Stump the Stammtisch: UMB (Unreinforced Masonry Buildings) take two


The same reader kindly asks again: Thanks for posting my question and the answers regarding unreinforced masonry buildings. It is much appreciated, but I am still looking for the answer to my second question: How can I find out how a building fared in the 1989 earthquake, including but not limited to whether it was … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: UMB (Unreinforced Masonry Buildings) take two

Feeling BLŪ (631 Folsom): Step inside!


Until now, we had not seen inside the new world unfolding down at BLŪ, yet another San Francisco upscale condo development. Thankfully, we have friends in high places (we’re waiting on that balloon story we alluded to). We can all pay homage to zūm llc for their wonderful renderings. Enjoy your First Look ™ inside … Continue reading Feeling BLŪ (631 Folsom): Step inside!

Sunset Idea House a.k.a. 1303 Alabama


by Tiffany Elston: In the spirit of keeping tabs on San Francisco’s green housing inventory, it seems only logical to draw attention to a green 2 unit TIC in the Mission: 1303 Alabama. The main unit is being retained by the owners. The second unit is a 1,200 SqFt home. The project is the result … Continue reading Sunset Idea House a.k.a. 1303 Alabama

Cyber real estate conversations: some “funny shit”


From a reader: a true e-mail interaction between 2 SF real estate watchers on 1303 Alabama St: A: wanna hear some funny shit? no, not 306 Mullen, but that freaky-eco project on alabama and 25th. st. Be the first to see it this sunday 1-4 (and guess what, u don’t have to pay $25 to … Continue reading Cyber real estate conversations: some “funny shit”

Green prefab?


by Tiffany Elston I know what you’re probably thinking: a “green” prefab? Aren’t prefabs generally characterized by their cheap (and toxic) materials with no real aesthetic appeal? Well that was until now! West Coast Green has decided to bring in a whole, full size beautiful green prefab to sit in Civic Center Plaza for the … Continue reading Green prefab?

Find your way to the Mid-Century…modern (429 Burnett)


Sometimes you just have to show some pictures, and dream. Five bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 3 parking spaces, 3600 square feet, listed for $2,790,000 about a month ago, into contract about 10 days ago, and “very nice” (say that like Borat). It is indeed an “Entertainer’s Dream”, so don’t forget we make a great fresh lime … Continue reading Find your way to the Mid-Century…modern (429 Burnett)

Various Updates (Alhambra, Sea Cliff, 22nd, Sacramento, Douglass, 27th, and more)


Our readers have been asking in various places about some properties we featured as of late. Since so many have asked so nicely here you go: 3280 22nd St @ Valencia, the “green” building that all the blogs were all hot about and many claiming wouldn’t sell. Guess what? Last week, in the middle of … Continue reading Various Updates (Alhambra, Sea Cliff, 22nd, Sacramento, Douglass, 27th, and more)

Stump the Stammtisch: What is an “Edwardian” House?


“Other than ‘a residence built between 1902 and 1910,’ I have found no consistent definition despite asking several RE professionals and ‘googling’ the question for about an hour. Are there are any style elements that all ‘Edwardians’ have in common?”-TC That’s a good question. I know Janis Stone has been selling homes in San Francisco … Continue reading Stump the Stammtisch: What is an “Edwardian” House?

Downtown is getting more UPtown… (Transbay Terminal)


Having been out of office chasing bears, inhaling unhealthy doses of dust and smoke (not those kinds), and gazing at the zillions of stars that exist above (it’s foggy most nights in the Richmond), it’s time to get back in the swing of things. What better way to get things going than with a few … Continue reading Downtown is getting more UPtown… (Transbay Terminal)

Sitting on the Deck by the Bay (318 27th St.)


by Greg Angilly A unanimous choice in the office this week – 318 27th St – Sitting in the heart of Noe Valley, this 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 3100 square foot home asking $2,295,000 offers buyers several great decks. The deck off the main living room is a true extension of the living space and … Continue reading Sitting on the Deck by the Bay (318 27th St.)

Adios Coronet!


It took them ages to get there, but they’ve finally destructed the Coronet Theater on Geary St. “This Streamline Moderne cavern is San Francisco’s Church of the Big-Budget Blockbuster. Both “Star Wars: Special Edition” and “Phantom Menace” made their debuts here, with people camping for weeks in the dumpster-strewn parking lot. Despite its massive appeal, … Continue reading Adios Coronet!

One Rincon Hill: Topping off at 631ft, BONUS post


Last Friday I hastily threw some pictures and video up on this blog of my visit to the almost highest point of the tallest residential building west of the Mississippi. I promised the full story and more “unobstructed view” pictures, so here goes…(Some pictures that wouldn’t fit in this screen can be viewed in full … Continue reading One Rincon Hill: Topping off at 631ft, BONUS post

Bamboo, mud, “green” and earthquakes?


from “Eddy” via Core 77.   “Could be the new housing trend in SF greenhome building…” “The benefits of mud construction aren’t just confined to the Third World, [Environmental engineer Dominic Dowling] says. “Look at the massive amount of energy required to build modern houses using steel and concrete. There’s the energy required to make those … Continue reading Bamboo, mud, “green” and earthquakes?

A rectangle on end on the Great Highway


Sometimes it doesn’t have to be on the market to catch our eye. We’ve known about this beach house designed in 1950 by Ernest Born for quite some time (we have a surfer in the house), and also known about its pending publicity in Dwell Magazine, and NY Times, but we kept our lips sealed.  But now, the cat … Continue reading A rectangle on end on the Great Highway