BIANNUAL ISSUE #2
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT
Outer Broadway Landmark Sale
FEATURE INTERVIEW
Interior Designer Matthew Leverone Takes Five with CAENLUCIER
A HISTORIC LENS
100 years on the Pacific Heights Gold Coast
CULTURE ANTENNA
Restaurant Scene, Hotel Life, Worth Reading & De Kooning in Venice
DESIGN TRAVEL
Made in New York
OFF MARKET OPPORTUNITY
Triple-Mint Full Floor, Bay View Residence
MARKET BEAT
How about a race to the top?
FROM THE PARTNERS
As lovers of San Francisco’s historic architectural landscape, we explore the famed Pacific Heights ridge coined the “Gold Coast” by SF Chronicle columnist Herb Caen in the 1980s. These fabled blocks tell stories of luxurious fortunes, unabashed hubris, and the grand architecture that rose from the ashes of 1906. At the terminus of this collection of wealth sits the Jewett House, as seen in our Property Spotlight.
Interior designer Matthew Leverone sits down with us for our feature interview to extol the virtues of scale, proportion, and craftsmanship. Further afield, CL explores design in New York, a “French touch” on the refreshed Starlite Room, and the goings on in Tokyo, Venice, and the warm waters of Mediterranean motor yachting. A private offering of a panoramic view cooperative apartment designed by award-winning architect, Andrew Skurman, closes this issue.
Wishing you all the best in the summer months ahead. May your travels be exciting, the sunsets be enchanting, and your return to our jewel of a city a warm embrace.
Stacey Caen Co-Founder
Joseph Lucier Co-Founder
Gold Coast Panoramic Views
2990 Broadway
Offered at $38,000,000
Of all the magnificent vantage points in San Francisco, Pacific Heights is globally recognized as the city’s premier location and Outer Broadway its ne plus ultra . The city’s architectural heritage unfolds along the Gold Coast with residential designs by San Francisco’s most revered architects including Willis Polk, Arthur Brown Jr., Walter Bliss, and William Wurster. The twenty-five properties exclusive to Broadway’s north side location comprise a connoisseur’s collection of stately residences owned by legacy families, captains of industry, and tech entrepreneurs.
2990 Broadway commands the most coveted, cornerstone location as the last house on Outer Broadway, one admired by all.
Uniting panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and Alcatraz with immediate adjacency to the Presidio’s bucolic surroundings, the 10,180 square foot, fourbedroom residence designed by architect Sandy Walker, delivers a sense of glamorous intimacy.
As the last buildable lot on the Gold Coast, the 1987 development of the Jewett House signaled the arrival of one of the city’s most important addresses. Designed for elegant living and grand entertaining, the remarkable scale of the interior rooms dazzled heads of state, royalty, and the city’s high society. This heady cocktail of history, architecture, and natural beauty elevates the market’s anticipation for this landmark moment.
It is our privilege to represent this rare single owner sale and, with it, the unique opportunity to become the next link in its ownership history and legacy. t
2990-Broadway.com
Creative harmony and a passion for design.
Interior Designer Matthew Leverone
by CAENLUCIER
On a recent visit to the Leverone Design atelier, we were struck by the quiet hum of creativity in the sun-soaked loft. Matthew Leverone, the firm’s elegant founder and principal, extols the virtues of proper scale, proportion, and craftmanship that one might have heard centuries ago in the Florentine halls of the Medici. These classical directives guide his clients journey in their collective manifestation of gracious environments for beautiful living. Collaborating with some of the finest architecture firms on the West Coast finds Leverone designing interiors in coastal Northern California, Hawaii, and regional mountain locations. We sat down with Matthew to learn more about the genesis of his career path, how to be a great “dance partner” with architects, and the importance of context from a home’s site. t
CAENLUCIER: Did you find a career in design or did it find you?
Matthew Leverone: Design found me or, should I say, it was in my DNA. Both my parents had a passion for architecture and design. My father was a talented commercial artist and my mother a fashionista who loved all things beautiful. I was exposed to design and the creative process from an early age. My passion grew from there.
CL: Talk about the virtues of scale, proportion, and form.
ML: In my formative years right out of college, I worked for a Princeton architectural firm. It was there that the principles of scale and proportion were instilled in me, and where I learned how to use these tools to create harmony. Our use of form allows us to play with different types of geometry where we balance the tension between objects in a room.
CL: What is your process of making interiors resonate with a home’s site?
ML: We consider the site and architecture as jumping off points in laying the foundation for the design narrative at the beginning of every project we do. Driven by our clients’ needs and wants, our use of color, texture and materiality creates a contextual connection between the interiors, the built environment, and the home’s site.
CL: How do architects and interior designers become great “dance partners?”
ML: Collaboration and respect for each other’s work is the basis of any great working relationship. Since my early training was in an architectural office, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of what an architect’s vision is for each of our clients’ homes. We love to dig deep into understanding clients desires and we work hand in hand with architects to create interiors that speak to all aspects of both design and vision. It’s an organic process, and when all are aligned, the outcome is seamless and harmonious.
CL: Who are designers that inspire you?
ML: Ilse Crawford for her humanistic design and multi-disciplinary approach in creating livable, accessible spaces. Michele Bönan for his warm, layered, and collected interiors.
CL: What is your vision of gracious living?
ML: Comfort, ease, and timelessness. It’s about walking into a room where one is instantly embraced, where each element has equal importance alongside thoughtfully placed objects and art.
CL: How has Leverone Design become the best version of itself?
ML: It is through our firm’s teamwork and collaboration that we have continued to grow and hone our craft.
CL: Favorite weekend getaway?
ML: I love my home and find it a relaxing place to decompress on most weekends. At times, a quiet weekend in Healdsburg is a favorite getaway.
CL: Favorite hotels and restaurants?
ML: My favorite hotels are Ett Hem in Stockholm, JK Place in Rome and Paris, and At Sloane in London. For dining, it is Cotogna in Jackson Square and Casa Tua on the Left Bank in Paris.
CL: What are you reading?
ML: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin and The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir by André Leon Talley
EVOLUTION: One Hundred Years of the Pacific Heights GOLD COAST
The city’s largest homes from the post-Victorian period were built along the Pacific Heights crest that runs from Van Ness to the Presidio between Broadway and Pacific Avenue. The area west of Divisadero is known today as the Gold Coast. Originally connected to Gold Rush mansions on Rincon Hill, the name was revived and applied to the Outer Broadway area by SF Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, who often wrote about the area. In the late 1880s, the area was graded to allow for roadbed construction and settlement began in earnest with the extension of the streetcar system. Records of the two earliest houses are almost non-existent, but there is sufficient information to suggest that both may have been designed by architect Willis Polk. They include George Pope’s elaborate mansion (1893) at the crossing of Pacific and Divisadero Streets and Evans S. Pillsbury’s unpretentious city house (1899) on a large lot facing Broderick, between Pacific and Broadway. The high-style houses commissioned by Duane Bliss (2898 Broadway), Sarah Spooner (2800 Pacific), and Gustave Umbsen (2801 Broadway) are the neighborhood’s oldest surviving houses.
Above: In 1927, Milton Smith Ray built 2901 Broadway with “hillside architect” Henry C. Smith. In 2022, the residence completed a successful four year restoration project under the direction of architect Andy Skurman and decorator, Suzanne Tucker. Below: Twilight over the last two blocks of Outer Broadway.
The perfect cocktail. One part history, one part fame, and one part architectural pedigree.
The Gold Coast with its available building sites and bedrock outcroppings became even more desirable after the 1906 earthquake with nineteen homes built during the postquake reconstruction years to 1914. From 1899-1941, individual buildings were occasionally replaced, but a continuity of the successive styles allowed the architectural character of the neighborhood to remain remarkably consistent. An impressive subgroup of California-Style Mediterranean houses appeared in the 1920s drawing freely from Italian, French, and Spanish roots. These Period Revival homes became the dominant style. Many were created by architects educated abroad at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris including John Bakewell, Arthur Brown Jr., Lewis Hobart, John Reid Jr., Charles Weeks, Albert Farr, Bliss and Faville, and Willis Polk.
In 1947, Milton Ray Smith demolished the Pillsbury House to develop Raycliff Terrace. By replacing a historically significant building, notice was given that a stylistic architectural revolution was underway. Emerging California modernists, William Wurster and Gardner Dailey, led the way. Some of the neighborhood’s more recently built homes are more contextually sensitive: Sandy Walker’s Jewett Residence (2990 Broadway), Joseph Esherick’s Shaw Residence (2550 Divisadero), and the Leavitt Residence (2710 Broadway) designed by New York architect Robert Stern. A decisive break towards contemporary design by Larry Ellison and architect Olle Lundberg in 1996 (2850 Broadway) and an elliptical contemporary design by Taylor Lombardo Architects in 2017 (2712 Broadway) show the tastes of today’s UHNW class. t
Left: Unidentified woman sits atop Broadway entrance to the Lyon Street stairs.
Above: Arthur Brown Jr. designed house at 2790 Broadway (1927). The second owners, Mr. and Mrs. James Zellerbach hired famed decorator, Frances Elkins. Much of Ms. Elkins work was preserved until the recent 2022 sale.
RESTAURANT SCENE
Apothéose, Tokyo
This restaurant is located on the top floor of TOKYO NODE, a symbol of the new Tokyo.
Beloved chef, Keita Kitamura, blends the French culinary culture with Japanese ingredents. apotheose.ip
HOTEL LIFE
L’Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, France
With the promise to make every moment a waking dream, this updated historic estate transports guests into the sumptuous lifestyle of its 19th century owner, Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild. Just 45 minutes from Paris, enjoy the time travel of attentive service discreetly delivering intimacy in a grandiose setting. abbayedesvauxdecernay.com
WORTH READING
Benetti: The Legends Collection
Overflowing with never-seen-before photographs and exclusive behindthe-scenes content, this edition is a heartfelt tribute to Benetti’s centurylong dedication to creating maritime wonders. Explore the captivating stories and stunning designs that define the Benetti Group’s enduring impact on sailing enthusiasts and luxury aficionados alike. assouline.com
Willem de Kooning VENICE BIENNALE
Through September 15, 2024
Gallerie dell’Accademia | Venice, Italy
The current exhibition in Venice will be the first major show to explore how artist Willem de Kooning was inspired by his two visits to Italy in 1959 and 1969. Including some 75 works ranging from the late 1950s to the ‘80s, it’s the largest ever presentation in Italy of the Dutch-American Abstract Expressionist’s work to closely study Italy’s influence on him. gallerieaccademia.it
Culture ANTENNA
Starlite at the Beacon Hotel is back with refreshed interiors by Alice Crumeyrolle, founder of San Francisco’s hottest emerging design firm Maison A. Ms. Crumeyrolle sets the scene with a deep emerald and golden jewel tone palette reminiscent of the Art Deco Era. Velvet upholstered banquettes with fringes and opulent print welcome guests throughout the plush spaces. Venini glass chandeliers elevate the space beyond the incredible views that sun-kiss guests as they enter the room from early evening until late at night. An unexpected mix of new and antique pieces restores the fun of times past and a true sense of authenticity and hospitality. Enjoy the 360-degree views of the city from opening to last call. From the fringes on the cocktail chairs to the irreplaceable view – a welcoming vibe with a backbeat awaits. beacondgrand.com/starlite
CAENLUCIER enjoyed the recent opening night at the historic Starlite. Once home to master of ceremonies Harry Denton, the martinis, music, and views still delight revelers of the night.
Made in NEW YORK
A heady cocktail of design with a dash of ambition
By CAENLUCIER
DESIGN TRAVEL
From the early 17th century Dutch settlements on the southern tip of ‘Mannahata’ to the Gilded Age mansions along Fifth Avenue that paved the way for the Chrysler Building and the super-talls of Billionaire’s Row, real estate has always been New York’s calling card. Developers, corporations, and private individuals have inspired architects over centuries to audaciously make their mark, and they have. Every now and again an inspired idea gets it just right. A perfect cocktail of light, space, materials, and je ne sais quoi harnesses New Yorkers attention and captures their hearts… a landmark is born. These buildings and their interiors become hubs for commerce and society, for celebration and memories; and as decades go by, they become elevated into the purview of the global consciousness.
Each year CAENLUCIER visits New York to revel in the pulse of America’s most dynamic metropolis and explore new corners of the city. The contradictory magnetism of hard charging elegance, overcrowded tranquility, and a fixed grid in flux is a siren’s call for us. As aficionados of good living, we hope these architectural and design highlights inspire you to follow in our footsteps during your next visit to the Big Apple. t
Top: Detail of an Upper East Side institution. The Guggenhime Museum opened in 1959 just six months after the death of its creator, Frank Llyod Wright.
Below: Little Island is an award winning public park, located in Hudson River Park.
Right: The Grill (1959) Birthplace of the power lunch, architect Annabelle Selldorf beautifully restored the walnut encased interiors originally designed by Phillip Johnson. The 2017 rebirth of modernist glamour for the 21st century delivered all the components necessary to reinstate this restaurant’s marquee position: waiters in custom Tom Ford suits, trolleys for tableside flambee deserts, and a showstopper vichyssoise with a hearty dollop of caviar. The buzz is back and memories are being created again at one of New York’s most exciting “big night out” reservations.
“Over centuries, developers, corporations, and private individuals have inspired architects to audaciously make their New York mark, and they have.”
Left: Hearst Tower (2003) Designed by Joseph Urban and George B. Post in 1928, the original six-story Hearst Magazine Building was developed as the base for a larger tower that was postponed due to the Great Depression. The NYC Landmark Preservation Commission designated the façade of the original building as a city landmark. The unrealized tower was finally completed in 2006 under the design direction of Norman Foster + Partners.
Below: The Glass House (2002) The Glass House was designed by architect Phillip Johnson as his own residence in 1948-49. It has been universally viewed as a structure derived from Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House (1945-51). Set in the rolling hills of New Canaan, Connecticut, Johnson’s signature work is a sublime example of minimal structure, proportion, and the effects of transparency and reflection. The use of industrial materials in home design, such as glass and steel, was groundbreaking at the time. Visiting this home is a must!
OFF MARKET OPPORTUNITY
2000 Washington Street
Full-Floor Panoramic Bay View Residence
This triple-mint apartment will exceed the expectations of even the most discriminating residential property connoisseurs.
Apartment No. 3 at 2000 Washington Street is the most spectacular fullfloor residence currently available in Pacific Heights. The spare-no-expense renovation was completed in 2017 under the direction of Skurman Architects. Repositioned for a modern lifestyle, this apartment has a unique indoor/ outdoor, open floorplan that capitalizes on the highly desired panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay.
The apartment is powered by a multi-screened Crestron home system that avails all lifestyle elements to the touch. All three bedrooms and the media/ office room have air conditioning. The highest level of custom materials and finish carpentry was employed master builder Charles McKee. Particular attention was paid to acoustical soundproofing making the apartment a sonic oasis floating above the hustle of city living. High level building security is provided by a recently updated system by BlackLab Global Security and daily doorman service. Three car parking, two secure storage rooms, and direct elevator service complete this offering. Inquiries welcomed. t
Offered at $18,000,000
Instead of a race to the bottom
by CAENLUCIER
how about one to the top?
In a world where many know the cost of everything and the value of nothing, the recent headlines surrounding the National Association of Realtors settlement have activated the consciousness of owners and buyers in America’s residential property market. While there is no consensus on how new laws and brokerage policies will ultimately reshape the allocation of transactions costs, we do believe that buyers and sellers will ultimately benefit from better articulated value propositions when selecting broker representation, if… they resist the siren call of discount brokers race to the bottom.
Even in heavily commoditized industries, studies show that 83% of customers will pay a higher price for greater value. In the competitive landscape of the San Francisco residential market, agents will have to redouble their effort and hone their unique value proposition when pursuing relationships with prospective clients. We say bravo! Let the cream rise to the top for the benefit of top professionals and their clientele. In a recent Pacific Heights engagement, CAENLUCIER delivered value on a $250,000 pre-sale renovation to skillfully capture $1,000,000 of elevated market value for our sellers. These clients had confidence in the financial benefits they would enjoy from our measurable track record and intimate knowledge of luxury consumer purchasing habits.
The more challenging aspect of the N.A.R. settlement will be the potential evaporation of buyer’s enjoyment of “free” professional representation in a transaction. Traditionally, sellers have compensated the buyer’s agent in a prenegotiated fee offered on the MLS. This paradigm shift of buyers compensating their agents will incite growing pains in the client/agent relationship, but ultimately will put into sharp relief the skill, and market value, of the top 10% of residential professionals. We will likely see a Darwinian moment ahead of an extinction event for the lower half of the class who will instinctively cut fees at the expense of developing and implementing unique value-add propositions. Stay tuned… t
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT US
To change your home is a periodic need necessary for inner growth, a need to create a new space to stimulate a new viewpoint and become new again in a different adventure. At CAENLUCIER, we are passionate partners on your journey in San Francisco’s inspiring marketplace. Our recognized expertise in fine architectural and historic homes in the city’s prime markets delivers peace of mind that your next move will be your best move.
A partnership with CAENLUCIER gets you inside the market, not just in the market.
caenlucier.com
Stacey Caen and Joseph Lucier