2020 JACKSON STREET
The 2012 San Francisco Decorator Showcase, 2020 Jackson Street, is not only distinguished for its place in history but also for its grand design, elegant appointments and impeccable modern renovation. This stately residence is located in the most prominent Pacific Heights location, near Lafayette Park, a neighborhood with trendy restaurants and specialty shops, and is surrounded by architecturally significant properties. The home was a wedding gift from Isaias Hellman, head of Wells Fargo Nevada National Bank, to his daughter, Clara, and new husband Emanuel Heller, a business attorney whose law firm, Heller Ehrman, would one day go global and become one of the most distinguished in the world. The residence served, for a short time, as the business office of Wells Fargo Bank after the 1906 earthquake devasted the downtown financial district.
This Classical Revival estate presents a harmonious blend of contemporary comforts and period details. Designed circa 1902 by German architect Julius E. Krafft, the home has been thoughtfully restored while maintaining the architect’s original masterpiece. Occupying four impressive levels, all accessible by an elevator, this seven bedroom, seven full and three half bath, approximately 11,500 square foot home is a rare jewel.
The columned entry opens to a grand reception hall, paneled in Cuban mahogany, with decorative beamed ceiling, oversized fireplace and herringbone hardwood floors. The main double winding staircase is over lit by a delicate stained glass window. The living room opens through French doors to southern balconies and the front courtyard garden. Accents include coved ceilings, ornate plaster moldings and marble fireplace with mahogany mantle. The bayside dining room is sumptuous in its formality with stone fireplace, Gothic hardwood mantle and architectural detailed paneling. A hand painted mural with classical motif encircles the room. Floor to ceiling arched window doors, opening to spacious fresh air terraces, offer stunning north bay views of Alcatraz, Angel Island and Marin,. The lower level features the main kitchen, informal dining room, family room and au pair and laundry. Two upper family levels include a south wing master suite with sitting room, two master baths and private terrace, a paneled office with fireplace, media room , secondary laundry and four guest bedrooms.
Pacific Heights
Situated on the east-west ridge that rises steeply to almost 400 feet above sea level from the Marina district and stretches to the Presidio on the north, Pacific Heights is truly the crown jewel of San Francisco. The most scenic streets, Jackson, Pacific & Broadway along the crest, boast spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, Angel, Alcatraz & Treasure Islands. Lafayette Park and Alta Plaza are the two main open areas in Pacific Heights. The neighborhood was first developed in the mid 1800’s and further improved around the turn of the century, after the 1906 earthquake. Pacific Heights boasts many of the major residences in the city. The hill is populated by lovely multicolored painted Victorians, Mansions and Châteaux. Many countries locate their consulates in the Heights including Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Korea, France, Indonesia and Egypt.
The affluent neighborhood has several private schools including SF University High School, Drew, Hamlin, Sacred Heart, Town and Stuart Schools.
Nearby shopping areas stretch along upper Fillmore Street and Union Street with many boutiques, designers, antique and jewelry shops such as Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Armani as well as popular bistros and restaurants.
Located in a temperate micro-climate, Pacific Heights enjoys more sunshine and less fog than many other neighborhoods in the misty city.
Demographics/Real Estate Sales
Of the $10 Million+ homes currently on the market in San Francisco, the vast majority of them are located in Pacific Heights. From the dozen or so homes sold in recent years for $10 Million or more, the majority are in Pacific Heights. About 70% of the top property tax payers in San Francisco have addresses in Pacific Heights or adjacent Presidio Heights, according to blockshopper.
