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San Francisco, California / History

Russian Hill-Paris Block Architectural District

A unique collection of eleven dwellings on a single flat block of Green Street, showcasing a remarkable variety of architectural styles from 1859 to 1925 atop Russian Hill.

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Russian Hill-Paris Block Architectural District
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What is the Russian Hill-Paris Block Architectural District known for?

It is known for its high quality and immense architectural variety in a compact area, consisting of eleven dwellings on a single flat block of Green Street where each building represents a different architectural style, substyle, or mixture of styles.

Where is it located?

The district is located atop Russian Hill in San Francisco, centered on a flat block of Green Street at Macondray Lane.

Why is it called the 'Paris Block'?

The name may have been inspired by the Parisian elegance of the Bos Apartments at 1050 Green Street. It was likely coined by Margot Patterson Doss in a 1964 San Francisco Chronicle column, though residents may have used the term since the Bos Apartments were completed.

What architectural styles can be seen there?

The district features a wide range of styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries, including Mission Revival, Colonial Revival, and Pueblo Revival.

Are there any notable buildings in the district?

Notable buildings include the Feusier Octagonal House at 1067 Green Street, which is one of the rare octagonal houses remaining in California, and the Bos Apartments at 1050 Green Street.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

The Russian Hill-Paris Block Architectural District is a concentrated assembly of eleven single or multiple dwellings situated on a flat block of Green Street. Listed as a California Historical Resource on January 7, 1988, the district is celebrated for its high quality and immense urbane variety within a compact area. Each of the eleven buildings represents a different architectural style, substyle, or mixture of styles, including Mission Revival, Colonial Revival, and Pueblo Revival. The history of this enclave begins around 1859 with the construction of a Fowler-plan octagon house. This period marks the start of a construction timeline that extends to 1925. A defining moment for the neighborhood occurred during the 1906 earthquake and fire; while the northern side of the block was destroyed, five houses on the south side survived because residents refused evacuation orders and the hilltop development was sparse. Architecturally, the buildings are set back from the street, featuring street trees and fenced front gardens. Notable structures include the Feusier Octagonal House at 1067 Green Street, which remains one of the rare octagonal houses still standing in California. Another key landmark is the Bos Apartments at 1050 Green Street, a building of Parisian elegance that likely inspired the district's nickname. The name "Paris Block" was popularized by Margot Patterson Doss in a July 5, 1964, San Francisco Chronicle column, though residents had used the term since the Bos Apartments were completed. Today, the district remains a preserved pocket of history, containing eleven contributing buildings and only one intrusion, a detached garage.

Visitor tips

  • Walk slowly along Green Street to spot the subtle differences between the eleven distinct architectural styles.
  • Look for the Feusier Octagonal House at 1067 Green Street, a rare California architectural gem.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the district is located atop the steep terrain of Russian Hill.

Nearby context

Located atop Russian Hill, this district sits at the intersection of Green Street and Macondray Lane, serving as a quiet, historic counterpoint to the city's denser urban areas.

Sources

Evidence and links