Historic San Francisco firehouse-turned-home for sale. See original items, stunning spaces
A historic residence in San Francisco for sale for $7.95 million was once one of the city's 25 original firehouses — and many of the old details remain, including the fire bell, fire pole and four-story metal spiral staircase.
The 1909 firehouse was created after the 1906 earthquake and later converted into a single-family residence in the desirable Noe Valley neighborhood. Other original items in the home include sliding copper garage doors, oversized zinc doors, beautiful Douglas fir light wood floors and a lookout tower where the fire hoses used to be dried.
The firehouse at 3816 22nd St. was put up for public auction in 1958 after the city created another firehouse in the neighborhood, according to Compass real estate. The property sold for less than $15,000 to renowned artists Beth Van Hoesen and Mark Adams, who renovated the place, added an artist studio and lived there for 40 years.
The couple put on monthly workshops with other famous San Francisco artists and friends, such as Ruth Asawa and Wayne Thiebaud, with whom they held monthly receptions inviting other creative individuals.
Mark Adams is well known both for his incredible tapestries, stained-glass windows and paintings. The master created the remarkable stained-glass windows at Temple Emmanuel in San Francisco.
This firehouse is featured in Asawa's famous San Francisco Fountain located today behind the Apple store on Stockton Street, according to a Compass representative.
Owners of the 22nd Street home completed a major renovation in 2007 "to bring the home to modern tastes and efficiency," according to the Compass listing agent.
Known as Hill Company, the firehouse provided protection to the Noe Valley area and the Castro District.
And now?
The light-filled, five-bedroom, six bathroom building spans 6,000 square feet highlighted by dramatic skylights and entertaining spaces. An elevator goes from the first floor to the top floor, where a primary suite and roof deck with San Francisco Bay views is located.
The second level is for the living and dining rooms, chef's and galley kitchens and a powder room.
The third level comprises three spacious bedrooms, two of then en-suite with southern views, two full baths and a laundry room. This is where sunlight cascades from the skylights.
Down at the entry level, a beautiful family room with wet bar and an office are found, along with access to a two-car garage. Another level below is an ample gym.
The unique lookout tower, up the spiral staircase, provides 360° views of the city. There's a one bedroom, one-bathroom garden room there, which can be used for a nanny quarters, guest lodging or home office.
"This Mission revival style firehouse, built in 1909, was converted from horse and wagon use to motorized apparatus in 1917," Compass listing agent Claudia Siegel said. "Engine Company No. 44 served this neighborhood until 1956 when it moved to new quarters at 1145 Stanyan Street when the building was put up for auction and began its journey as the unique residence that it is today."
The home last sold in 2017 for $5.3 million.
