Studio Heimat Creates an Evocative Sensory Experience with Eco Terreno Tasting Room and Supper Club
Feb. 7, 2023
The new venue also pays homage to its celebrated past of inclusivity.
Designed by Studio Heimat, San Francisco’s Eco Terreno Urban Tasting Room and Lyon & Swan Supper Club opened late last year, built off a strong history rooted in equality.
The Columbus Avenue building had many past lives: in 1918 it was the home of The Jupiter, a black and tan club (discreet and often secret spaces for interracial people to mingle during a time of segregation); in the 1940s, the underground space was Mona’s—known as the first lesbian bar on the west coast; finally, it served as the Purple Onion for more than 60 years, a beatnik era comedy and entertainment club that launched many careers.
The new venue is divided into three levels, each with its own curated visitor experience. Studio Heimat injected many references to the Eco Terreno Winery & Farm, a separate property that boasts regenerative farming practices. The ground floor features the Urban Tasting Room and a custom pencil on linen mural of their Sonoma vineyards by artist Rafael Arena.
Image by Frank Frances
The tasting room welcomes with a rustic nature, highlighting decorative honeycomb shapes peek-a-booing behind reception.
Image by Frank Frances
Studio Heimat used subtle nods to biodiversity and pollinator bees, such as with this custom wallpaper in the tasting room bathroom.
The second floor houses a private event space with an oak and Da Vinci Marble stone peninsula in the center of a display kitchen. Other jewels of the space include a large yellow custom china cabinet and prints from Andy Warhol’s Wild Raspberry cookbook.
Image by Frank Frances
The tasting room's private event space is intimate and residential in feel, color and layout. Rectangular bistro tables also give guests a view of the bustling neighborhood below.
The lower level is home to the Lyon and Swan Supper Club with a darker, sleeker atmosphere that includes an earthy mural by Rafael Arana that sits behind a brass curtain in the stairwell. Leathers and mohair seating are met with exposed concrete walls. Adjacent to the stage is a scene depicted in a triptych by Serge Gay Jr.
Image by Frank Frances
Exposed concrete walls and vault lights the sidewalk above, always connecting guests to their historic location.
All artwork supports the local minority and LGBTQ communities.
"The entire team is passionate about upholding the building's history and embracing the inclusive, loving essence of the space," said Rob Izzo, CEO of Eco Terreno. "Our building has been a constant supporter of tolerance and acceptance offering a safe place of expression and freedom to all guests. We intend to be an extension of this story with a focus on exquisite service in a fun, lively space with an inviting vibe that makes everyone want to be here."
