The South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood in San Francisco’s southeast end is known for its lofts, multi-unit buildings and industrial/commercial spaces. On occasion, however, a single-family house goes on the market. Such unique properties are excellent for urban dwellers who want the privacy and space, as well as want to avoid monthly HOA dues and related issues. These houses, however, are a rarity; in the past three years, only six have sold.
That’s why it’s cool to see two SoMa houses hit the market simultaneously over the past week. Here’s a look at the details:
36 Rausch
4BR/4BA
Year Built: 1906
List Price: $1,100,000
36 Rausch is on a cute block between Howard/Folsom and 7th/8th Streets. The house has nice period detail throughout, like bay windows, crown moldings and coved ceilings, so it’s totally different from the usual architecture you see in the area. There’s a space at the entrance level that could be used as its own unit (unwarranted kitchen, etc). Finishes are Home Depot level, and the flooring could use an upgrade. But 36 Rausch scores points for being unique and offering an interesting space that future owners could renovate to their tastes.
275 Shipley
3BR/2.5BA
Year Built: 1913
List Price: $1,495,000
I’m a big fan of 275 Shipley, an artfully renovated house that’s right off 6th Street between Folsom and Harrison. The house sits on a 50-foot wide lot and has a very cool yard, unheard of in SoMa, which adds up to unparalleled indoor-outdoor living. The three bedrooms are all on the top floor, and the master has a private deck. Did I mention the two-car garage?