What is the McCormick House known for?

The McCormick House is a celebrated High Queen Anne Victorian landmark in San Francisco's Castro District, specifically known for its distinctive gold onion dome atop the eastern tower.

It is located at 4040-4042 17th Street in the Castro District of San Francisco, California.

When was the house built and who designed it?

The house was built in 1902 and was designed by architects John T. Kidd and William J. Anderson of Kidd & Anderson.

Is it a protected landmark?

Yes, it is designated as San Francisco Landmark No. 208.

What are its architectural features?

It is a Free Classic variant of the Queen Anne Victorian style, featuring redwood siding, shingles with plaster ornament, and a prominent onion dome on the eastern tower.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

McCormick House in San Francisco

McCormick House

A stunning example of High Queen Anne architecture, the McCormick House is a designated San Francisco Landmark featuring a distinctive gold onion dome that has defined the Castro District skyline since 1902.

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What to know

The McCormick House, located at 4040-4042 17th Street, stands as one of the most significant surviving examples of High Queen Anne architecture in San Francisco. Designed by architects John T. Kidd and William J. Anderson of the firm Kidd & Anderson, the residence was completed in 1902. It is specifically recognized as a Free Classic variant of the Queen Anne style, characterized by its elaborate ornamentation and structural complexity. One of the most remarkable aspects of the property is its resilience; the house survived the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed much of the city. This survival has allowed the building to remain an essentially unaltered example of early 20th-century flats. Its exterior showcases a rich combination of redwood siding and shingles accented by detailed plaster ornament. The building's most arresting feature is the unusual onion dome that tops the eastern tower. This gold dome is visible from blocks away, making the house an instantly recognizable beacon within the neighborhood. Because of its architectural integrity and visual prominence, it has been officially designated as San Francisco Landmark No. 208. Positioned on the rise of 17th Street just above the intersection of Castro and Market, the McCormick House serves as a vital contributor to a streetscape famous worldwide. It anchors the historic character of the Castro District, bridging the gap between the city's residential Victorian past and its current status as a global cultural hub.

Visitor tips

View the house from the intersection of Castro and Market to see how it sits on the rise of 17th Street.
Look closely at the exterior to spot the redwood siding and plaster ornaments.
Visit during the golden hour for the best lighting on the gold onion dome.

Nearby context

The McCormick House is a cornerstone of the Castro District, situated near other significant community sites such as the Pink Triangle Park and Memorial and Harvey Milk Plaza.