Robert Moffatt Presents
Renovated San Francisco Home
Property Details
Bedrooms
4
Bathrooms
4.5
Square Feet
2,172 sq ft
Neighborhood
Outer Richmond District, San Francisco
Own a San Francisco Gem
HOUSE HISTORY
The house at 567 45th Avenue sits on what was once a portion of the Sutro Estate. Adolph Sutro was a Comstock Load silver baron and San Francisco's most prominent pioneer land developer. During the late-19th century he owned the entire neighborhood, with his own turreted mansion set amidst lush Italian-style gardens on the bluff overlooking Ocean Beach and the Pacific. A celebrated populist, Sutro opened the grounds of his estate to the public, who picnicked there on day trips from San Francisco’s downtown. The property eventually became Sutro Heights Park, when it was donated to the City by Sutro’s family in 1938. Sutro's entrepreneurship also resulted in the construction of nearby Sutro Baths and the Cliff House.
When Sutro died in 1898, land at the fringes of his Estate was subdivided and developed as a residential neighborhood. Although far from the city center, Sutro Heights quickly became a popular spot to settle in the early-20th century. The growing number of people who owned private automobiles at the time allowed families to settle in the quiet outer neighborhoods of the city, but still commute to jobs, shopping, and entertainment downtown. The natural beauty of the area and the estate amenities Sutro had created gave the neighborhood at the western edge of the city an atmosphere of sophistication, indulgence, and enjoyment, both for visitors and those who were lucky enough to live there.
The house at 567 45th Avenue was built in 1922 as one of a pair that included 563 45th Avenue, to its north. The houses were built on speculation by Swedish house builder John Bjorkman for $3,000 a piece. As was routine, Bjorkman purchased the two lots with the express purpose of quickly building a pair of houses to sell. He appears to have used mirrored floor plans and identically organized facades, varying the architectural features to achieve visual interest between the two. Upon completion, Bjorkman enlisted the well-known real estate firm of Lyon & Hoag to market the “dandy little home,” which he appears to have more than doubled his investment on.
When Sutro died in 1898, land at the fringes of his Estate was subdivided and developed as a residential neighborhood. Although far from the city center, Sutro Heights quickly became a popular spot to settle in the early-20th century. The growing number of people who owned private automobiles at the time allowed families to settle in the quiet outer neighborhoods of the city, but still commute to jobs, shopping, and entertainment downtown. The natural beauty of the area and the estate amenities Sutro had created gave the neighborhood at the western edge of the city an atmosphere of sophistication, indulgence, and enjoyment, both for visitors and those who were lucky enough to live there.
The house at 567 45th Avenue was built in 1922 as one of a pair that included 563 45th Avenue, to its north. The houses were built on speculation by Swedish house builder John Bjorkman for $3,000 a piece. As was routine, Bjorkman purchased the two lots with the express purpose of quickly building a pair of houses to sell. He appears to have used mirrored floor plans and identically organized facades, varying the architectural features to achieve visual interest between the two. Upon completion, Bjorkman enlisted the well-known real estate firm of Lyon & Hoag to market the “dandy little home,” which he appears to have more than doubled his investment on.
An unknown person appears to have purchased the house as an investment property. The first occupants were renters, Alex N. and Annie L. Hansen. Alex was born in California to Danish parents in 1890 and worked as an accountant and statistician for U.S. Steel Corporation. Annie was born in California to Irish parents in 1897. The couple had no children. At some point, the Hansens were able to purchase the house, as the 1940 census indicates that they were the property owners. By that time, Annie had been widowed, however, and lived alone. She moved away the same year.
Two doors down, at 555 48th Avenue, lived the Gaetjen family. One of their sons, Harold, who’d grown up on the street, purchased the neighboring house with his wife, Grace, in 1941. Harold was an insurance salesman and, later, a carpenter and joiner employed in a shipyard. Grace worked as a milliner in a debutante shop.
The Gaetjens stayed in the house until after World War II, when it became home to Arley Beatrice Brown and Patricia L. Farno, who appear to have been room mates. Both were young single women who had attended U.C. Berkeley and were employed; Alrey as a draftswoman and Patricia was a laboratory technician. In 1950, Patricia married Joseph R. Lazrus. Patricia either already owned the house, or she and Joseph purchased it upon getting married. Arley Brown moved out and the Lazaruses made 567 45th Avenue their first married home. Joseph Lazarus was also a U.C. Berkeley graduate and was an attorney employed by the Wine Institute of San Francisco.
The Lazaruses sold the house in the late 1950s and it was purchased by Allan D. and Bernice Weaver. Allan Weaver operated a roter-rooter service and the couple lived at 567 45th Avenue through the 1960s. In the early 1970s, the house was occupied by Larry J. Roy, a barber, and his wife, Rojean. In 1974, the most recent owners, Charles W. and Antonie M. Johnstone purchased the house.
567 45th Avenue, 1950s.
The house was designed in the Mediterranean Revival style, which was extremely popular in San Francisco during the 1920s. Following World War I, American soldiers brought home memories of the picturesque European architecture of France, Spain, and Italy, which was soon translated into domestic residential designs. The Mediterranean Revival style fit nicely with California's Mediterranean environs and lent itself well to efficient building due to its affordable and quickly-applied stucco cladding and the wide availability of plaster ornament that could be applied to decorate facades.
The front facade of 567 45th Avenue adopts a common organization seen throughout San Francisco; that of a street-level garage, with steps to one side, rising to a first-story entrance, with bay windows dominating the upper story. The garage opening is recessed to accommodate both the paneled wood garage door and a tradesman's entrance on the left side wall. This door allowed workmen and tradespeople to enter the utilitarian areas of the property or the rear yard without traipsing through the upper level living areas. To the right of the garage terrazzo entry steps climb to the front door, which is sheltered within a vestibule. The vestibule opening has rounded upper corners. To the left, an angled bay window dominates the facade. It is capped by a shallow hip roof with a broad cavetto molding at the cornice. The facade is crowned by a shaped parapet, featuring a tabbed peak at the center that is adorned with a decorative ribboned wreath medallion.
Floor Plans
Floor plan
Site plan
Neighborhood
If you are looking for a beautiful neighborhood in San Francisco surrounded by the most popular parks in the Bay Area, the Outer Richmond District is a great place to call home. The community is filled with gorgeous row houses that hug the sloped streets of the Richmond District. With its variety of ethnically diverse communities throughout the neighborhood, living in the Richmond District is a true cultural experience.
While the westernmost park of Geary Road can be heavily trafficked, there are plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore on nearby Balboa Street. Enjoy your morning coffee along with a tasty breakfast sandwich at the highly-rated La Promenade Cafe, or stop by the long-standing Simple Pleasures Cafe if you’re craving a bagel or muffin. The Outer Richmond neighborhood is a great place to explore a variety of cuisines around the world, including the Al-Masri Egyptian Restaurant and the local Vietnamese favorite Mr. Banh Mi.
One of the best features of the Outer Richmond District is it’s within walking distance of Golden Gate Park. The park is home to a wide variety of different activities and festivals, including a free bluegrass festival, as well as the Outside Lands Music Festival. Golden Gate park also features several bike and jogging paths, botanical and Japanese gardens, and since the park is closed to car traffic on Sundays, it provides a peaceful escape from the constant bustle of San Francisco.
The Outer Richmond District is also just a mile away from the scenic Ocean Beach. Known for its high winds and strong currents, Ocean Beach is perfect for surfing, biking along the coast, or simply hanging out. Plus, the beach is dog-friendly and as long as your pooch is well-trained, they can enjoy the beach off leash!
Outer Richmond District residents can explore one of the Bay Area’s most popular tourist attractions found at Sutro Baths. What originally began as a bathhouse in the late 19th Century, Sutro Baths suffered through a variety of economic hardships and ultimately succumbed to a fire in the mid-60s.
After a day of exploring the ruins, most tourists and locals enjoy a fantastic meal with unrivaled ocean views at the Cliff House, which is another amazing Bay Area landmark. The Cliff House has been dazzling its guests with their amazing fare for over 150 years, and if you live in the Outer Richmond District, this restaurant can be enjoyed any time of the week.
While the westernmost park of Geary Road can be heavily trafficked, there are plenty of great restaurants and shops to explore on nearby Balboa Street. Enjoy your morning coffee along with a tasty breakfast sandwich at the highly-rated La Promenade Cafe, or stop by the long-standing Simple Pleasures Cafe if you’re craving a bagel or muffin. The Outer Richmond neighborhood is a great place to explore a variety of cuisines around the world, including the Al-Masri Egyptian Restaurant and the local Vietnamese favorite Mr. Banh Mi.
One of the best features of the Outer Richmond District is it’s within walking distance of Golden Gate Park. The park is home to a wide variety of different activities and festivals, including a free bluegrass festival, as well as the Outside Lands Music Festival. Golden Gate park also features several bike and jogging paths, botanical and Japanese gardens, and since the park is closed to car traffic on Sundays, it provides a peaceful escape from the constant bustle of San Francisco.
The Outer Richmond District is also just a mile away from the scenic Ocean Beach. Known for its high winds and strong currents, Ocean Beach is perfect for surfing, biking along the coast, or simply hanging out. Plus, the beach is dog-friendly and as long as your pooch is well-trained, they can enjoy the beach off leash!
Outer Richmond District residents can explore one of the Bay Area’s most popular tourist attractions found at Sutro Baths. What originally began as a bathhouse in the late 19th Century, Sutro Baths suffered through a variety of economic hardships and ultimately succumbed to a fire in the mid-60s.
After a day of exploring the ruins, most tourists and locals enjoy a fantastic meal with unrivaled ocean views at the Cliff House, which is another amazing Bay Area landmark. The Cliff House has been dazzling its guests with their amazing fare for over 150 years, and if you live in the Outer Richmond District, this restaurant can be enjoyed any time of the week.
Robert Moffatt
#1 Listing Agent Richmond District
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Robert Moffatt