Although Ghirardelli Square remained profitable for years after its first conversion from a factory into a mixed-use retail venue in the 1960s, the increasing presence of tourist-oriented retail reduced the Square to a mere traveler’s destination in the 1980s and 90s. Countering that trend, Hornberger + Worstell was commissioned to design The Fairmont Heritage Place, a 100 room fractional ownership hotel with accompanying food and wine focused retail. Hornberger + Worstell’s project began with a full seismic upgrade of the Chocolate, Cocoa, and Mustard Buildings. Employing a unique in-wall core strengthening system, Hornberger + Worstell's design and engineering plans allowed Ghirardelli’s unreinforced brick masonry walls to be reinforced without damaging any of the historic brick facades or character-defining features.
Press
"A Blast From The Past" L'Officiel Malaysia, April 2018 [PDF]