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San Francisco, California / History

William Westerfeld House

A stunning Stick-style Victorian mansion on the corner of Fulton and Scott Streets, built in 1889 for a German-born candy baron.

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William Westerfeld House
The original uploader was Sam at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0

What is the William Westerfeld House known for?

The William Westerfeld House is an imposing Stick-style home and Stick Italian Villa featuring a tower, square bay windows, and a strong vertical line. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as San Francisco Landmark #135.

Where is the house located?

It is located at 1198 Fulton Street at Scott Street in San Francisco, across from the northwest corner of Alamo Square.

Who was William Westerfeld?

William Westerfeld was a German-born confectioner, banker, and candy baron for whom the house was built in 1889.

What are some interesting architectural details of the mansion?

Designed by architect Henry Geilfuss, the 28-room mansion originally included an adjoining rose garden and carriage house. It was constructed in 1889 at a cost of $9,985.

Has the house served other purposes over time?

Yes, in the 1930s, the building housed the Russian Club, which served the local white Russian community.

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 William Westerfeld House is an imposing Stick-style home located at 1198 Fulton Street, situated across from the northwest corner of Alamo Square. Completed in 1889, the residence was designed by German-born architect Henry Geilfuss for William Westerfeld, a German-born confectioner and banker known as a candy baron. The construction cost was $9,985, and the original design featured a 28-room mansion with an adjoining rose garden and carriage house. Architecturally, the home is described as a Stick Italian Villa with a prominent tower, square bay windows, and a strong vertical line. This wooden palazzo creates a striking visual presence on its elevated site opposite the park. Its historical significance is recognized by its listing on the National Register of Historic Places and its designation as San Francisco Landmark #135. Over the decades, the house has served various purposes. In the 1930s, it housed the Russian Club, which served a local community of white Russians. Following the death of William Westerfeld in 1895, the home was sold to John Mahony of Mahony Brothers. Later, in 1986, Jim Siegel acquired the residence and spent decades renovating it, including the restoration of the original basement ballroom. Today, the house remains a prime example of Victorian architecture in San Francisco, standing as a beautiful mansion that early critics in 1889 described as a notable new residence in a rapidly improving district.

Visitor tips

  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the adjacent Alamo Square park for the best views of the house.
  • Look for the distinctive tower and square bay windows that define the Stick Italian Villa style.
  • Since it is a private residence, please respect the property boundaries while taking photographs.

Nearby context

The William Westerfeld House stands as a cornerstone of the historic Victorian architecture around Alamo Square, providing a a contrast to the nearby Toronado bar and the park's famous Painted Ladies.

Sources

Evidence and links