District 2 Modern + Mid-Century Modern Homes

When a modernist thinks of San Francisco’s Sunset District, the name Henry Doelger often comes to mind – and rightfully so. As one of the Sunset’s most prolific builders, Doelger designed simple, reasonably priced homes, making home ownership possible for families who had once only dreamed of owning a home. The good news is that these small, well built homes are still among the most affordable in the city. Not all of Henry Doelger’s homes, however, were the predictable little houses made famous by the 1962 song “Little Boxes”. He also built several custom homes in Golden Gate Heights, including his own and one that he built for the family of William Saroyan.

Although the tract-style housing built by well-known developers including Doelger, the Gellert Brothers, Ray Galli, and Oliver Rousseau might be the most obvious architecture in the Sunset, many custom designed and remodeled homes can be found in the area as well. One such house is a well-documented mid-century modern design created by Ernest Born in the Ocean Beach area. A recent renovation and add-on by Aidlin Darling Design has resurrected this home, turning it into a sleekly stunning contemporary residence.

Another mid-century architect whose work can be found in District 2 is Henry Hill. Well known for his mid-century modern homes in Carmel and throughout the Bay Area, Henry Hill also designed some interesting properties in San Francisco including an au courant redwood-finished home in the Golden Gate Heights neighborhood of District 2 that boasts his signature center atrium and narrow rectangular windows. 

Custom mid-century homes in aren’t necessarily plentiful in San Francisco’s Central West District, but a persistent search will, in all likelihood, result in finding a unique piece of property. On the other hand, what might be considered as “typical” Sunset homes, such as Doelgers or homes designed by the Gellert Brothers, are more readily available and as reasonably priced as a house in San Francisco can be.

Contact San Francisco Modern Real Estate, Architectural Realtors serving San Francisco,  for assistance buying or selling a modern or mid-century modern home in the Bay Area.