District 6 Modern + Mid-Century Modern Homes

Perhaps District 6 is most famous for what people from all over the world consider to be quintessential San Francisco architecture, the celebrated “Painted Ladies”. Lined up on Alamo Square with the San Francisco city skyline in the background, these restored Victorian homes are really only a small sampling of the real estate and architecture represented in the Central North District.

While Alamo Square has many architecturally distinctive homes, the modernist will probably need to look elsewhere in the district for mid-century or contemporary style. The Western Addition, Hayes Valley, and Anza Vista all provide some interesting modern residential architecture. Anza Vista, for example, is a quiet neighborhood with a modern aesthetic. Built during the 1930s and ‘40s, Anza Vista has little traffic, no overhead wiring, and architecture that is distinguished by its functionality and lack of ornamentation in the Bauhaus tradition.

Perhaps one of the more significant mid-century modern residential developments in the area are the condominiums built by real estate developer Joseph Eichler in the Western Addition. The complex consists of one 18 story high-rise building and six low-rise apartments. Located at 66 Cleary, the high-rise is a full-service condominium designed by the architectural firm Jones + Emmons. Nearby, at the intersection of Laguna and Ellis Street are the six low-rise apartment buildings designed by long-time Eichler associate Claude Oakland. Each of the buildings houses 12 condo units and includes covered parking and beautifully landscaped grounds. Several homes designed by Joseph Esherick & Associates can also be found in the Western Addition.

Since the demolition of the Central Freeway, real estate in the Hayes Valley has diversified, and with the growth the Hayes Valley has become a hip, happening place to live. Well-known architects including Loring Sagan, Daniel Piechota, and Stanley Saitowitz are putting their mark on the area, creating trendy lofts, contemporary condos, and fashionable townhomes for the connoisseur of modern architecture. District 6 is, indeed, a place of possibility for house-hunters looking for a modern or contemporary home in San Francisco. 

Contact San Francisco Modern Real Estate, San Francisco Architectural Realtors, for assistance locating that perfect Bay Area architectural estate or search the San Francisco MLS to preview current listings throughout the city.