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DID Continues Marine Work on the West Coast
St. Louis design firm renovates San Francisco passenger ferry
ST. LOUIS, Oct. 23, 2007 – Recent marine work by St. Louis-based Directions in Design Inc. made them an ideal choice for renovations to Golden Gate Ferry’s Sausalito vessel. The M/S Marin is one of the California-based company’s busiest vessels, making daily commutes between San Francisco and Sausalito for everyone from tourists to business travelers.
Directions in Design’s team looked to employ a nautical theme to the ship’s interior while complying with ADA Codes and U.S. Coast Guard Regulations. They also upgraded the ship’s appearance to accommodate the needs of the broad range of passengers it serves. Working at the Bay Ship & Yacht shipyard, the renovations entailed tearing out the ship’s existing walls, furnishings and lighting. They worked with naval architect, Will Nickum of Elliot Bay Design Group, to develop an interior plan for the vessel which would maximize seating while maintaining ADA regulations.
“Renovations are always challenging because you discover additional issues as you remove existing materials,” said Jim Swindler, deputy general manager, Golden Gate Ferry. “Directions in Design presented a flexible plan to accommodate additional issues that may arise, while still exceeding the aesthetic and regulatory criteria we requested.”
“We were working with a nearly clean slate when beginning this project, because we tore out most of the existing interior structure,” said Jeanine Bequette, senior vice president, Directions in Design. “We had excellent cooperation from the architect and Golden Gate Ferry management to make this extensive renovation as efficient and manageable as possible.”
The ship’s main deck was renovated to accommodate one of the area’s most popular pastimes – biking. The extensive bike storage area provides an accessible space for the ferry’s many biking passengers. Further forward, the deck features a variety of seating options including conversation-grouped seating, functional banquette seating and a larger lounge-style seating area.
A small bar on the deck is opened during crowded commutes, typically when the ferry is carrying fans to baseball games.
Most of the expansive second deck is dedicated to passenger seating. The nautical theme is represented by a large compass rose design in the center of the deck’s floor, which is reflected in the metal ceiling tiles above the design. A red, white and blue color scheme along with brass accents further carries the theme throughout the deck and in the bar area. The second deck bar is open during all commutes and provides passengers with a relaxing diversion while traveling. The deck’s flooring is a unique vinyl with fibers that gives the area a carpet like feel, while being more durable and easy to clean.
The deck’s exceptionally large forward cabin holds additional passenger space with larger seats and tables, provided by Australian-based seating company, Beurteaux. Additional seating is found on the ferry’s third deck. The spacious area allows for the option of covered or uncovered aluminum outdoor seating.
Directions in Design, Inc. completed renovation of the M/S Marin in June 2007 and the ship has since made several successful trips. In Aug. and Sept., on special days “Lunch Brunch” cruise crossings feature live musical entertainment in celebration of the newly refurbished vessel’s return. Swindler has contracted the firm to perform similar renovations on two more of Golden Gate’s ferry vessels.
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