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It's the most wonderful time of the year in San Francisco and there is no shortage of holiday happenings to get you into the festive spirit.

One of the greatest luxuries of living at 181 Fremont is that you're centrally located to the best that the city has to offer. From ice skating at Embarcadero Center to taking in one of the most impressive fireworks shows in the country, these are some of our favorite holiday traditions around the Bay Area:

The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

Open now through Jan. 6, 2019

Where else can you ice skate in the heart of the city while enjoying stunning views of historic landmarks like the Bay Bridge and Ferry Building? The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center is San Francisco's largest outdoor ice rink and has been a time-honored tradition in the city for 29 years. With hour-and-a-half skate sessions and late-night adult skating on Friday and Saturdays, this is a must during the holiday season. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://embarcaderocenter.com/experience/holiday-ice-rink/

The Nutcracker at San Francisco Ballet

Daily Showings through Dec. 29

Originally launched in San Francisco in 1944, the Nutcraker was an instant sensation that became a holiday tradition across America. Celebrate where it all began and join the San Francisco Ballet for showings nearly every day through December 29. For those looking to indulge in a little more, VIP Box Experiences are also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.sfballet.org/season/nutcracker/nutcracker.

2018 Lighted Boat Parade

Friday, Dec. 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Spreading Christmas cheer since 1994, the annual Lighted Boat Parade at Fisherman's Wharf will light up the San Francisco Bay as more than 60 boats parade along the waterfront. Holiday revelers can enjoy the views from Aquatic Park, PIER 39, the Marina Green Room and Crissy Field while a number of restaurants along the Wharf will be offering traditional holiday menus throughout the event. For more information, visit http://www.visitfishermanswharf.com/events/lighted-boat-parade-je2nh.

Winter Walk SF at Union Square

Open now through Dec. 31, 2018

Attracting more than 750,000 visitors each year, Union Square's Winter Walk SF, a 17,000 square foot holiday pop-up plaza, is a sight to see this season. Transforming Stockton Street between Geary and Ellis streets, Winter Walk features two open-air beer and wine gardens, food trucks, live performances, carolers, holiday-themed photo opportunity and other wintery surprises. For more information on upcoming events and performances, visit https://www.winterwalksf.com/events/.

New Year's Eve Fireworks at Embarcadero

Monday, Dec. 31 starting at 11:30 a.m.

Every New Year's Eve, thousands of people come together along the Embarcadero to watch as the dark skies over the San Francisco Bay and Bay Bridge light up with fireworks at midnight. You can watch the 15-minute display from some of our favorite restaurants along the Embarcadero like Waterfront Restaurant or Coqueta.

Getting to Know 181 Fremont's Concierge, David Mertens

For residents of 181 Fremont, walking through the front door is like crossing a threshold into another world. Not only are they surrounded by stunning architecture and meticulous design, residents have the undivided attention of the service staff, including Head Concierge David Mertens. We sat down with David to learn more about him and his role in catering to any wish and whim of our homeowners.

Welcome to the 181 Fremont team! Tell us a little about yourself:

I am a native San Franciscan, born and raised. I've traveled all over the world and I'm passionate about family, friends, health, food and wine.

What services do you offer 181 Fremont residents?

Our 181 Fremont concierge program offers five-star, hotel-style concierge services such as assistance with arranging dining reservations, tickets to entertainment and cultural venues, private shopping experiences, access to trusted service providers around the city and much more.If you're throwing an intimate dinner party in your penthouse and need a private chef and florist, call me. If you're planning a surprise anniversary soiree and need logistics covered, I'm here to assist. I also maintain the amenities level to help make it an extension of residents' homes.

What's something that a resident might not know you can help them with?

Everyday errands. Why do it yourself and run all over the city when your concierge will do it for you? I'm here to make residents' lives easier, so they can pass their daily tasks to me like, pick up your Jimmy Choo purchase at the Union Square store or handle a drop off and pick up for your luggage repair.

With the holidays upon us, what are some ideas of how residents can use your services to get a helping hand?

The most popular resident request around the holidays is how to spend New Year's Eve. Tell me what type of experience you're looking for and I'll create a custom list of options for you as well as handle the booking. Just don't delay – tickets to the best parties in town sell fast and dinner reservations book up quickly.

What do you recommend residents do around town this season, especially if they have guests in town visiting?

There are so many great options. A few of my favorites include SFMOMA, which has world-class art collections and an amazing restaurant. The de Young Museum is architecturally stunning and has the bonus of being just across the way from the California Academy of Sciences. Not to be missed is brunch at Cavalo Point in the Sausalito Hills, which is owned by the team behind Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur. And, a drive down the coast highway to The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay for lunch and a walk along the beach is a must.

What are your top 3 favorite neighborhood spots near 181 Fremont?

Pacific Heights has Fillmore Street that is lined with great shops and restaurants. Don't miss shopping at Ministry for fashion specifically designed for the traveler and dining at famed restaurant SPQR for authentic Italian cuisine.

Sacramento Heights has Sacramento Street and two of my favorite businesses. One is a kitchen accessories store called March that has the most stylish selection in town, plus it's a great place to buy gifts. Nearby Spruce has the most glamorous dining room in the city, so don't miss having dinner there.

The Marina has Union Street packed full of activities, shops and restaurants. It's a young and hip area where everyone is exercising at world-class gyms like Equinox, eating at delicious Mexican restaurants like Flores and shopping at the hippest brands like Lululemon. Union Street is truly fun for the whole family.

Any secret gems that you recommend so people are in-the-know?

The Jackson Square neighborhood, just a short walk from 181 Fremont, is very cutting edge and chic, yet steeped in history. It's my absolute favorite place to be in San Francisco. Do some shopping at Theory, Aesop and Shinola and dine Cotogna for fantastic Italian food, Kusakabe for sushi and 15 Romolo for gourmet comfort food.

Located over 700 feet above San Francisco, the Residence 68B half-floor penthouse at 181 Fremont enjoys unprecedented 180-degree, floor-to-ceiling views across the city and beyond the bay. With 3,256 square feet of glorious space, the penthouse lends itself to gatherings formal or informal, as well as private living on a truly grand scale.

The interior design, by Kendall Wilkinson of Kendall Wilkinson Design (KWD), creates intimate contemporary spaces with timeless elements and a balance of exquisite finishes. This classic home is fully-furnished and move-in ready, with custom furniture and finishes throughout, and a curated finesse to every detail.

"With its incredibly expansive views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, Sutro Tower, Mount Diablo, and beyond, the penthouse at 181 Fremont encapsulates the magic of the City.We sought to harness this romanticism while balancing the building's strong architecture by creating a highly customized residence rich with texture and soft, curvaceous furniture," said Wilkinson."The penthouse is an ultra-luxurious and expansive home with stylish touches that invites buyers to entertain and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings for years to come."

Thoughtfully and meticulously designed, the home features a contemporary look with soft lines to complement the striking angles of the building's architecture. The residence infuses classic Old-World glamour with vibrant pops of color and displays a sample collection of artworks on loan from Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects, all curated by 181 Fremont's art consultant, Holly Baxter. Upon entering, residents and their guests are welcomed into a formal lobby adorned in a dramatic, textured turquoise wallcovering by Phillip Jefferies – showcasing KWD's signature glamorous style.Furnishings in the lobby include a custom geometric brass console and a pair of fretwork brass screens to define the space, providing a graceful entry into the home's living quarters.

Decorated with soft and curvaceous furniture, cream textured wallcoverings, custom Porta Romana sconces, and a mixed-media painting by Bay Area artist, Hugo McCloud, the living room offers spectacular views in every direction. Distinctive furniture pieces including armchairs by Parisian designer, Jean-Louis Deniot, offer a pleasing juxtaposition to the home's angular architecture, creating an inviting environment for residents and guests alike. Adjacent to the living room, the den serves as a multi-faceted space that can function as a private retreat, office, media room, or an additional room for entertaining guests. The den boasts a private bar, television and open shelving of antique brass with integrated lighting for a touch of KWD glamour. An impressive custom-made sliding glass door divides the two spaces – allowing for complete privacy while maintaining unparalleled views and a sense of openness, even while closed.

The residence's sophisticated dining room is outfitted with an expandable chandelier by Peter Bristol, a distinguished Apple product designer, and turquoise Brueton dining chairs reproduced from their 1980s designs. Moving through the penthouse's open layout into the kitchen, the eye is drawn to bright hues in Dancer – an acrylic abstract canvas displaying colorful multi-dimensional geometric shapes by artist, Patrick Wilson.KWD designed the space to be playful, adding orange leather counter stools to the kitchen island and an acrylic shelving piece adorned with colorful, sculptural prisms to add elements of fun without taking away from the dramatic views of the ocean and Bay Bridge.

Located on the southwestern wing, the penthouse's master bedroom is fitted with elegant white- and gold-accented décor contrasted by hints of rich aubergine, playing into the residence's theme of negatives and positives. Handmade wallcoverings by Los Angeles-based designer, Robert Crowder, and a pink-hued acrylic canvas by Yunhee Min, adorn the walls. Along with a sleigh bed designed by Jean-Louis Deniot, the bedroom boasts a comfortable seating area for a secondary place to watch television or to simply enjoy the spectacular views with one's morning coffee or nightcap before bed.

Celebrated as one of the nation's most highly regarded residential designers in the West, Wilkinson, a California native, discovered her passion for design throughout Europe, specifically Paris, where she took note of the city's architecture, antiques and decorative arts. Mastering the art of combining authenticity with contemporary design, Kendall is one of the most sought-after designers for leaders in tech, finance, retail, and hospitality. Wilkinson seeks to breathe life into each space, blending the old and the new, a concept seen throughout 181 Fremont's penthouse with curated and custom furnishings representing a spectrum of time periods.

KWD's impeccable penthouse design complements the existing finishes, all catering to a discriminating buyer from museum-style walls, kitchens with Italian-crafted Valcucine glass cabinets and Brazilian Macaubas quartzite countertops to Calacatta Carrara marble framing the entryways, doors encased in Paldao wood from New Guinea, and custom brass door handles by Parisian artist, Daniel Povda. The elegant bathrooms are adorned with full-slab Arabescato Corchia marble, hand-selected by Diaz-Azcuy in Italy and placed in symmetric patterns to elicit beautiful veining designs. Bathrooms include large soaking tubs, showers and dual-vanities.

181 Fremont's exceptional design extends beyond the penthouse. Master designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and his firm, ODADA, designed the building's resplendent interiors including the residential lobby and 7,000-square-foot Sky Lounge amenities floor, which features a wraparound terrace.181 Fremont's esteemed art consultant, Holly Baxter, traveled the world to acquire noteworthy pieces for residents' permanent enjoyment in the shared areas, including Eva Rothschild's striking 9-foot sculpture, Bright Eyes, located beneath the lobby's gold dome, and Shahzia Sikander's The Six Singing Spheres #6, which resonates with the shape and form of the room and the poetic nature of its design by ODADA.

"181 Fremont's new penthouse designed by Kendall Wilkinson Design gives distinguished buyers a rare opportunity to purchase a custom curated home that's move-in ready without the hassle of hiring a contractor and designer and then awaiting permits and bespoke furnishings to arrive," said Matt Lituchy, Chief Investment Officer at Jay Paul Company."With 181 Fremont, we sought to create a world-class building, paying impeccable attention to every detail, and this penthouse is no exception.The owner will benefit from a fully curated luxury living experience inclusive of a renowned designer as well as timeliness interiors with furnishings and finishes created specifically for this exceptional residence – all complemented by commanding views of San Francisco and beyond."

Offered at $15.5 million, inclusive of exquisite furnishings and finishes, the half-floor penthouse by Kendall Wilkinson Design at 181 Fremont is available for immediate move-in.The penthouse is one of only 55 custom residences at 181 Fremont.For a private appointment and more information on 181 Fremont, contact Dilan Urun at 415-282-0888 or dilan@181fremont.com.

Design. Location. Stature. An ability to define a city. 181 Fremont is a landmark for the future and as such it was designed to serve as an enduring symbol of achievement and inspiration for all who see it. One of the many examples of this is the building's pre-certification as San Francisco's first LEED Platinum luxury condominium tower.

In an effort to minimize the ecological footprint of 181 Fremont, the Jay Paul Company turned to the people who wrote the book on sustainability. Urban Fabrick is a San Francisco-based firm that actually helped develop the San Francisco Green Building Code a decade ago.

Today, they bring a suite of best practices and building materials together for a comprehensive approach to sustainable living. While the existing LEED Platinum standards are ambitious to meet, the Jay Paul Company and Urban Fabrick took 181 Fremont even further. Every finish and material was evaluated to meet—and often exceed—CALGreen requirements.

181 Fremont has also been engineered to be the most resilient and seismically-sound tall building on the West Coast, with an ingenious high-strength steel exoskeleton structural system. The building's design is innovative in ways both obvious and invisible. Passersby, and even its residents, probably won't notice the painstaking efforts that went into this architectural feat.

Interesting Facts:

• The team traveled to Australia in order to learn about the latest water preservation and recycling techniques. Chief among the innovations being introduced here is a membrane bioreactor in the building, which will actively save 1.3 million gallons of water per year.
• 181 Fremont's water recycling system captures both graywater and rainwater for reuse, and its glass curtain wall system maximizes natural light, giving eco-conscious residents the option to dial back their use of electricity.
• The building's construction caissons, which were designed by the engineering firm Arup, are the deepest ever drilled in San Francisco, extending over 260 feet into the bedrock. This means that the state-of-the-art structure has unparalleled stability, and Arup has awarded it a REDi™ Gold rating for seismic-resistant construction.

181 Fremont is an engineering marvel that's here to stay.

At 181 Fremont, there is a new reason to rejoice. After 17 years of planning and eight years of construction, San Francisco will finally celebrate the opening of the adjacent Salesforce Transit Center at Mission and First.

The impressive $2.3 billion transit hub will open this weekend with service beginning on Sunday, but not before neighbors are invited to the Grand Opening Neighborhood Block party with music, live performances, food trucks, kid's activities and more. On Saturday, August 11 from noon to 4 p.m., guests are invited to explore the brand-new transit center, the much-anticipated rooftop park and the stunning public art installations.

Designed by Pelli Clarke Architects, the 14,000-foot-long center spans a total of one million square feet across four above-ground levels and two below.

Salesforce Park

The 5.4-acre rooftop public park crowns the center's summit and is a green sanctuary filled with over 290 trees and plants, designed by Berkeley's PWP Landscape Architecture. Elevated 70 feet from the street, the park's "trees already have a forest-like feel, such as the grove of redwoods interspersed with cedars above Fremont Street," according to San Francisco Chronicle urban design critic John King.

In addition to the .55-mile walking path, the park will play host to a variety of pop-up retail locations, a two-story restaurant and an open-air amphitheater that will offer exercise and entertainment classes. A children's play area, a grassy picnic meadow and several colorful gardens round out the outdoor sanctuary's offering.

While many buildings around the center will enjoy their proximity to Salesforce Park, only one residential building will have a private skybridge that leads directly to the park: 181 Fremont. Thanks to the skybridge, 181 Fremont residents will be only a few steps away from all that the park has to offer.

The public can take advantage of the park's gondola lift service from Mission Street that is scheduled to open next month.

Commuting Made Easy

Dubbed the "Grand Central Station of the West", the Salesforce Transit Center will feature bus bays for the regional transit agencies, 100,000 square feet of retail space and eventual connections to Caltrain and the proposed high-speed rail. Bus service will encompass AC Transit, Muni, Golden Gate Transit and Greyhound. Train service, including the California High-Speed Rail between San Francisco and Southern California, is planned for the second phase of the transit hub, which should unfold over the next decade. An estimated 100,000 commuters will pass through the center every day.

Retail & Restaurants

Close to 100,000 square feet of retail space is spread out over 34 storefronts within the Salesforce Transit Center. Five leases have been signed thus far and include Fitness SF, Philz Coffee and On-site Dental. More tenant announcements are expected in the coming weeks.

Public Art Installations

From an interactive fountain designed by environmental artist Ned Kahn to attention-grabbing floors and LED-light displays, there are four public artworks integrated into the transit center that are meant to inspire commuters and create a pleasant, experiential environment. In a recent story, Hyperallergic shares a first-hand look at the artwork.

"Parallel Light Fields"

Located on the ground floor, James Carpenter's light sculpture lines a pedestrian passageway.

"The Secret Garden"

The hall's terrazzo floor was designed by San Francisco-based artist Julie Chang and is a collection of California flora and fauna, including poppies and hummingbirds.

"White Light"

Within the Grand Hall sits Jenny Holzer's installation of a 182-foot-long LED screen that wraps around a glass enclosure. The screen displays text from 42 writers, including Maya Angelou, Joan Didion, Machine Gun Kelly, among others.

"Bus Jet Fountain"

Designed by Ned Kahn, this 1,000-foot-long fountain located at the rooftop park is fed real-time information about bus movement from the below deck, replicating that movement with travelling jets of water. According to Hyperallergic, "There's a direct connection to the artist's long-held interest in visualizing natural flow patterns."