San Francisco's Hidden Gems: Conversion Lofts in Historic Buildings

San Francisco's Hidden Gems: Five Reasons why condos in conversion loft buildings are considered special and unique!

A conversion loft space often carries a unique charm and character that can be more appealing to some individuals compared to a building that was purposefully built to be lofts. Here are five reasons why a conversion loft property might be more desirable than a condo in a newer  building:

• Historical Character: Many conversion loft spaces are situated within old industrial buildings, warehouses, or historic structures that were repurposed into residential spaces. These buildings often have architectural features such as exposed brick walls, high ceilings, large windows, and unique layouts that reflect their industrial or historic past. This historical character adds a sense of authenticity and charm to the space that may be lacking in purpose-built loft buildings.
• Individuality: Each conversion loft space is typically unique, reflecting the history and character of the building it occupies. This individuality can be appealing to those who appreciate one-of-a-kind living spaces that stand out from cookie-cutter designs found in purpose-built developments.
• Creative Potential: Conversion loft spaces often provide ample opportunities for customization and creative expression. Because they are typically converted from non-residential structures, they may have unconventional layouts or features that inspire residents to think creatively about how to use the space. This flexibility allows residents to personalize their living environment according to their preferences and lifestyle.
• Sense of History and Authenticity: Living in a conversion loft space can provide a sense of connection to the past and a feeling of authenticity that may be lacking in newer purpose-built developments. The idea of repurposing a historic building for modern living can be appealing to those who appreciate the preservation of architectural heritage and the stories embedded within these spaces.
• Urban Location: Conversion loft spaces are often located in urban or industrial areas with vibrant communities and convenient access to amenities such as restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The unique character of these neighborhoods, combined with the historical significance of the buildings, can contribute to a rich and dynamic living experience that is distinct from purpose-built loft developments in more homogeneous suburban environments.

Overall, while purpose-built loft buildings certainly have their own advantages, conversion loft spaces offer a unique blend of historical character, individuality, creative potential, and urban lifestyle that appeals to many people seeking a distinctive and authentic living experience.

San Francisco, being a city with a rich history and diverse architectural landscape, boasts several notable conversion loft buildings that are highly desirable and popular among residents. Some of the most sought-after and unique conversion loft buildings in San Francisco include:

151 Alice B. Toklas Place - The Marquee Lofts - Civic Center Neighborhood - Studios, 1Bd/2Bd’s - 1920 (1998)  53 Residences - 151 Alice B. Toklas is a discrete residential enclave housed in the historic Don Lee Cadillac Building*; it is one of the original conversion loft buildings in San Francisco and a rare find for this neighborhood. With influences from Italian Renaissance and Spanish Colonial styles, architects Weeks and Day designed the Cadillac showroom in the 1920’s. Today, the building serves a mix of residential, commercial, and retail purposes, blending cultural significance with contemporary luxury.  This central mid-City location is close to many iconic Civic Center landmarks such as SF City Hall, the Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall and SF Ballet. With a walkscore of 99, there are a plethora of options nearby for transportation, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.  Currently, Unit #703 is for sale in this conversion loft building.  Click Here For A Walk-Through Video

Here are just a few other examples of the many desirable and unique conversion loft buildings in San Francisco, each offering its own distinct character, history, and amenities for residents to enjoy:

1 Ecker (aka 16 Jessie) - Yerba Buena neighborhood - Ice Warehouse, original use - Studios, 1BD/2BD’s - 1906(2010) - 51 Residences 

Originally built as an Ice House in 1906, One Ecker was beautifully restored by Heller Manus in 2010. Housed in a traditional brick and timber building, the lofts and condominiums at 1 Ecker Place offer the best of modern urban living in San Francisco's busy Yerba Buena district.  One Ecker Place has been thoughtfully renovated into a mixed-use building with street-side commercial space and 51 residential units. 

310 Townsend - SOMA neighborhood - Southern Pacific Railroad warehouse, original use - 1BD/2BD/3BD’s - 1907 (2007) - 45 Residences 

Quite literally sitting on the district boundary between San Francisco's SoMa and South Beach, and just a block from Mission Bay, 310 Townsend is a stylish conversion of a classic brick commercial building into a 45-unit condominium development.  With a brick façade and arched windows, the building at 310 Townsend Street has a substantial, industrial look that resonates with the history of the South of Market neighborhood.  Inside, the condos are sophisticated and modern. 

355 Bryant - South Beach neighborhood - Printing warehouse, original use - 1BD/2BD’s - 1917 (1992) - 43 Residences 

Originally built in 1917 as a warehouse and printing shop, 355 Bryant Street was converted into 44 stunning, luxury live-work lofts in 1992. Led by architectural firm David Baker + Partners, details of the original industrial design were expertly preserved, resulting in dramatic brick and timber lofts in the heart of South Beach. Located near South Park, 2nd Street shopping and dining, AT&T Park and the waterfront, 355 Bryant offers the very best of San Francisco city living. 

357 Tehama - SOMA neighborhood - J Spaulding & Co headquarters, original use - 1BD/2BD/3BD’s - 1910 (1997) - 4 Residences

With only four residences in this conversion building, it’s rare for a unit to come on the market. Characteristics of the units include historic brick walls, wide plank soft wood floors, timber beams & wood sash windows. 

540 Delancey St., (aka Cape Horn Lofts) - South Beach neighborhood - South End

warehouse, original use - Studio/1BD/2BD’s - 1892 (1997) - 16 Residences  Constructed as the Cape Horn Warehouse in 1892, and converted into the Cape Horn Lofts by Thompson Brooks and Pfau Architecture in 1997, 540 Delancey is now home to fifteen upscale “loft type” condominiums. 

461 2nd St. (aka Clocktower Building) - South Beach - Schmidt Lithography Co, original use - Studio/1Bd/2Bd/3Bd’s - 127 Residences 

A historic conversion loft building offering stunning views of the city skyline and the Bay Bridge. Originally built in 1907 as a part of the Southern Pacific Railroad complex, the building was converted into luxury lofts in the 1990s, retaining its industrial charm with exposed brick walls, timber beams, and oversized windows. 

Esprit Park (801-875 Indiana St/810-900 Minnesota/989 20th St.) - Dog Patch neighborhood - C.Shilling & Co. wine cellars, original use - 1Bd/2Bd/3Bd’s - 1906 (2009) 142 Residences   

Built on the site that once housed the historic Schilling Wine Cellars, and in later years was headquarters to the Esprit clothing company, Homes on Esprit Park combines the restored original brick and timber warehouse with two new steel-framed residential buildings to create contemporary housing that retains the resolute character of the Central Waterfront / Dogpatch neighborhood. 

400 Spear St. (aka Harbor Lofts)  - South Beach neighborhood  - Hathaway warehouse, original use - 1Bd/2Bd’s - 1857 (1996) - 46 Residences  

One of the oldest extant warehouses in the city, the ground story of this splendid brick structure has its origins in the third quarter of the 19th Century, possibly as early as 1856. Additions to the Harrison Street facade were completed in 1875 and the upper sections of the building were completed by about 1900. The two-story brick building, now painted a cream color, is distinguished by projecting brick hood moldings on the ground floor along Spear Street. Brick pilasters with corbelled capitals divide the facade into a series of paired window bays. 

Jackson Brewery - 301 11th St./1489 Folsom St. - South of Market neighborhood  - Jackson Brewery Co., original use - 1Bd/2Bd’s - 1907 (1993) - 7 Residences 

San Francisco Historic Landmark #199 was built from 1906-1907 and again from 1912-1913 for the Jackson Brewing Company. Prohibition closed the brewery in 1920. The classic Romanesque revival brick building was converted to homes in 1993. 

Mill Building - 720 York St. - Inner Mission - Pacific Felt Co., original use - 1Bd/2Bd’s - 1879 (1999) - 45 Residences 

Located in San Francisco's diverse Inner Mission district, the Mill Building at 720 York Street is one of the city's true classic loft conversions.  Built in 1886, the original building was a fabric warehouse/factory used by the Pacific Felt Company.  The renovation, designed by Pfau-Long Architecture, was completed in 1998 and turned the industrial building into a contemporary live/work loft complex with 45 residential and commercial units in a classic brick and timber structure. 

Oriental Warehouse - 650 Delancey St - South Beach neighborhood - Pacific Mail Steamship Co. original use - 1Bd/2Bd/3Bd’s - 1867 (1996) - 66 Residences  

A former warehouse dating back to the late 19th century that has been converted into sleek and modern loft residences. The building features a striking red-brick facade and spacious open floor plans, with many units showcasing original timber columns and exposed concrete walls. 

Potrero Square - 701 Minnesota St. - Dogpatch neighborhood - Distillery and Wine warehouse, original use - 1Bd/2Bd’s - 1900 (1993) - 58 Residences -  

Originally known as the Kessler Building, the Potrero Square Lofts at 701 Minnesota Street began life as a liquor and wine bottling plant and import warehouse.  Located in the Central Waterfront / Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco, the historic brick and timber building was converted into an award-winning loft building in 1993. 

Union SF - 2101 Bryant/2125 Bryant - Inner Mission neighborhood - Warehouse, original use - 1Bd/2Bd/3Bd’s - 1919 (2009) - 76 Residences 

Converted in 2009, Union SF is home to 76 residences at 2125 Bryant St. and 2101 Bryant St. in The Mission neighborhood. Notable features in the building include the landscaped courtyard with BBQ and central location in the Mission. 

*Thanks to ArtandArchitecture-sf.com for the link to the 151 Alice B. Toklas information.