Equator Market Street

Equator’s San Francisco debut—following two Marin cafés in Tam Valley and Mill Valley—is right next door to the historic Warfield Theater in the heart of the red hot Mid-Market rejuvenation.

Guided by a neighborhood in transition and the urban elements of downtown’s ‘main drag,’ we kept the interior’s existing mottled concrete and added a new exterior-feeling brick wall. The café’s street cred is enhanced by a new, signature Mona Caron mural, whose work captures site-specific history and future, and a cat-walk-inspired, custom LED light fixture giving nod to neighboring theaters.

The coffee roastery and retail displays are situated to take advantage of copious light from south-facing windows. A white stone and mahogany bar adds a touch of classy newness in contrast to the urban environs. And sunny sidewalk seating will soon be accompanied by a “Marklet” with a rotating program of local art and events.