5428 Anza Street, San Francisco - Presented by Robert Moffatt

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Features

Stunning, one-of-a-kind, contemporary home with living room, dining room, kitchen, family room, breakfast nook, 3BD, 2.5BA, private back patio with hot tub, and detached garage. Awash with light from grand windows and skylights, the open-concept living room and dining room are anchored by a dual-sided gas fireplace crowned with vintage wood set in a custom, herringbone design. Dazzling ‘great room’ features a modern kitchen with top-of-line appliances and large island, breakfast nook, and family room opening to the patio with hot tub. Adorned with recessed lighting, unique lighting fixtures, hardwood floors, high ceilings, and built-in cabinetry throughout. Gorgeous bedroom suite with ocean views, fireplace, and large closet, topped with a luxurious bathroom spa with soaker tub, rain shower, and a vast skylight. Nestled in the serene Outer Richmond steps away from the tranquility of Sutro Heights, the beach, and blocks from Golden Gate Park and quaint shops and restaurants.

House History and Architectural Significance

The house at 5428 Anza Street was built in 1992. Although it is a relative newcomer to the neighborhood, it is surrounded by a long and interesting history. The area used to be part of the Sutro Estate. Adolph Sutro, a Comstock Load silver baron and San Francisco's most prominent pioneer land developer once owned the neighborhood. He lived in a turreted mansion set amidst lush Italian-style gardens, which are today's Sutro Park. During his lifetime, Sutro was gracious enough to allow fellow San Franciscans to visit his property for picnics and pleasure outings. Along with the nearby Sutro Baths (now picturesque ruins) and Cliff House (since rebuilt), the neighborhood at the western edge of the city had an atmosphere of sophistication, indulgence, and enjoyment, both for those who day-tripped from downtown in the late 19^th century, and those who are lucky enough to live there more than a century later.

Many years after Sutro's death, his family donated the estate to the City in 1938. The estate proper was turned into a public park, but land around it melded into the surrounding neighborhood, which became the home of well-off San Franciscans. Although far from the neighborhoods that were considered elite in the early-twentieth century, by mid-century, Sutro Heights had become the popular new spot to settle. The area's distance from downtown had been a challenge up until the time when the private automobile began to be more common and easily attainable. This allowed families to settle on the quiet suburban edge of the city but still commute to jobs, shopping, and entertainment downtown. Rising above the endless avenues of the Richmond District, which had been developed with block upon block of tract houses, Sutro Heights was dotted with custom homes and claimed prestige from historic associations with Adolph Sutro.

With the dissemination of the Sutro Estate and the opening of the land to private purchase and development, a matched pair of one-story houses with a shared garage at the rear were built on the subject lot and the adjacent lot to the east. The original house on the subject property was demolished in 1991 and the current house was completed a year later. The neighboring house was also eventually replaced.

Despite its newness, 5428 Anza Street references architectural traditions of the 1930s and 40s; a time when San Francisco was persevering through the Great Depression and emerging with energetic determination during World War II. Its styling recalls iconic Art Moderne design of that era, which is sometimes also referred to as Steamline Moderne. The style drew on the influences of the motor age and the evolution of streamline design that increased air stream efficiency around moving vehicles, but also had an appealing and strikingly modern aesthetic. Art Moderne buildings were characterized by blocky forms and flat roofs, flat canopies, railings, rounded corners, and strong geometric details. Glass block windows were popular and 5428 Anza makes a subtle reference to the same aesthetic in the stepped grid of windows at the stairway. Horizontal elements like the porch and parapet railings and window grille make one think of ships' railings, while the large round window on the front facade is a direct reference to the portholes found on ships, airplanes, and even some trains of the era.

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.