See why San Francisco mega loft designed for work and leisure is ‘creative, sexy’: $3.2M
A 3,650-square-foot corner “mega loft” in San Francisco’s famous SoMa district is the result of a renovation combining three units, and the home and work space is now on the market for $3.2 million.
The condominium is part of a building originally constructed in 1924 by the prominent Cowell family of San Francisco to house San Francisco Lighthouse for the Blind, according to Christie’s International Real Estate. A category III contributory landmark, the Blindcraft Building sits on historic property that was reclaimed from tidal marshland, the company said in a news release.
The building’s exterior features a striking Gothic-inspired terra cotta entrance on Howard Street. Inside the remarkable live/work space, the sellers have enjoyed their fair share of entertaining.
“We hosted a lot of parties in this loft as it’s a great place to entertain,” seller Mark Choey, a prominent real estate entrepreneur and technology innovator, said in a statement.
“We would gather to watch the costumed runners of Bay to Breakers run past on Howard Street. We also hosted White Elephant holiday and gingerbread house/cookie making parties, family gatherings, birthdays and New Year’s Eve celebrations where we had a big balloon drop from the mezzanine to the living room down below.”
The sensational corner loft began as three separate units before being transformed into a luxurious modern home of four bedrooms and three bathrooms, 13-foot ceilings, exposed concrete and expansive steel-paned windows that let in an abundance of natural light — all while retaining some historic charm.
Lauren Geremia of San Francisco-based Geremia Design gets the credit for the remodel, according to Christie’s International Real Estate.
“Part of what makes this home extraordinary is that it is a corner unit with extra-large windows, so it gets incredible sun all day long.” said co-listing agent Chris Lim of Christie’s International Real Estate. ”It’s a very welcoming space and visitors always remark on how open and airy it feels.”
Boundless possibilities
Choey created the environment to “foster a lifestyle centered around innovation and creativity,” according to Christie’s International.
The home is located at 1097 Howard Street - 201, 202, 203.
“This residence feels boundless in its possibilities — flexible for residential living, a family compound, or a creative office space with private living accommodations,” the property listing states. “This is the creative, sexy and unique space you have been waiting for.”
Known as Lighthouse Lofts, the building was converted into a condominium project in 1998. It’s been home to such San Francisco luminaries as Michael and Xochi Birch, co-founders of social networking website Bebo and exclusive social club The Battery, and acclaimed painter and sculptor Klari Reis.
Loft 201 and 202 span 2,633 square feet of open living space, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an enclosed office and multiple nooks that could be used for work stations. There’s an impressive great room, corner windows and white epoxy floors. A chef’s kitchen is outfitted with high-end Bosch, Bertazzoni and Fisher-Paykel appliances, custom cabinetry and an artsy ceramic backsplash.
Loft 203 is a 1,056-square-foot residence that contains one bedroom, one bathroom and a stylish kitchen. Bamboo flooring and exposed concrete showcase the industrial-chic design.
The boutique building, served by an elevator, offers amenities that include a rooftop deck with a barbecue space and a private storage unit.
Perfect lighting
“Friends would tell us that the lighting was perfect in the loft for taking photos,” Choey said. “The first owner of the unit, when it was converted to condos, was a photographer and he used the main space as his photography studio. The current office was his dark room. He was the one who left the ficus plant which has now grown several feet tall and is a permanent resident in the unit.”
A former California governor was familiar with the Blindcraft Building back in the 1930s. San Francisco Association for the Blind’s services included manufacturing and selling furniture, baskets and brooms made by blind and visually impaired workers under the Blindcraft brand, teaching braille and providing counseling, according to a historical account provided with Christie’s International Real Estate marketing materials.
James Rolph, the California governor from 1931-1934 known as “Sunny Jim,” issued a proclamation about Blindcraft in 1932:
“I know of only one appeal that strikes me harder than ‘Help the Blind’. That is Blindcraft’s appeal ‘Help the Blind to Help Themselves’. I have known the work of this institution for many years and have always been glad to give it any personal or official endorsement within my power.”
South of Market, or SoMa, is a cultural hub of museums, restaurants and nightlife, as well as home to several high-tech company headquarters.
