SF: A First Look at the Luxurious New Residences at 181 Fremont

When you drive through the streets of San Francisco, there are so many high-rises being built, it feels as if the entire city is under construction. From Pacific Heights to Mid-Market, new residential units are popping up all over SF, but there is no place quite as haute as the upcoming homes at 181 Fremont. Only two words can be used to describe the 55 residences: pure luxury. The boutique building from the Jay Paul Company opened its presentation suite at 101 California last week and Haute Living was on the scene to check it out. Interested buyers should take note: the residences are absolutely stunning. The Mark Company is heading up sales of the exclusive two-and-three bedroom homes that are located on the top 16 floors of the 70-floor 181 Fremont tower. The spacious and unique units—each floor plan is slightly different—are designed by interiors guru, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy.

The world-renowned designer also created the residential lobby that has a 25-foot ceiling, gold leaf dome, flowing fabric shade, custom sconces and a spiraling banquette seating area meant to receive visitors. “To enter the lobby of this building is like walking into a living sculpture,” explained Diaz-Azcuy. An amenity floor will house four distinctive lounge areas, fitness center with yoga room, library, conference room, bar, catering kitchen, piano and wrap around observation terrace.

The condos’s opulent design reflects the beauty of the city. “I found inspiration in timeless materials, natural luxury, and the history of San Francisco,” Diaz-Azcuy said. “The care and quality that went into even the smallest details of this building make the greatest impact – it is the ultimate expression of luxury.” Diaz-Azcuy and his team scoured the world in search of the best artisanal craftsmen. To find the slabs of Calacatta Carrara marble—which are book matched perfectly in bathrooms and hallways at 181 Fremont—they went to seaside caves in Italy. The wood for veneer doors was hand selected in the forests of New Guinea. Door fixtures were handcrafted using old-world techniques by Série Rare, an exquisite French hardware producer.

The homes are light-filled with a neutral white and grey color palate, built-in electrical window coverings, media unit, hidden docking stations, French oak hard wood floors, wine cooler and Miele appliances. All of the cabinets in the kitchen are flush with the walls which creates a smooth, cohesive and stylish design. Some of the kitchens can be closed off to the rest of the dining and living area. There are no base boards, but rather the walls connect to the floor as if floating (with a small space in between the wall and floor), a little-used technique known as museum finish. No detail has been overlooked, no expense has been spared, and everything is designed to perfection.

181 Fremont represents a series of firsts in the San Francisco real estate market. It is the first building in SF to offer accessory units to its owners. There are 12 other spaces that only the 55 original buyers will have access to. These units can be used as guest accommodations, offices or staff housing. It is the first building to be LEED-platinum certified and operate an innovative water conservation system. The developers were given a grant by the city of San Francisco to go to Australia and learn the latest in cutting edge conservation technology and bring it back to the United States. It is the first building to be built on bedrock, which ensures less damage during an earthquake. The contractors had to dig through 260 feet of soil before they could begin construction on 181 Fremont. It will be the first and only residence that directly connects to the new park and retail spaces that will be built above the upcoming Transbay Terminal. With homes on the 55th through 70th floors, it is also the highest residential urban unit west of the Mississippi—it doesn’t get much more haute than that. The residences are expected to be livable in July 2017.

Below, you’ll find more images of the beautiful property.