2019 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

This year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase is a classical Beaux-Arts mansion located in Presidio Terrace. Designed by architect Frank S. Van Trees in 1904 for wool merchant Marcus Koshland and his wife, Cora, the estate is a designated San Francisco and Nationally Registered Landmark. Inspired by Le Petit Trianon at Versaille, the 18,000 square foot building features sandstone facing, symmetrical squared form, roof with balustrades, and a quartet of Corinthian columns.

The estate survived the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake with damage to the columns and steps. During the recovery of the city, the Koshlands shared their twenty room home with sixty people. Later Cora Koshland, a founder of the San Francisco Symphony Association and one of the first directors of the San Francisco Opera Company, held concerts in the three-story atrium with marble columns.  Many great musicians played there including Yehudi Menuhin and Isaac Stern.

Mrs. Koshland died in 1953. After being owned by several different parties, the mansion was abandoned and neglected for many years. It was in this decaying condition that Cook Construction, the primary general contractor for showcase found it. Gregory Cook CEO of the firm says of the challenges and rewards of the project, "The building was falling apart with all of its systems and functions needing to be overhauled. But it was an honor to be a part of the restoration of this incredible property and to learn its story and secrets."

The 2019 San Francisco Decorator Showcase is located at 3800 Washington Street “Le Petit Trianon” and will be open from April 27, 2019 - May 27, 2019.