The Rousseau family significantly impacted San Francisco’s architectural landscape in the early 1900s, especially through their involvement in the City Beautiful Movement. Before his death in 1918, Charles M. Rousseau helped construct notable multi-story buildings with luxurious amenities. A family rivalry emerged when son Charles Jr. distanced himself from the firm due to a lawsuit against the family over a construction issue. After Charles M. died, Arthur and Oliver transitioned their business focus from architecture to large-scale real estate projects in Union Square, continuing the family legacy in new ways.
The Rousseau family were integral players in the launch of the City Beautiful Movement in San Francisco, credited with constructing large, premium buildings enriched with quality details.
Charles M. Rousseau, a Dutchman trained in Paris, was initially partnered with his son Charles Jr. but eventually worked with his brother Arthur after junior's departure.
A contentious split within the Rousseau family manifested publicly when Charles Jr. distanced himself from his father's firm amid a lawsuit regarding a lopsided building.
After Charles M.'s death in 1918, Arthur and Oliver Rousseau switched from architecture to real estate, managing significant developments such as the Chancellor Hotel.
Collection
[
|
...
]