Ever wondered about chariot races in San Francisco? Welcome to Ingleside Terraces. This affluent residential neighborhood wasn’t always houses and gardens. Once, it was a racetrack.
Ingleside Terraces began its transformation in 1910. Joseph A. Leonard’s Urban Realty Improvement Company bought the Ingleside Racetrack. Leonard envisioned a residence park. By 1912, Ingleside Terraces emerged with Urbano Drive. This road follows the loop of the old racetrack.
Imagine horses thundering around this very circle. Eight thousand people flocked here on opening day in 1895. Ingleside Racetrack raised the elegance standard. There were bands, fine dining, and wonderful views.
But the racetrack’s story has more to it. In 1900, the first automobile race in California happened here. Only one of eight vehicles crossed the finish line. The others crashed or had engine trouble.
After the 1906 earthquake and fires, the track became a refugee camp. Horse stables transformed into living quarters. Windows were added, and the stables were cleaned and painted. The track also housed patients from Laguna Honda Hospital. It never reopened as a racetrack.
Leonard designed Ingleside Terraces. He was no stranger to upscale developments. Leonard had managed Jordan Park and built over 100 homes in the Inner Richmond.
Like many suburban developments at the time, Ingleside Terraces had restrictions. These restrictions were designed to exclude minorities.
However, times changed. In 1957, Cecil F. Poole, an African-American, moved here. He became the first non-white resident. Poole was an assistant district attorney. Later, he became a federal judge. His house was Leonard’s former residence at 90 Cedro Avenue.
Despite facing a cross burning on his lawn, Poole and his family stayed. They remained in Ingleside Terraces until the early 1980s. The Cecil F. Poole House is a San Francisco Designated Landmark since 2000.
Ingleside Terraces is known for its large sundial on Entrada Court. Leonard erected it in 1913 as a publicity stunt.
Today, Ingleside Terraces has an active homeowner’s association. The community centers on Urbano Drive. Some say the small house at 280 Byxbee Avenue was an old jockey house.
Ingleside Terraces is a unique neighborhood. It’s a blend of history, architecture, and community. Take a walk around and explore. See the sundial. Imagine the races. Discover the stories of Ingleside Terraces.