Old world, new school
San Francisco has long been a “clubby” town, with a distinctly blue-blazer sensibility. But today, less than a dozen of the private, elite, mostly male social clubs remain. Much like the San Francisco Symphony, as well as the ballet and the opera, these old-school clubs face the difficult challenge of replacing an aging clientele. As a result, some have relaxed their admittance policies, expanded entertainment programs, and even begun to use social media—all in an effort to attract an eclectic variety of members and capture the zeitgeist of the city.
Among a crop of new and innovative members-only clubs is the Battery, which opened in 2013. Membership is by referral only and dues are $2,400 a year. The Battery’s vision “is to create a culture where inspiration is embraced, diverse communities come together and egos are checked at the door.” Inside the old Musto building in Jackson Square, which was once a marble factory and then a candy warehouse, the club has created a retro-hipster playground tricked out with a gym, a spa, four bars, a restaurant, a library, a 20-person hot tub, a 3,000-square-foot wine cellar and an exclusive “inn” comprising just 14 rooms and a penthouse. The mood of the interior is reminiscent of a 21st-century Hearst Castle, with fresh, bright colors, faux finishes, comfy leather chairs, filled bookcases, and curious vintage objects.
Info
Address 717 Battery Street, San Francisco CA, 94111, www.thebatterysf.com | Public Transport Bus: 10, 12 (Pacific Ave & Sansome St stop) | Hours By member-invitation only| Tip Just a couple blocks away in Jackson Square is the Hedge, a minimalistic gallery space at 501 Pacific Avenue.
The club also hosts inspiring exhibitions featuring up and coming local artists and monthly gallery tours. It’s all a reflection of the cultural taste of owners and spouses Michael and Xochi Birch, who in 2008 sold their social networking company Bebo for a whopping $850 million.
If you can’t score an invite from a member, you might consider splurging on one of the suites or guest rooms. Overnight visitors are regarded as “Resident Members” and are privy to many of the amenities and facilities the Battery has to offer.
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