Zephyr Real Estate Agent Patricia Ryan Closes Iconic SF Firehouse 43

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1432656264SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Zephyr Real Estate agent, Patricia Ryan, represented buyers in the recent purchase of San Francisco’s Firehouse 43. The famed historical structure may look familiar because it was the residence of Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) in the 2001 Top Box Office film, The Princess Diaries.

Built in 1911, the Excelsior firehouse was originally designed for horse-drawn fire wagons. Traces of its colorful past can be seen in the exterior red trim and advertisements and, most significantly, two brass fire poles. The building is perched on a hilltop with expansive views of the neighborhood, and is located just a few blocks from Mission Street dining and shopping. The hose tower, a small outbuilding, provides rooftop access to further enjoy those views.

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The firehouse, in operation from 1911 until 1970, was subsequently sold at auction in 1976. Since that time, various practitioners of the arts have called it home and have utilized the generous square footage to their advantage. Having housed fire trucks as part of its original function, ample parking (for at least four) comes with the property.

Ryan described the enthusiastic new owners as avid and skillful in the field of DIY, with great plans for the space already underway. Two families purchased the property jointly and are converting the structure into two living spaces with shared outdoor space. Their plan is to preserve as much of the original structure as possible. “We plan to use the garage as a multi-functional community room with pop-up art and culinary events, children’s theater and other after-school programs,” commented one of the new owners. “The plans all depend on coordinating the permit processes, but we are eager to get them up and running.”

The owners are planning to install a wireless “node” atop the Firehouse, which would provide general wireless service to a huge portion of Excelsior due to its ideal height, and are working with MonkeyBrains.net to that end.

About Zephyr Real Estate

Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with nearly $2 billion in gross sales and a current roster of more than 300 full-time agents. Zephyr’s highly-visited website has earned two web design awards, including the prestigious Interactive Media Award. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; global luxury affiliate, Mayfair International; and local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six offices in San Francisco, two in Marin County, which include a brand new office in Greenbrae and a small store-front business center in Corte Madera, and two brokerage affiliates in Sonoma County, all strategically positioned to serve a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.ZephyrRE.com.