Morris Gift Shop

[Roderick Grant]

The Morris Gift Shop has been purchased by a "high-end designer fashion boutique," according to FLWBC. They are currently talking to the new owner about maintaining the integrity of the interior (the exterior is protected by local landmark designation). The last time Morris was owned by a clothing store, the racks of product seemed out of place. It works better for art objects, or as originally intended. I hope some creative thinking can bridge that gap.

[Reidy]

I went in for a last look on Friday and heard that the new owners have certain rights to alter the interior and that they might remove the wall segment on the left as you enter.

Even if they respect the building I worry that it won't be as hospitable to us beauty-lovers as Xanadu was. Their merchandise fit the place beautifully, and they took excellent care of it.

We'll see about both.

[SDR]

My first visit to the property occurred in 1976, I believe, with my Nikomat in hand, into the gallery and up the ramp. As I prepared to take a snapshot I was informed by a staff member that no photography was permitted. I recall looking up at the suspended acrylic ceiling and glimpsing the building's original skylight and iron truss roof framing through a gap . . .

SDR

[Duncan]

I was at a private party in the Morris Gift Shop last week. It has a large "For Lease" sign jammed in the entry grillwork and is looking a little sad, as any vacant building soon becomes. The original furniture is still there, but no plants in the hanging disc planter over the atrium. Apparently it has been purchased by a new owner but not yet tenanted. There is some talk of using it as an "event space." Worrisome.

[Reidy]

It's been available for parties for years. This could be bad news or good, depending on the implementation details.

[Paul Ringstrom]

Article: Inside Frank Lloyd Wright's Spiraling, Eye-Catching 'Mousetrap' On Maiden Lane

new tenant announced.

https://is.gd/gqvpua

[SDR]

It's nice to be brought up to date via a sketched-in history of the occupancy of the building. Interesting detail about changing lamps (fluorescent, now LED) above the acrylic (?) ceiling . . .

SDR

[Roderick Grant]

As I recall, when the Helga Howie Boutique was there, the space didn't lend itself well to the display of clothing. Can't imagine that men's clothing would fare any better. But at least the building is being taken care of.

[DavidC]

Isaia Opens San Francisco Store in Frank Lloyd Wright Building


David

[Roderick Grant]

Looks like the once gilded dome has been painted white. SDR, inspect and report back.

[SDR]

Will do. Just getting over a cold, so give me a day or two.

S

[aimeusdietger]

The Morris Gift Shop has been purchased by a "high-end designer fashion boutique," according to FLWBC. They are currently talking to the new owner about maintaining the integrity of the interior (the exterior is protected by local landmark designation). The last time Morris was owned by a clothing store, the racks of product seemed out of place. It works better for art objects, or as originally intended. I hope some creative thinking can bridge that gap.

I'm always a big fan of buildings with rich history being preserved and maintained. The Morris Gift Shop will definitely suit a creative brand that will maximize its interiors. However, the first goal is to make sure the building stands and maintains high quality.

[Reidy]

I have mixed feelings about the new regime. Could be worse, could be better (and was, while Xanadu was there).

[Matt]

My dream is to buy the place and turn it into a residence. The coolest bach-pad in San Fran.