The San Francisco Decorator Showcase began in 1977 when Nan Rosenblatt, a former San Francisco University High School (UHS) parent and an accomplished interior designer, and Philip Fernandez, the first president of the school’s Parents Association, conceived the first showcase to raise funds for UHS’ financial aid program. In its first year, the showcase netted $26,000; today this prestigious event raises more than $600,000 annually.
UHS is committed to building a community that reflects and embraces the great diversity of the San Francisco Bay Area. Proceeds from the Decorator Showcase have afforded hundreds of deserving and talented Bay Area students access to a world-class college preparatory education.
The 45th San Francisco Decorator Showcase (April 27 – May 27, 2024) selected 2898 Broadway on “Billionaire’s Row” in Pacific Heights as its venue. Featured as the Decorator Showcase venue in 1989, the culturally and historically significant 11,155-square-foot Dutch Colonial mansion boasts five floors of living space with commanding views of the San Francisco Bay and beyond.
Built in 1899 by renowned architects Walter D. Bliss and Walter Paville (Saint Francis Hotel, James Flood Mansion, Geary Theater) for Walter Bliss’ parents, Elizabeth and Duane “D.L.” Bliss, 2898 Broadway stood at the highest echelons of prestige and was the perfect home for the family, who built a large fortune in gold mining, lumber, railroads and Lake Tahoe tourism, as well as were significant players in San Francisco society.
The 2024 designers were selected from many Bay Area applicants. Each designer was asked to decide on the spaces they wanted to design and submit a proposal. The showcase’s Design Advisory Board reviews each board and, after thorough deliberation and review, comes up with a balanced aesthetic that includes established designers and new talent.
2898 Broadway’s spectacular garden and front entrance were updated by the talented team at Martinelli Design, using Stone Yard Inc. materials.
Russell Martinelli, designer and owner of the California exterior design firm, reimagined the home’s front exterior with a lush garden accented by modern elements. Stone Yard’s crisp white fiberstone planters and bench help welcome guests with timeless charm and texture.
