37.7975, −122.4064 A locator map appears here once a Mapbox token is configured.

253 Columbus Avenue

Chinatown · San Francisco, CA 94133

  • Built 1913
  • Store building
  • 2 stories
  • Zoned BDWY
  • District 3
  • Historic status: historic resource
37.7975, −122.4064 Street View appears here once a Google Maps embed key is configured.
2,163 sq ftBuilding area
1,093 sq ftLot area
8Rooms · 4 baths
  1. 1919

    Built as a bookstore for A. Cavalli to the design of Italo Zanolini; long occupied by the Vesuvio Cafe.

    North Beach Historic Context Statement, adopted 2022
  2. 1968

    Listed in the 1968 citywide survey of San Francisco's architectural heritage as Vesuvio Cafe.

    North Beach Historic Context Statement, adopted 2022
  3. 1982

    Recorded in the city's 1982 survey of North Beach, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 1999, as an individually listed resource.

    North Beach Historic Context Statement, adopted 2022
  4. Oct 1987

    Reinforcement of brick parapets with steel bracing.

    Complete Permit 8714898 $$$ $5,000
  5. Nov 1989

    Ewo--ns.

    Complete Permit 8921385 $$$ $1,400
  6. Jun 1997

    Seismic upgrade/install 2 moment frames footings & grade bem.

    Complete Permit 9711374 $$$ $60,000
  7. Sep 2010

    Demolition of existing non-structural walls, re-configuration of existing kitchen, new outlets, new lighting for personal event/demonstration kitchen.

    Complete Permit 201009140833 $$$ $40,000
  8. 2019

    Identified by the 2019 updated North Beach survey as appearing eligible for local landmark or California Register / National Register status — recorded as venues in the city's LGBTQ and Beat history, Vesuvio's Cafe.

    North Beach Historic Context Statement, adopted 2022

3 nominal $1 street-space or sidewalk permits are omitted from the timeline.

The city's survey dates the Cavalli bookstore to 1918 in its architect appendix, the building to 1919 in its figure caption, and to “1913 & 1919” in its theme chapter. Not yet documented: the architect and builder and the early tenants. Submit an update