On May 2, leading figures from San Francisco's business and political communities celebrated the launch of the new showroom on Van Ness Avenue's famed Auto Row. Guests at the private event were able to tour the historic seven-story Ellis Brooks Building—a 226,000 square foot world-class facility whose extensive remodel provided for nine new electric vehicle charging stations, 22 service bays, and parking for 425 cars.

The evening's hosts included general manager Keith Rey and Roger Penske of the Penske Automotive Group, whose teams arranged for delightful live music, a lavish selection of bites, and several hosted bar stations while guests viewed the latest car models, including the 2012 Nissan LEAF and the all-new 2013 Infiniti JX.

Guests of honor included former mayor Willie Brown, State Senator Leland Yee—who presented a special certificate of recognition—and Marie Brooks, after whose family the building was partly named. The highlight of the evening was a ribbon-cutting ceremony presided over by current San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.

Nissan Infiniti San Francisco is located at 1395 Van Ness Avenue, nissaninfinitisf.com

Photos: Anthony Kurtz