Leale House

The Leale House is a historic residence located at 2475 Pacific Avenue, between Fillmore Street and Steiner Street, in the Cow Hollow neighborhood of Pacific Heights, San Francisco, California in the United States.[1] As one of the oldest dwellings in the area,[2][3] the exact origin of the Captain Leale House has been a subject of debate among scholars. Originally serving as the main house for a dairy farm, it is believed to have been constructed as early as 1853.[4][5]

Leale House with "Susie's Building" in the background

History

The building was originally used as a farm house for a 25 acres (10 ha) dairy ranch.[5] Captain Leale, a ferry boat captain, purchased the house in 1883. It is unclear whether he or the previous owner was responsible, but at some point, the facade was remodeled with a false front in the popular Italianate architectural style. Adjacent to the house, Captain Leale constructed a small study in the backyard, which was furnished and designed to resemble a pilot house, reflecting his nautical background.

In the background of the Leale House stands a residential cooperative building situated at the junction of Jackson and Steiner Streets. Referred to as "Susie's Building" within progressive political circles, it has been frequented by prominent figures such as Bill and Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer, and even then-Senator Barack Obama, who visited before his presidency. Described by Sam Whiting in the San Francisco Chronicle on June 3, 2007, the elegant tower from the 1920s stands alone above Alta Plaza Park, resembling a white pencil on green paper, with a red-tile roof resembling an eraser at the top.[6] This iconic building has become synonymous with supporting Democratic candidates through financial contributions.

The Leale House and its neighboring "Susie's Building" hold historical and cultural significance within the Pacific Heights neighborhood. Both structures contribute to the architectural heritage of San Francisco and are recognized as landmarks representing different eras and styles of the city's development.

See also

References
  1. Wiley, Peter Booth (2000-09-26). National Trust Guide / San Francisco: America's Guide for Architecture and History Travelers. John Wiley & Sons. p. 276. ISBN 978-0-471-19120-9.
  2. Insight Guides City Guide San Francisco (Travel Guide eBook). Insight Guides. Apa Publications (UK) Limited. 2017-02-01. p. 261. ISBN 978-1-78671-684-2.
  3. McGrew, Patrick (1991). Landmarks of San Francisco. H.N. Abrams. p. 78. ISBN 978-0-8109-3557-0.
  4. "San Francisco Landmark #45: Leale House". noehill.com.
  5. Olmsted, Roger R.; Watkins, Tom H. (1968). Here Today: San Francisco's Architectural Heritage. Chronicle Books. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-87701-125-5.
  6. Whiting, S. (2007, June 3). Whiting's World: Alta Plaza Park still a mountaintop experience. San Francisco Chronicle.

37°47′35″N 122°26′09″W

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