Early commission by renowned SF architect sells for 50% over asking

"Fans of San Francisco's historic architecture, get ready: This story offers a tantalizing treat, as well as tragic disappointment. In 116 Cherry St. we have an example of architectural royalty: a preserved Willis Polk single-family home, one of this hallowed San Francisco architect's first commissions. But you can't own this home, because it flew off the market in less than a month - and the price it sold for could blow your mind."

"Built in 1900, this Presidio Heights home was commissioned by Joseph B. Batten. Batten was a prominent turn-of-the-century businessman, and he hired Polk to design a home befitting his success. By 1900, Polk was up and coming in SF, having worked with the architecture firm of Daniel Burnham - a firm that brought buildings such as the Old Chronicle Building in 1889 and the Mills Building in 1890 to the city's landscape, according to Noe Hill. The Batten House was one of Polk's earliest residential commissions."

"Among these upgrades are new countertops, backsplash and flooring in the kitchen, as well as new light fixtures and "a feasibility study for the garage addition," Lurie told SFGATE in a text message. But despite these changes, the home feels original and authentic. The bay windows, handcarved woodwork and many wood burning fireplaces are still intact, lending timeless light and warmth to this historic property."

Built in 1900 for businessman Joseph B. Batten, the Presidio Heights house is an early single-family commission by architect Willis Polk. The 2,735-square-foot residence combines a decorative, peaked-tower late-Victorian exterior with Craftsman interiors featuring wood floors, wall panels, exposed beams, and built-in cabinetry. The four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home received about $100,000 in pre-market updates including new kitchen countertops, backsplash, flooring, light fixtures, and a feasibility study for a garage addition. Original elements such as bay windows, handcarved woodwork, and multiple wood-burning fireplaces remain intact, preserving the home's historic character. The property sold within a month on the market.

Read at SFGATE