A charming 2-bedroom home in San Francisco with a unique historic background is on the market in the quaint and family-friendly Bernal Heights neighborhood.
It’s one of the few surviving “earthquake shacks,” which were built to house over 16,000 residents following damage to the city after the devastating San Francisco earthquake of 1906, when over 80% of the city was destroyed.
Though to phrase it correctly, the home’s 20 Newman Street address has not one but TWO of the rare structures, as the home was built using two original ‘Type B’ earthquake shacks.
Upgraded for modern-day living, and recently renovated to add style to its historical appeal, the unique property is now listed for $1,175,000. Rachel Swann of The Swann Group with Coldwell Banker Realty is in charge of the listing.
Incidentally, the brokerage that holds the listing, Coldwell Banker, was founded shortly after the 1906 earthquake when Colbert Coldwell — then a young real estate sales associate in San Francisco — saw the predatory practices employed by salespeople taking advantage of vulnerable families trying to piece their lives together.
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A throwback to San Francisco’s “earthquake shacks” built after 1906
The devastating 1906 earthquake and fires that followed destroyed some 28,000 buildings, accounting for over 80% of the city, leaving countless residents displaced. In fact, it’s estimated that half of the city’s 400,000 residents were left homeless in the aftermath of the quake.
Earthquake shacks were built to shelter over 16,000 survivors who lost their homes and, because they were rent-to-own, they gave many residents a chance to be first-time homeowners — and helped to rebuild the city using a new real estate model.
Not many are still around today, with only about 30 of them housing San Francisco residents today, according to the Chronicle.
The charming little home at 20 Newman Street was built using two such structures
While you wouldn’t be able to tell if you pass by it today, the lovely residence at 20 Newman Street is undeniably tied to the most notorious event in San Francisco’s history.
Behind its charming facade, the home stands as a captivating piece of the city’s history, having been crafted from two original ‘Type B’ earthquake shacks pieced together to create an inviting family home.
The home was recently renovated for modern-day living
Now listed for $1,175,000 with The Swann Group, the two-bedroom, one-bath home was recently upgraded and modernized, and now features bright, welcoming interiors with a stylish contemporary design.
It has a chef-inspired kitchen
With its clean, white design accented by burgundy tiles, the chef-inspired kitchen features stainless steel appliances, soapstone countertops, and custom cabinetry.
A spacious open-plan layout
The entire main level has an open floorplan design and boasts exposed beam ceilings and picturesque views of lush greenery from every window.
A serene primary bedroom
The primary bedroom is a serene retreat and features double closets with custom built-ins, vaulted ceilings, and French doors that open onto a sunny patio.
A secondary bedroom/home office
An additional bedroom can easily serve as a guest room or a home office, while the basement offers ample storage and laundry facilities.
See also: Mrs. Doubtfire’s house is hiding in plain sight in San Francisco
A sunny patio with a raised veggie garden
Outside, a small patio adorned with succulents and a raised vegetable garden offers a great place to relax and unwind, right outside the primary bedroom.
A highly walkable location
With an impressive Walk Score of 95, the home is just moments from Holly Park and the vibrant shops and cafes on Cortland Street, and minutes away from Noe Valley, Glen Park, and the Inner Mission. It also enjoys convenient access to Muni/BART and Highways 280/101.
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