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

District 3 · Block 0162, Lot 019 · ZIP 94133

253 Columbus Avenue

Store building

  • 2 stories
  • 2,163 ft2
  • 1,093 ft2 lot area
  • 2 residential units
  • 8 rooms
  • 4 bathrooms
  • Zoned BDWY
  • Historic resource
  • Sold July 31, 1997
37.7975, −122.4064 Street View appears here once a Google Maps embed key is configured.
  1. 1913

    Built.

  2. 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
  3. 1968

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

    North Beach Historic Context Statement, adopted 2022
  4. 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
  5. Oct 1987
    Permit 8714898 $$$ $5,000

    Reinforcement of brick parapets with steel bracing.

  6. Nov 1989
    Permit 8921385 $$$ $1,400

    Ewo--ns.

  7. Jun 1997
    Permit 9711374 $$$ $60,000

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

  8. Sep 2010
    Permit 201009140833 $$$ $40,000

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

  9. 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.

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