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The Palace Hotel completes detailed restoration of The Iconic Garden Court stained glass ceiling

In 2017, the work was done while the 110 foot by 85 foot ceiling remained in place, and the hotel and dining venue were open for business.

SAN FRANSISCO, CA – The Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection hotel in San Francisco, completed a detailed restoration of the world famous stained glass ceiling in The Garden Court. While the dome had been carefully maintained over the years, extensive work had not been done since the Palace closed for major renovation in 1989. The restoration was conducted by AO Studios (formerly Reflection Studios), who led the ceiling restoration during the 1989 to 1991 renovation of the legendary hotel. As a historic landmark in San Francisco, and the only interior landmark in the City, preserving this icon was paramount. The Garden Court is crowned by a 10 million dollar stained glass ceiling that by day fills the room with natural sunlight. In the evening, the moonlit sky illuminates the space creating a romantic glow.  Cleaning and restoring the glass increased brightness by thirty percent. 

The process, then and now
In 1989, the Palace was closed allowing complete disassembly of the ceiling. Approximately thirty percent of the panels had suffered damage over the years. Using a block and fall rigging system, each panel of leaded glass was removed. Broken panes, sourced from Kokomo Glass in Indiana – the original maker who created the glass in 1909, were reproduced and replaced. The usable original pieces were cleaned with soap, water and TSP before being reinstalled. The structure was seismically retrofitted and a protective skylight was installed over the stained glass dome. The innovative earthquake restraint system received critical acclaim and an honorary award from the National Office of Historic Restoration.

In 2017, the work was done while the 110 foot by 85 foot ceiling remained in place, and the hotel and dining venue were open for business. Work occurred during off hours of operation. The intricate process required a scissor lift to reach the height of 41 1/2 feet and two skilled crews working simultaneously. One team was inside the dome, above the glass – and the other outside, positioned underneath the glass. Using a specialized foaming cleanser, water and soft terry cloth towels, the inside team carefully washed and rinsed each of the 70,000 pieces of glass. The outside team followed, cleaning the exterior of the glass and removing excess water.

Above, beyond and behind the scenes
Hanging 14 inches above the stained glass, laced between the gorgeous dome and the protective aluminum laminated safety glass layer, a complex cabling system secures the decorative glass in place. Panels are suspended from cables threaded through pennies (yes – actual pennies) that act as washers to protect the glass. AO Studios discovered that pennies were the ideal size and weight to prevent the cable from cutting through the glass over time. The large glass panels are framed in steel and all pattern work is created in solid zinc. Each of these elaborate details will be checked to ensure the longevity of the precious elements that are signature to the landmark ceiling.

In 1989, a team of 8 to 12 women and men worked 8 hours a day, 7 days a week for 18 months to complete the ceiling renovation. In 2017, a team of 8 women and men worked from 3:00PM to 11:00PM, 7 days a week for 4 to 6 weeks to bring the ceiling back to its brightened glory.

The history of the garden court
In 1909 the breathtaking Garden Court was unveiled. Crowned by a stained-glass ceiling and flanked by a double row of massive Italian marble Ionic columns, The Garden Court is legendary The room is adorned with original chandeliers made of the finest Austrian crystal. Since its debut in 1909, The Garden Court has been recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful public spaces. The Garden Court holds many memories for those who have passed through its majestic arches. Shared stories of engagements, weddings, festive dinner dances, fabulous parties, fond childhood celebrations and moments in history make The Garden Court a truly unforgettable place. Such turn-of-the-century grandeur is the signature of the Palace Hotel. In 1969, The Garden Court was designated San Francisco Landmark Number 18 by the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board. Today, The Garden Court is a San Francisco monument and the crown jewel of the Palace Hotel.

News Editor - TravelDailyNews Media Network | + Posts

Angelos is the news editor for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). His role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy.

He currently studies Communication, Media & Culture in Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens.

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