Alamo Square Architecture
The Archbishop’s Mansion
1000 Fulton Street
Built in 1904 for San Francisco’s archbishop, Patrick Riordan (1884-1915), 1000 Fulton is an imposing Second French Empire structure. This building is an important symbol of the prominence of the Catholic church in the City’s religious, social, and cultural life at the turn of the nineteenth century. Today the building serves as a beautiful boutique hotel for visitors wanting an authentic San Francisco neighborhood experience.
The Westerfield Mansion
1198 Fulton Street
The stick-style, ornate 26 room Westerfield Mansion was built in the 1880’s and is steeped in history. This mansion served as a private Russian club in the 1930’s, a haven for African American jazz musicians in the 1950’s, and as a crash pad for hippies in the 1960’s. The home now sits comfortably in the hands of dedicated preservationists. William Westerfield and his family only lived in the home briefly until his death in 1895.
Ida B. Wells High School
1099 Hayes Street
This building was renamed Ida B. Wells in 1992 after the famous African American educator, journalist, lecturer, and civil rights activist. The architect Newton Sharp came to San Francisco in 1890 and was one of San Francisco’s most progressive designers. The architecture reflects Newton Tharp’s Beaux Arts training through its classical design and ornamentation.
The Bliss Flats
1347 McAllister Street
The flamboyantly designed building at 1347 McAllister was designed in 1901 for Charles Henry Bliss, a Czech immigrant and merchant tailor. In 1902 Charles and Annie Bliss moved from a rented home on Golden Gate Avenue to their newly constructed flats on McAllister. They lived in the home for 14 years until they sold the property in 1916. The Bliss Flats is one of the most remarkable properties in the neighborhood. From the sloping mansard roof to the curve of the street level terrazzo wall, the exterior is sublime.
The Atkinson House
1492 McAllister Street
The Stick style Atkinson House was built in 1888 and was commissioned by Thomas Atkinson and his wife Mary. The two lived in the residence for eleven years with their three children. In 1899 the Atkinsons moved to Pacific Heights and sold their house to a twelve member Irish-American James and Susan Conlin. This structure features a squared gabled tower and distinctive bracket extensions. It also features squared bay windows on the Scott street side of the building. This structure shares many elements with the ensuing Queen Anne Style.
The Painted Ladies
710-720 Steiner Street
Also known as “Postcard Row,” the Painted Ladies were built by Matthew Kavanaugh between 1892 and 1896. These houses continue to house a variety of locals: at one point, The Color Purple author Alice Walker lived in 720 Steiner!