in the building's history occurred in 1962.
Like many historic structures during the mid-20th century, the former Chronicle Building underwent a dramatic modernization.
Its elaborate original exterior was covered with panels of aluminum, glass and porcelain.
Much of the intricate stonework that had defined the building's original appearance was damaged or removed during the transformation.
For decades, the building looked almost nothing like the architectural landmark that had stood on Market Street since the 19th century.
Fortunately, its story didn't end there.
The Extraordinary Restoration of 690 Market Street
In the early 2000s, plans emerged to transform the aging office building into luxury residences while restoring its historic character.
Architect Charles Bloszies led the architectural transformation, which included restoring the original masonry facade and adding new residential floors above the historic structure.
The restoration presented an unusual challenge.
Large portions of the original sandstone had been damaged or removed during the building's 1960s modernization.
According to the restoration specialists at Giampolini, the team eventually traced the original stone to the long-closed Sespe Quarry in Southern California.
After locating the quarry, craftsmen obtained matching stone and carved approximately 1,000 replacement blocks to reconstruct missing portions of the facade.
The painstaking work helped restore the building's historic appearance while allowing it to begin an entirely new life.
The property reopened as The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences in 2007.
Today, its restored historic exterior stands alongside the modern residential addition—a visible reminder of the building's remarkable evolution.
Staying Inside a Piece of San Francisco History
What makes this story particularly interesting for visitors is that the building isn't simply a landmark to admire from the sidewalk.
You can actually stay here.
The Ritz-Carlton Club, San Francisco occupies part of the restored Chronicle Building at 690 Market Street, near Union Square and some of the city's most recognizable destinations.
Unlike a traditional hotel room, the Residence Club offers privately owned one-, two- and three-bedroom accommodations with separate living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens and in-residence laundry.
Guests also enjoy luxury services and amenities, including:
Twice-daily housekeeping
Nightly turndown service
24-hour concierge service
Access to the private 12th-floor Club Lounge
For families and groups visiting San Francisco, these accommodations provide considerably more space than a conventional hotel room while retaining the convenience of luxury hospitality services.
And there's something special about returning each evening to a building that has been part of San Francisco's history for more than a century.
A Different Way to Experience San Francisco
San Francisco has no shortage of luxury hotels, but The Ritz-Carlton Club offers an experience that combines residential comfort with an extraordinary historic setting.
The building's location makes it convenient for exploring downtown San Francisco, while its multi-bedroom accommodations provide a comfortable place for families and groups to gather after a day in the city.
Whether you're visiting for a family vacation, a special occasion or an extended stay, the Residence Club offers an opportunity to experience San Francisco from inside one of its most historically significant buildings.
Can You Rent a Residence at The Ritz-Carlton Club, San Francisco?
Yes.
Travel En Vogue independently offers vacation rentals in privately owned Residence Club inventory at The Ritz-Carlton Club, San Francisco.
Available accommodations may include one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, depending on travel dates and inventory.
For travelers who appreciate historic architecture, spacious accommodations and luxury services, the property offers an especially distinctive alternative to a traditional San Francisco hotel stay.
Travel En Vogue is an independent vacation-rental company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company or Marriott International.
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