Picture the scene Presidio Terrace a haven of architectural marvels. Nestled on a slope overlooking the Presidio this exclusive San Francisco neighborhood is more than just pretty houses. It’s a living testament to early 20th-century urban planning.
Presidio Terrace is a remarkable example of early suburban development. This gated community boasts a unique oval layout. Oversized lots create a garden setting. The homes were built between 1889 and 1911. They represent some of the earliest and most thoughtful suburban development in the country.
Imagine the architects Newsom & Newsom designing the Jacobean Revival style at number one. Then there is Frank Van Tees’s Anglo Italianate masterpiece at number two. Each home a unique expression of architectural styles. These include Beaux-Arts Colonial Mission Revival Prairie School French Rural Italian Renaissance Elizabethan and Mediterranean. It’s an incredible collection enhanced by the renown of the architects. These architects worked alongside city leaders who resided in these very homes.
Early residents included prominent San Franciscans like Hartland and Herbert Law Marshall Hale Elizabeth Watt Fernando Nelson and Francis Keesling. More recently US Senator Dianne Feinstein US Representative Nancy Pelosi and Mayor Joseph Alioto graced these streets with their presence. The developers banker Antoine Borel and realtors A S Baldwin and J R Howell had already made their mark. Their successes included other notable San Francisco developments. Moses Fisher a contractor built ten homes in this enclave even purchasing seven lots himself.
The history of Presidio Terrace isn’t without its quirks. In 2015 delinquent property taxes led to a surprising sale. A couple bought the street sidewalks and common areas for a mere $90000. This caused quite a stir among the homeowners resulting in legal battles and headlines. The city ultimately reversed the sale.
Presidio Terrace’s story is one of elegance history and a touch of controversy. It’s a unique blend of architectural styles prominent residents and unforgettable events. It remains an exclusive and sought-after address in the heart of San Francisco. It offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Presidio National Park. It’s a place where history elegance and a bit of drama intertwine perfectly. What a place.