Great building!! Lots of fun detail around the windows and with the stairs to play with. Do you know what direction you want to go?

he wants the building to have a more modern/sleek look....a darker grey?

i'd suggest a warmer tone.....browns, tans, or even very warm whites

I would do white with black trim. But, you could assess color combo and have people do a vote!

that too could be a trainwreck.....with the cost ofo doing it ...it needs to be 'right'

I think the color should go with the architecture. Clearly lots of buildings around you built around the same time. I would do some "near site" work, looking around you, seeing what you like and what works with similar buildings in the area as one possible step.

ANOTHER THOUGH IS TO HAVE ME HEAD UP FROM LAGUNA BEACH, PAINT CHIPS IN HAND....

How about Kelly Moore's stonegate, carbon and bone?

I would use the stonegate on the entire building, carbon on the fire escaple the recessed surface around the windows, the window casing, the window sill, and the bone on the balustrade and the horizontal detail.

I think the building will look more impressive in one color with the details in the secondary colors.

well he's actually pretty open to ideas....he just doesn't want white or anything too light....its not in the cleanest part of the city....

What is the business it will house ? Office space ? Retail ? Restaurant at all ?

Here's a link to a building with some color---warm hues. See if this modern color palette interests him and I'm certain it could be tailored to the architecture of his building... Keep us posted.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/its-only-lines/5244894372/in/photostream/

Cream with dark grey metal etc is quite 'Euro' at the moment. OR really 'IN' is Plum with cream for those brave enough to be that trendy....

bar and deli are the first floor and then its residential apartments the top 3 floors. In the bay area

He might ask the lower level commercial tenants. Doesn't mean he has to listen, but if their business improves because of a right choice for their storefront, his financial sheet will also improve. He could be the shining example of a community-oriented baron. :=)

I say; architecture does dictate color scheme in metro areas unless he is willing to replace several costly items; fire escapes, windows, and change the facade too. If he really just wants to protect the investment from the elements, he should not expect it to look italian high end deco with only paint. Help him make a choice that uplifts the area but isn't an eye sore.

Personally prefer three colors on a building of this size and style. The dark color on the bottom probably prevents some level of graffiti. To avoid graffiti, a classic mural can also be a great addition. SF is known for some great work in murals. Murals can deter graffiti.

http://www.kellymoore.com/color-trends/...I like balsamic, bistro and earth stone beige if I was limited to this palette.

This looks like it was built in the mid 1920's and seems to have some elements of Art Deco style. If the owner is going to class it up like the Best Western "Hotel California" across the street, he'll need to consider what kind of finish to put on the entrances (granite, marble facing, tile). A light gray with darker accents could be fine (I'm surprised no one has yet mentioned BM Revere Pewter, hands down the most often mentioned paint color on Houzz recently!). Zip around with Google Street View for some similar buildings and their color schemes. More sophisticated color combinations may also be found in the financial district's buildings.

If he replaces the High Tide dive bar with a more touristy and family-oriented restaurant, that could upgrade the overall appearance of the building. In that case, he'd be opening up more windows on the ground floor that are currently blocked off or painted over. The building is surrounded by hotels and not far from Union Square, though it is in the Tenderloin.

grey is over-rated. it is a good base color if used with restraint. too much of it is not; inviting, pleasing, or edgy at all unless it can be accented with sometimes expensive facades or glass or other materials of the trade. Steels, etc.

just leave it as is....not good not bad

just leave it as is....not good not bad

just leave it as is....not good not bad

if he donest like it now he wont like the grey