The Palace Hotel (original 1875 hotel and 1909 reconstruction)

The Palace Hotel originally opened in 1875 as a lavish downtown luxury hotel, was heavily damaged in the 1906 earthquake and fire, and was reconstructed and reopened in 1909. The rebuilt Palace retained and emphasized grand public spaces, including the Garden Court atrium and ornate Beaux-Arts interior detailing that have been focal points of the hotel's historic identity. Over its history the hotel has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and major social events, and remains an operating landmark in San Francisco's architectural heritage.