Ken Fulk’s iconic Magic Manufacturing unit in San Francisco on the market
Ken Fulk, whose unique style has made him one of San Francisco’s — if not the world’s — most celebrated interior designer, has listed his magical live/work warehouse in the city’s SoMa District. All it takes to command the Magic Factory, as it’s called? A listing price of $8.9 million.
Locally, Fulk is well known for his remarkable interior and staging creative genius. His work has transformed the likes of mansions (his remodeling of tech power couple Michael and Xochi Birch’s home included the import and installation of an actual British pub) as well as businesses (such as the Battery Social Club in Jackson Square).
An exterior shot of the Magic Factory in San Francisco.
Courtesy of Douglas Friedman
Nationally, Fulk’s work has great reach. Fulk’s official website describes how he, together with his team of San Francisco- and New York-based “Fulkers,” has gained international acclaim for “residential and hospitality projects from Mexico to Miami and Provence to Provincetown.” Among many accolades, Fulk has been named to “Architectural Digest’s AD 100, Elle Decor’s A-List, Luxe’s Gold List, and was twice-nominated for a James Beard Design Award.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, Fulk is “considered to be San Francisco’s secret social weapon. He’s the man trusted by society swells and Silicon Valley heavyweights alike to help plan perfect parties, decorate jaw-dropping homes or curate any aspect of their rarefied lives.” His parties extend well past the Silicon Valley: Gigi Hadid hired Fulk to help her transform a space for a truly over-the-(roof)top party.
Fulk’s innovations have no doubt drawn inspiration from the Magic Factory space, itself a work of art. Fulk purchased 310 7th St. in 2007, transforming the 14,000-square-foot warehouse, a 1920s building that in former lives served as a furniture store and later as a Mr. S Leather factory. Fulk, deeply inspired by Warhol, created his “Magic Factory,” preserving the brick and timber features of the building while adding modern live/work features to the four-level structure. Co-listing agent Brian Leung of Compass told SFGATE that “Ken Fulk and his team have done a masterful job of elevating an iconic landmark for future users.”
The kitchen space in San Francisco’s Magic Factory.
Courtesy of John Ellis
As currently configured, the property’s four levels are basically open to any interpretation, although Fulk has housed his studio, office, living quarters, and event venue here. The building is topped with Fulk’s former home, a 4,000-square-foot loft space with no interior walls and an expansive terrace overlooking the city.
A conference room table at the Magic Factory in San Francisco in September 2022.
Courtesy of Douglas Friedman
Also in the building: a private supper club. Over the years, this loft-like space became one of SF’s best-known venues for the designer’s famously over-the-top parties, hosting such celebrated guests as Tom Cruise, Stevie Nicks, Jean Paul Gaultier (celebrating his de Young Museum exhibition in 2007 with an event featuring Dita Von Teese and a mechanical bull), Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Mila Kunis, Alan Cumming, Andy Cohen and Chaka Khan.
An overhead shot of the Magic Factory in San Francisco in September 2022.
Courtesy of Space Monkey Films
Additional features include an 11-car lot, preserved sandblasted brick walls, exposed timber and original fir flooring. All this, plus a SoMa location ideal for live/work, and the chance to revel in the magical history of the Magic Factory.
Anna Marie Erwert writes from both the renter and new buyer perspective, having (finally) achieved both statuses. She focuses on national real estate trends, specializing in the San Francisco Bay Area and Pacific Northwest. Follow Anna on Twitter: @AnnaMarieErwert
